City of Boise, ID
11/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 16:26
Signup to Help Test the Boise Fire Wildfire Mitigation App
Signup to Help Test the Boise Fire Wildfire Mitigation App
November 4, 2024
The residents of Boise, particularly those in the wildland-urban interface live in a fire-prone ecosystem. It's crucial for these communities to adapt to the increasing threat of wildfires by creating a plan to reduce risks. While we can't eliminate the danger entirely, studies and real-world experiences indicate that both your home and its surrounding landscape are crucial for surviving a wildfire.
To help our community reduce risks, Boise Fire, Janus Research Group, the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA), Team DSGN, and the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation worked together to create an augmented reality app that uses AI to provide recommendations to help homeowners create wildfire resistant homes.
"Creating a survivable space is an essential wildfire mitigation tool that creates a buffer between your property and the vegetation that surrounds it. These mitigation efforts not only help to slow the spread of wildfires, but also protect the firefighters defending your home," said Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer. "A fire cannot spread without a fuel source. This app aims to assist homeowners in eliminating those fuel sources around their homes and educating them about proper landscaping and fire-resistant plants and materials."
In the app, homeowners can capture photos or videos of their house and property, and it will offer tailored recommendations and best practices for minimizing ignition risks. It also features interactive instructions, training videos, and web resources to help homeowners identify wildfire hazards and select the most effective mitigation strategies.
The app is currently in its Beta phase and is ready to be tested by real users before it is launched. Boise Fire is inviting residents to sign up for the trial phase, so this working group can determine the accuracy and value of the app. For all residents in the Boise Fire response area who participate in the study, Boise Fire will provide follow-up in-person home assessments to compare the assessments completed in the app with those conducted by our Wildfire Captain. This will confirm accuracy before the app is launched.
"We are dedicated to ensuring that communities in Ada County's WUI, and beyond, remain safe places to live," said Niemeyer. "Our goal is to make this app a valuable resource for residents to help reduce wildfire risks in our community. To achieve this, we need your assistance - please sign up and help test the app."
You can sign up for the Beta phase of the app until November 30, 2024 here: https://bit.ly/arsur .
Contact: Boise Fire/BPD Media Relations
(208) 570-6780 | [email protected]
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