Arvada staff outline wildfire camera-and-sensor plan for western neighborhoods
The proposed network would use elevated cameras and ground sensors to detect fires, with staff targeting alerts within about 15 minutes of a fire’s start.
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Arvada staff and Arvada Fire outlined a proposed camera-and-sensor network for high-risk areas of western Arvada, with a goal of detecting wildfires within about 15 minutes of starting. Staff described that as a target, not a guaranteed response time or proven system capability.
At an Arvada City Council workshop on Oct. 27, staff described elevated cameras and ground-level chemical sensors, which could be placed about four to six feet high along fence lines and rights of way. The proposed network would create a protective ring to detect fires starting in different locations and at different elevations. Staff did not identify specific sites.
Staff said alerts would go to Arvada emergency management and Arvada Fire to help warn residents and direct response resources. The system is intended to detect smoke and fire earlier than relying on a 911 call, they said.
Staff said the camera software would be configured to detect smoke and fire, without facial recognition, license-plate recognition, biometric identification or tracking. They said vendors provided those assurances in writing. Staff also said the chemical sensors have no cameras or microphones and cannot record images, video or conversations. Camera views would be reviewed for privacy-sensitive areas, such as buildings, and pixelated before images are transmitted. The city would review the recommendations and revisit camera views over time, staff said.
Staff reported holding a community meeting Oct. 8 and planning another for Nov. 9. The council took no action at the workshop. Staff did not provide a project cost or installation schedule.