Firies get AI boost ahead of summer bushfire season

Key points

• Victoria will expand its AI-powered bushfire camera network from seven to 11 cameras by 2027, with $3.8 million in funding.
• The cameras, which detected 40 fires in 2023/24 and 46 in 2024/25, provide 24-hour monitoring and early alerts.
• Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke says the expansion will help firefighters respond faster to bushfires, with high risks forecast due to El Niño and dry conditions.