Can Wildfires Be Fought with AI Tools? Anchoring Phenomenon for Justice Oriented Earth Science Teaching

Wildfires, once primarily natural phenomena, have intensified in frequency and destructiveness due to a myriad of influences including human activities, climate change, and changes in land use and management practices. The traditional prediction and fire control methods are becoming less effective, ushering in the need for innovative solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can process vast amounts of data from satellite imagery, weather stations, on-ground sensors, and archival databases. This information can be used by AI to produce predictive models identifying where and under what conditions wildfire is most likely. AI can also analyze data of natural phenomena, such as lightning strikes or wind patterns, in nearly real-time, which can be used to predict the potential impact of wildfire as it burns, providing firefighters an advantage in preventative and reactive actions against the wildfire. AI can offer predictive insights assisting in preemptive evacuations and resource allocation mitigating potential damage to life.