Google has announced the expansion of its Wildfire Boundary Tracker to Kenya and 16 other countries.
This AI-powered tool, designed to provide real-time information about wildfire boundaries, leverages satellite imagery and advanced technology to help communities better prepare for and respond to these natural disasters.
What is the Google Wildfire Boundary Tracker?
The Google Wildfire Boundary Tracker is an innovative tool that utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze satellite imagery and other data sources.
It provides accurate and up-to-date information on wildfire boundaries, which is then made available directly through Google Search and Maps.
This real-time tracking and mapping of wildfire spread offers a crucial resource for at-risk communities and emergency responders.
The Impact of Wildfires in Kenya
Kenya, like many countries, has been grappling with the increasing threat of wildfires. Data from Global Forest Watch reveals that between 2001 and 2023, Kenya lost 2.32 kha of tree cover due to wildfires. While not the primary cause of deforestation, wildfires rank among the major contributors, especially during frequent drought periods.
In 2024 alone, Kenya has reported 341 VIIRS fire alerts, considering only high-confidence alerts. This number is consistent with previous years’ data, dating back to 2012. The most severe year on record was 2012, with 2,652 fire alerts.
A report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) paints a concerning picture for the future. It projects that wildfires will become more frequent, intense, and enduring as global temperatures continue to rise due to human combustion of fossil fuels. In Kenya specifically, fires have contributed to 0.60 percent of tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023.
Google’s Commitment to Disaster Response
Yossi Matias, Vice President and Head of Google Research, emphasized the company’s dedication to using technology for the protection of humanity during natural disasters.
“By expanding our wildfire boundary tracker, we hope to empower communities with the information they need to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Matias stated.
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The Google Wildfire Boundary Tracker goes beyond simple mapping. It sends informative alerts to people in affected areas, offering essential safety tips and guidance.
To ensure accessibility for diverse populations, the tool supports multiple languages. It’s designed to complement existing emergency response efforts, providing an additional layer of protection for at-risk communities.
How to Access the Google Wildfire Boundary Tracker
Users can access this valuable tool through both Google Maps and Google Search. Here’s how:
Through Google Maps:
- Open Google Maps: On your desktop or mobile device, open the Google Maps app or go to maps.google.com.
- Search for Wildfires: In the search bar, type “wildfires” or the name of a specific wildfire (if known). Google Maps will display the current wildfire boundaries and provide relevant information.
- Browse the Map: You can zoom in and out, as well as pan around the map to see different areas and their wildfire statuses.
Through Google Search:
- Perform a Search: Open your web browser and go to the Google search page. Type keywords such as “wildfire near me,” “current wildfires,” or the name of a specific wildfire.
- View Results: Google will display a map with wildfire boundaries along with links to detailed information.
Additional Features:
- Google Public Alerts: Google may also provide public alerts about wildfires through its Public Alerts service. These can appear on Google Search, Google Maps, and in Google Now (on Android devices).
- Google Crisis Map: During large-scale wildfire events, Google may activate its Crisis Map, which consolidates data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the situation.
These tools are designed to be user-friendly, providing vital information to help keep you and your community safe during wildfire events.
Global Expansion of the Wildfire Boundary Tracker
In addition to Kenya, the expansion of the Google Wildfire Boundary Tracker will benefit 16 other countries. These include Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Rwanda, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey.
This global expansion represents a significant step forward in the use of technology to combat natural disasters. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide, tools like the Google Wildfire Boundary Tracker will play an increasingly crucial role in protecting communities and saving lives.
