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Cowlitz County considers Pano AI cameras to detect landfill fires; vendor proposal about $40,000 annually
Summary
Public Works proposed installing Pano AI cameras with thermal sensors to improve early detection of fires at the county landfill and surrounding areas; staff said the system would be monitored by AI with human review and would cost about $40,000 per year under the vendor's current proposal.
Public Works presented a proposal to add a Pano AI camera system and additional on‑site thermal cameras at the county landfill to improve early detection of fires on-site and across nearby lands.
Staff said the Pano AI system uses multiple cameras mounted on a tower to detect particulate signatures in the air and can provide latitude/longitude coordinates for detected smoke or fire. The system would run AI detection first; human operators would review alerts and then contact 911 or the fire department as appropriate. Where camera coverage overlaps, staff said the system provides specific coordinates; when coverage is single-camera only, location accuracy is a few hundred yards.
Public Works reported an annual contract proposal of about $40,000 per year for five years for the Pano AI service. Staff argued the cost should be weighed against the expense of responding to and repairing landfill fires: a prior tarp replacement after a fire cost roughly $80,000. The county would pay the contract from landfill operations; staff also said the system would have cellular and internet redundancy.
Staff noted many landfill fires originate from improperly discarded batteries and other flammable materials; commissioners and staff discussed that early detection could reduce damage and replacement costs. Public Works said it will continue to pursue on-site thermal-imagery cameras in addition to the Pano AI system and will return with further details and cost options.
Ending: Board members expressed support for further work on early detection technology; staff will return with more detailed procurement options and the thermal-camera proposal.
