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La Habra Heights council debates FireScore AI subscription, authorizes up to $1,000 for satellite imagery
Summary
Council members raised contract, data-access and termination concerns about a proposed five-year FireScore AI subscription to guide brush-clearance inspections. After extensive questions and a requested demonstration, the council authorized up to $1,000 to purchase satellite imagery for further evaluation.
La Habra Heights — Council members spent more than an hour debating whether to contract with FireScore AI, a firm that uses satellite and drone data to map vegetation risk, before approving a limited payment to allow further review.
City staff presented a proposed five-year subscription for a wildfire risk mapping service that, as described to the council, would cost $300 per month for satellite data plus about $20 per parcel for detailed 3D modeling of selected lots. Staff estimated 500 high‑risk parcels would require 3D work, producing an illustrative annual total of about $13,600 for the program.
Fire Chief Martin and staff said the technology can quickly identify areas of dry fuels and moisture deficits across many parcels and help inspectors prioritize field visits. “It eliminates the need for 100 inspectors to go out there,” Fire Chief Martin said, arguing the models reveal subsurface fuel layers and moisture conditions that are not visible from the roadway.
Several council members and a community correspondent who wrote earlier raised specific concerns about the draft contract. Stephen Blagdon’s emailed comments, summarized by a council member, said the agreement’s language could limit the city’s ability to show maps or derived images at public meetings or on the city website, and that certain technical terms (for example, “super resolution”) should be specified as a measurable resolution (for example, 1‑meter) in the statement of work.
City Attorney noted the city should preserve the right to use imagery and derivative maps for code‑enforcement and public information; he recommended contract edits to make those rights explicit and to address payment and termination language.
Council members asked for a demonstration and a chance to compare technology output with on‑the‑ground conditions. “I want to see for myself,” Council Member Norm said, requesting a field comparison to confirm what the models show.
A motion to approve the five‑year agreement subject to counsel’s changes and an out clause for Chief Martin’s approval failed on a 2‑3 vote. Council then approved a separate motion authorizing the city manager to expend up to $1,000 to purchase satellite data or related imagery so staff and council can evaluate FireScore AI’s output ahead of the next meeting. The motion passed with councilmembers voting in favor and no recorded no votes.
City Manager Rafferty said staff will arrange a demonstration for council members—potentially focusing on Powder Canyon and other identified high‑risk areas—and work with the company and counsel to clarify contract language. If staff determines the satellite subscription is required to produce demonstrative 3D models, they will return with revised contract language and cost details.
Next steps: staff will coordinate a demonstration with FireScore AI, pursue the modest imagery purchase authorized by the council and return with a revised contract for further action.
