Xcel Energy brings AI-driven wildfire detection to Minnesota

Xcel Energy is bringing the first artificial intelligence-driven wildfire detection cameras to Minnesota, providing quick notifications to first responders of grass and forest fires and helping protect communities, natural resources and power infrastructure.

The company announced today that Pano AI wildfire detection cameras were recently installed in Mankato and Clear Lake, marking the first two of 38 camera systems planned for areas of higher wildfire risk near the company’s power lines. Pano AI cameras provide 24/7 monitoring that complements Xcel Energy’s existing wildfire mitigation strategies to ensure the grid continues to provide safe and reliable service to homes and businesses.

“Wildfires pose an increasing threat to our communities, our natural resources and, of course, our electric infrastructure,” said Ryan Long, EVP, chief legal and compliance officer and president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota. “Introducing this technology allows us to stay ahead of the risk and limit damage from wildfires while keeping the grid safe and reliable.”

Pano AI’s technology combines high-definition cameras, artificial intelligence-driven smoke detection and satellite data integration to continuously scan for smoke. Each camera station — which is attached to a tall, existing structure, such as a cell phone tower — will perform a 360-degree sweep of its surroundings every minute. When a potential fire is detected, human analysts at Pano verify it, and then the system triangulates its location and notifies local fire agencies and dispatch centers.

“As changing weather conditions create new wildfire risks beyond the West, Xcel Energy is leading the way by putting advanced detection at the center of its wildfire mitigation strategy,” said Arvind Satyam, cofounder and chief commercial officer of Pano AI. “Their decision to deploy Pano’s AI-powered cameras in Minnesota sets the standard for how utilities can strengthen grid resilience while helping to protect people, communities and critical infrastructure.”

Over 1,200 wildfires in Minnesota have been recorded so far this year, impacting nearly 49,000 acres, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Fire departments will have access to the Pano system’s real-time intelligence of the surrounding terrain, including areas that may be hard to monitor using traditional methods, to support a more coordinated response to wildfire threats and shorten response times. In addition to curtailing the spread of the fire, early detection can also improve safety for first responders and reduce the overall cost of fighting fires.

While the Pano AI cameras are new to Minnesota, Xcel Energy already uses them in regions of Colorado and Texas. In June 2024, the cameras detected smoke in Douglas County, Colorado, following a lightning strike. The system quickly identified the presence of a wildfire and alerted firefighters, who responded quickly and contained the fire to just three acres.

Xcel Energy’s broader Minnesota Wildfire Mitigation Program draws in industry experience, evolving risk assessment tools and advanced technologies to help reduce wildfire risk. Through the program, the company has reduced fire risks from damaged power lines by investing in new, modern electrical equipment and increasing the scope and frequency of tree trimming and other vegetation management activities. The company has increased its inspections and replacement of power lines and equipment and will collaborate with communities, local organizations and agencies to develop coordinated prevention, mitigation and response plans.

Learn more about Xcel Energy’s wildfire mitigation efforts in Minnesota.