ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque has installed new state-of-the-art sensors to help detect wildfires. The base installed 14 sensors covering more than 1,000 acres on Oct. 23, and they now have the ability to detect fires at the first spark. This in turn will help prevent large-scale wildfires, which are difficult to control and can cause devastating loss of life, property, and natural resources. Air Tanker Base for wildfire suppression revamped at Kirtland Air Force Base "The community of ABQ and on Kirtland are our number one priority,” Jaime Jimenez, Kirtland Air Force Base Installation fire chief, said in a news release. “Early detection means our firefighters and other supporting mission partners can come out here quicker to extinguish the fire.” According to Kirtland Air Force Base, these sensors are unique because they have a specific combination of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to detect wildfires in real-time, as well as the scale and sensitivity of the system. The base said current detection systems rely heavily on high-definition cameras, satellites, and drones. The sensors also have the ability to operate and send data in areas with limited connectivity. During a large-scale test during a prescribed burn in Red Bluff, California, the sensors demonstrated their ability to detect fires at ignition and at distances of up to five miles. To learn more about the sensors, click here.