AI Helps Detect a Third of Forest Fires in Russia’s Moscow Region
Artificial intelligence is taking on a frontline role in wildfire detection near Moscow, helping reduce emergency response times and protect millions of acres of forest.
In Russia’s Moscow Region, smart surveillance cameras equipped with artificial intelligence have detected 39 forest fires since the beginning of 2025—accounting for nearly one-third of all documented wildfires this year. The figures were released by the regional governor’s office and highlight the impact of digital technology on environmental protection efforts under the national Data Economy initiative.
The use of AI has significantly sped up threat detection and response, cutting the average time required to identify and contain a fire by 40 minutes. Governor Andrei Vorobyov emphasized the scale of the challenge, noting that forests cover nearly half the region—roughly 2 million hectares.
He said,
The region’s forest monitoring infrastructure operates across four levels: ground patrols, video surveillance, aerial reconnaissance, and satellite imaging. AI-powered cameras, mounted on cell towers, are a cornerstone of the system. These devices not only detect smoke but instantly pinpoint fire coordinates and transmit alerts to dispatchers.
Currently, 134 smart cameras with 360-degree views are in operation, providing near-complete coverage of the region’s wooded areas. Officials plan to install five more in high-risk zones to further strengthen early warning capabilities.
