SALEM, Ore. - In a significant development for forest fire management, new technologies are playing a crucial role in reducing the impact of wildfires in Oregon.

The state has implemented 24/7 surveillance cameras and deployed multiple aircraft to assist firefighters on the ground. In 2023, Oregon experienced a record-breaking 1,731 fires, primarily in the western region. To address this, the state installed advanced cameras to detect and respond to fires more quickly.

"We've made some improvements to our dispatch center here recently," said John Deegan, Protection Unit Forester for Western Lane District of Oregon Department of Forestry. "We do have some cameras that provide detection for us out in the woods. Although human eyes are also a very good benefit, that's what we relied on fo

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