Faster AI bushfire alerts set to strengthen emergency response

The Malinauskas Labor Government is investing $550,000 in new AI technology designed to deliver faster and clearer bushfire warnings to South Australian communities.

The Rapid Warning Message Project will use artificial intelligence to generate critical emergency warnings within seconds, replacing parts of the current manual process that can take valuable minutes during fast-moving bushfire incidents.

Under the trial, AI-generated warnings will continue to be reviewed and approved by authorised and experienced staff before being released to the public and media.

At present, emergency warnings are prepared entirely by staff, requiring manual drafting, interpretation and cross-checking of fire modelling data. During rapidly evolving bushfires, this process can delay the release of public alerts while fires continue to spread.

The new technology is expected to significantly reduce the time between identifying a threat and issuing a warning, while also improving the clarity and consistency of messaging.

The project is also designed to reduce pressure on emergency personnel during high-intensity incidents and lower the risk of errors in warning messages.

Funding for the initiative comes through the State Government's $28 million AI Proof of Value program, which supports trials of high-impact artificial intelligence applications across government services.

Work on the Rapid Warning Message Project will begin this month, with the technology to be trialled and assessed by the Country Fire Service over the next 12 months.

Chris Picton said the technology had the potential to save lives by reducing delays and improving the accuracy of emergency warnings.

"This is a practical example of how AI can support both the community and emergency service workers during dangerous bushfire events," he said.

Rhiannon Pearce said the initiative would help ensure South Australians receive critical information faster when every second matters.

"This project is about giving communities earlier warnings, clearer advice and more time to act to protect themselves and their families," she said.

SA Country Fire Service Executive Director Statewide Operations Brenton Hastie said the CFS was continually exploring new technology to improve emergency response capabilities.

"We are proud to be the first South Australian emergency service to investigate how AI can help deliver critical public information and enhance the way fires are managed and reported," he said.