TOPSHOT - An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina during massive wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
CNN  — 

Fire detection sensors are being placed around Maui and other Hawaiian islands to respond more quickly when wildfires break out, Gov. Josh Green announced Friday.

Lydia Coloma died in August 2023 when the wildfires tore through Maui.
Lydia Coloma died in August 2023 when the wildfires tore through Maui.
Maui Police Department

Related article Hawaii officials identify 70-year-old mother as the last of the 100 known victims of the Lahaina wildfire

At a news conference, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said, “The introduction of an early detection system will give our first responders a critical advantage in protecting our community. With this new technology, detecting fires at the very early phases will save lives.”

About 80 wildfire sensors are being strategically placed around the state with the first 20 sensors on Maui expected to be active by April 8, according to US Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell.

The sensors can detect heat and rely on artificial intelligence and smart learning to distinguish anomalies like smoke particles and gases produced by fires from different elements regularly found in the air around Hawaii, including volcanic ash and salt from ocean, explained DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology, Dimitri Kusnezov.

“We barbecue a lot here, so he’s adjusted the technology to be just right,” quipped Green, prompting chuckles from those in attendance.

Officials attend a press conference on March 8, 2024, in Kilhei, Hawaii, announcing wildfire and wind sensors will be deployed statewide.
Officials attend a press conference on March 8, 2024, in Kilhei, Hawaii, announcing wildfire and wind sensors will be deployed statewide.
KGMB/KHNL

The sensors are placed in “strings” which facilitate them “talking to each other,” according to Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura. The first two strings will be placed in Haleakala and Lahaina.

Each sensor has a photovoltaic battery to automatically recharge and relies on cellular data to send a text message to fire officials when an issue arises.

The cost averages about $10 per acre and the initial influx of sensors is being paid for by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology, and the US Fire Administration, with no cost to the state, Moore-Merrell said.

The wildfire sensors are not the only change being implemented following the fatal fire that swept through Lahaina in August, killing 101 people. Emergency access roads are being added to the area as another safety measure, as the state works to rebuild Lahaina, according to Green. Additional evacuation routes are not just limited to Maui but are also being implemented on Oahu.