Newly installed technology to assist Anchorage Fire Department

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – An Alaska fire department has announced new technology has been installed to help monitor wildfires.

The Alaska Energy Desk reported Friday that forester John See oversaw the installation of the fire-monitoring device on a Stuckagain Heights home east of Anchorage.

See says the device is meant to help the Anchorage Fire Department respond to fires faster by providing a more precise location.

Fire officials say the device is a thermography camera that is designed to locate and analyze the telltale signs of a wildfire.

Officials say the security-like camera is one of two now installed. The other is at the fire department.

Officials say the system is scheduled to be tested this fall.

Wildfires north and south of Anchorage have recently burned dozens of square miles and over 50 homes.