HUGO, Minn. — Xcel Energy has announced plans to install 38 cameras that will help detect wildfires across Minnesota.

Right now, the utility company has installed two cameras, one in Clear Lake and the other in Mankato, with plans to install the remaining 36 cameras by the end of 2026.

The cameras are operated and installed by Pano AI, which is already operating cameras in 14 other states, as well as Australia and Canada.

The cameras use artificial intelligence and ultra-high definition video to scan for smoke and heat signatures, and they can detect these abnormalities up to 10 miles away.

Human analysts monitor the cameras, and they notify fire officials once a smoke detection has been verified.

Mahtomedi Fire Chief Joel Schmidt says his community will soon be patrolled by three fir

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