Frequently Asked Questions

ALERTCalifornia’s camera network is monitored by trained fire professionals at regional command and control centers across the state. Most fires within view of the cameras have already been reported, and some may be prescribed burns. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most fires that are centered in the field of view and zoomed into are already confirmed.
• A fire start that is not zoomed into and/or centered in the frame has a good chance of being a new start.
• Check the time lapse feature. If you see the camera move to and zoom toward the fire, you know fire authorities are watching.

Yes, you can download the PDF camera website user guide here. 

A camera displays as offline or unavailable if it has not received a new image recently. This could be caused by many things, from a temporary delay in the feed, to operating in “winter mode,” or a camera may need maintenance. Our team is aware of all offline camera feeds and are actively working on them. Please do not email to let us know a camera is offline. 

During winter weather some cameras go into “winter mode” to save power. These cameras are not recording, but do have internal heaters to keep the electronics from completely freezing during cold winter weather. They will resume normal operations when the weather is warm enough. 

Yes, with credit. Our live feeds are open source and recordings and screen grabs are available to the public for non-commercial use with credit. Please reference our how to credit ALERTCalifornia guide here.

ALERTCalifornia is based at the University of California San Diego. The installation team, network managers, and research team are based at UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, Qualcomm Institute, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We also work with industry and university partners throughout California.

First responder log-ins are reserved for emergency managers who have gone through training with ALERTCalifornia. The general public is not eligible for log-ins. 

No, cameras are moved by trained first responders and emergency managers. The cameras periodically sweep their viewshed and may be strategically aimed to watch target areas. If you are unhappy with the camera direction, simply wait and it may be moved.

Please email ALERTCalifornianews@ucsd.edu with the below information:

• Your full name
• Phone number 
• Location of the proposed site, please provide address or latitude and longitude if possible
• Is there power already available at this location? 
• More information about why you are proposing this location

Camera sites are selected and prioritized according to a variety of factors including funding, tower availability, site access, and viewshed coverage. Our teams are working with local, regional, state and federal government agencies to strategically install new cameras year round. To see the map of current camera locations, visit our camera page.

No, this is not an option.

Would you like to become an ALERTCalifornia partner? Learn more about the types of organizations we work with on our partners page. Please email alertcalifornianews@ucsd.edu with:

• Your name 
• Phone number
• Organization name
• Organization website
• A few details about why you are interested in this partnership