California’s AI Wildfire Bot Talks in 70 Languages

AI Meets Emergency Preparedness

California has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to provide residents with vital wildfire information and emergency resources in real time. Accessible online, the multilingual tool delivers guidance on evacuation routes, shelter locations, air quality updates, and more, all tailored to residents’ zip codes. The chatbot, part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s broader strategy for climate resilience, is capable of communicating in over 70 languages—an important feature for a state with vast linguistic diversity. Powered by generative AI, the chatbot not only answers user questions but also helps government agencies reach underserved communities that may otherwise struggle to access timely, critical data during wildfire seasons.

Expanding Equity in Climate Response

The tool’s launch underscores California’s drive to make emergency communication more equitable amid growing climate threats. With more than 40% of Californians speaking a language other than English at home, ensuring that life-saving information is accessible to all has become a policy priority. The state collaborated with AI experts and community organizations to ensure that the chatbot’s responses are both accurate and culturally sensitive. Officials say the tool will be continuously updated to respond to evolving emergency needs and public feedback, bringing AI into the frontlines of disaster response with a human-centered approach.