California’s latest attempt to modernize government services just hit a major snag, and it’s not the kind of hot take we were expecting. 🔥

Governor Gavin Newsom’s shiny new AI chatbot for Cal Fire is turning out to be about as useful as a water pistol during a forest fire. The bot, designed to provide critical wildfire information, is struggling to answer basic questions that could potentially save lives.

Not Ready for Prime Time

The AI tool, which supposedly offers support in 70 languages, can’t consistently provide essential information like evacuation supply lists or current fire containment status. When asked about emergency preparedness, the chatbot gives inconsistent responses that would make a Magic 8 Ball look reliable.

Tech Experts Sound the Alarm

Stanford researcher Daniel Ho isn’t mincing words, emphasizing that AI system evaluation “is not an afterthought”. Translation: This chatbot needs serious work before it can be trusted with life-or-death information.

The Future Looks Smoky

While Cal Fire claims they’re working on improvements, the current version raises serious questions about the state’s AI implementation strategy. As Newsom continues to push AI solutions across various government sectors, this wildfire chatbot serves as a cautionary tale about rushing technology without proper testing.

Bottom line: Until this bot gets its act together, Californians might want to stick with traditional emergency information sources. Stay safe, stay informed, and maybe don’t rely on AI during fire season. 🚒