Detection and prevention of fires
Detection and prevention technologies are used to determine the risk of fire and identify the outbreak of fire as early as possible. They are also used in the prevention or early mitigation of deflagration.
When it comes to risk management, early warning systems play a vital role. As a result, there is growing interest in researching and developing equipment and software that provides alerts.
Ten technological fields for the detection and prevention of fires are highlighted below. These technologies draw on advances in areas such as information and communication technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Patent documents can be retrieved accordingly.
AI and machine learning
AI and machine learning allow for the analysis and processing of large amounts of data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, weather forecasts and sensors. This data can be used to predict the likelihood and detect early warning signs of fire as well as identify potential hazards and monitor the spread of fire.
Risk analysis
Data analysis and processing are vital to fire management, as well as predicting the likelihood of forest fires. Analysing data from various sources such as satellite imagery, weather forecasts and sensors makes it possible to identify potential fire hazards and the likelihood of fire occurring in a specific area. Risk analysis can also be applied to ongoing fires, for example, when it comes to predicting whether nearby residential areas, electrical power facilities or other infrastructure may be in danger.
Cameras and other imaging means
Cameras, including infrared cameras, and other imaging means are used for the early detection of forest fires. These devices are equipped with sensors to detect the presence of fire, even before it becomes visible to the human eye.
Temperature and humidity sensors
Sensor technologies enable the early detection of fire. Sensors can be used to detect various aspects of a fire, including the presence of smoke, heat and flames. For this purpose, temperature and humidity sensors can be connected to a monitoring system which alerts authorities accordingly, potentially even before the fire becomes visible to the human eye. Every second can make a difference.
Stationary prevention platforms
Stationary prevention platforms provide structures or barriers that prevent the spread of forest fires. They can include firebreaks, which are areas of land that have been cleared, as well as fire walls, which are physical barriers such as walls or trenches and fire-retardant barriers treated with fire-retardant chemicals.
Stationary monitoring platforms
Stationary monitoring platforms are associated with permanent non-aerial monitoring of areas to detect fires. These would typically be placed in very high-risk areas to provide early warning.
Aerial technologies
Aerial technologies help detect and prevent fires by gathering and transmitting information. Aircraft and drones can be equipped with sensors and cameras to collect data on fires.
Significant advances in fire surveillance have been achieved using drones to monitor a fire and related factors in real-time, including rate of spread, temperature, wind speed and humidity. Using drones can speed up decision-making to help ensure that appropriate resources are delivered to critical areas. Furthermore, drones can be used to locate fire hotspots without the crew of piloted aircraft putting themselves at risk. Through tracking and mapping fire patterns, drones help firefighters determine where a fire could spread. They also offer high spatiotemporal resolution because they can fly low and slow.
Space observation
Satellites and other space technologies provide valuable information on the location, size and spread of fires, as well as weather conditions and other factors that can influence fire behaviour. This information can be used to support fire management and suppression efforts.
Flame-retardant products
Flame-retardant products aim to slow down or stop the spread of flames. Retardants are chemical compounds applied to materials, buildings or structures, to slow down or prevent the spread of fire. Retardants can be applied in the form of sprays, foams or gels, and can be used both in the pre-treatment of materials and during a fire.
Forest fire virtual reality training
Virtual reality can be incorporated into immersive training for the purposes of fire extinguishing or prevention, by simulating pre-selected parameters or providing specific scenarios in a three-dimensional fire event. This technology comprises visualisation and display equipment, methods and apparatus for generating virtual reality. It can be applied in aerial firefighting and rescue training, as well as wildfire environments. Virtual training is safe, immersive, interactive and repeatable. As a result, responses to real events may be more effective.