The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced successful completion of the second phase of S&T's wildland urban interface wildfire sensor technology program, part of the Smart Cities Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs initiative.
On average, 60,000 wildfires occur across the U.S. each year, burning millions of acres. Providing early warnings of these fire events is critical to response and recovery efforts, both for communities and public safety.
SCITI Labs' wildland fire sensor research focuses on real-time and continuous identification of heat sources and smoke to detect ignition location, track fire perimeter and fire characteristics, and allow for geographically targeted notifications and warnings.
Watch this short video that summarizes DHS S&T's work in developing solutions with low-cost sensor technologies that provide early warnings for wildfires.
https://youtu.be/wZjdmTTyEJE
The field tests were conducted during a controlled, prescribed burn at the Dye Creek Preserve near Red Bluff, California, in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and The Nature Conservancy. Additional observers included partners from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and the USFA.
Further field tests and evaluations are planned for Summer 2022 to further refine detection capabilities with additional sensors. Visit DHS S&T's SCITI Labs to learn more about its work to identify technologies that meet first responders' operational needs and enhance commercial buildings.
This article is based on content in the
June 17, 2021 InfoGram.
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: Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times
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