Okanagan community the first in Canada to deploy AI wildfire detection technology

Following a successful two-year pilot project at Predator Ridge outside of Vernon, the resort community has commercially installed wildfire-detecting sensors that use AI algorithms to provide early alerts to first responders.

“Early fire detection can make all the difference,” said City of Vernon fire chief David Lind in a press release.

“To date, we are pleased with how the SenseNet system has been operating and how it has aided in identifying fire incidents in (the) early stages which allowed fire crews to respond more quickly and effectively. This technology gives firefighters the opportunity to start suppressing the fire while it is still manageable, potentially preventing larger, more destructive fires.”

The network installed at Predator Ridge includes 100 sensors, five gateways and five cameras around the entire resort perimeter.

The sensors collect data on the chemical composition of air, temperature and humidity to detect irregularities in the area.

An AI algorithm then examines the data and can triangulate the exact location of an anomaly.

Using a gateway, the information is communicated to smoke-detecting cameras, which can zoom in on the potential location of a fire and notify first responders via text or email.

If a fire persists, satellite images can be analyzed by AI algorithms to determine the size, direction and speed of the blaze.

Shahab Bahrami, the co-founder and CTO of SenseNet added that the system can send photos and videos to the fire department.

“It (wildfires) can happen anytime – and so having an automated system that can detect and send alarms to the fire authority is critical,” said Bahrami.

As part of the pilot project with SenseNet, there are also sensors located in the Eastside Road, Tronson Road and Foothills areas of Vernon and as of Aug. 1, the installed hardware will fall under the care and control of the City of Vernon and SenseNet will support and upgrade the system as the technology evolves.

“Our proven integrated solution is unique in the world in terms of detection, speed and accuracy and can detect fires even in their smouldering phases when there is no flame or smoke signature,” said Hamed Noori, CEO and co-founder of SenseNet.

“SenseNet allows municipalities and remote communities to safeguard their communities and assets with an integrated solution."

In collaboration with SenseNet, the City of Vernon intends to eventually employ the use of a drone to locate fires in difficult terrain.

Bahrami added that SenseNet has two sample cameras currently installed in Kelowna facing south and that the company is looking to expand to Harrison Hot Springs and along railways.