| Dr Guillermo Rein of the University of Edinburgh |
Sensor technology for fire detection and prediction to help firefighters.
Scientists have developed technology that could help firefighters in their job, by using sensors in fire detection and prediction.
Sensor Assisted Fire Fighting (SAFF) is a technology that predicts how a fire will spread, therefore helping fighting the fire safer and more efficient, reports the Scotsman.
Researchers developed the technology, which uses sensors built in to smoke alarms or CCTV cameras, at the University of Edinburgh.
The data taken from the sensors is used by a computer programme to predict the speed and direction of the spread of the fire.
Dr Guillermo Rein of the University of Edinburgh's engineering department told the newspaper that the technology will act in addition to the firefighter's considerable training.
"This technology could give them the extra information they need to consider in handling the emergency," he said. "And [will] reduce lost opportunities or unnecessary risks."
The simulation software still needs to be refined, added Dr Rein, before it is ready to be put into widespread use.