The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced the 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.
fire sensor research
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.
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.