The first, West Yorkshire, has seen a staggering increase in wildfires in the past few years. Areas such as Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor have fallen victim to this trend. In response to this growing threat, a series of innovative trials involving advanced technology aim to enhance wildfire detection and management. Dr. Kamran Mahroof recently discussed these initiatives at a conference in Birmingham, highlighting the urgency of addressing wildfires, which he noted are “a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.”
The trials received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme and are part of the 6G-VERSUS research project, which will see Dr. Mahroof’s team travel to Greece next year to further explore the integration of 6G technology in emergency response scenarios. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is leading the way in this groundbreaking approach. They are utilizing satellite imaging and meteorological models to better anticipate how a fire will spread.
WYFRS have adopted the latest technology with new lightweight personal protective equipment. This equipment is critical to protecting firefighters in order for them to effectively operate for extended durations in extreme conditions. Dr. Mahroof noted that the University of Bradford team is developing technology for early detection of wildfires. They are employing an innovative system that integrates a robotic dog with an aerial drone.
“The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” – Dr. Kamran Mahroof
Uncrewed canine and drone team improve situational awareness for first responders while responding to wildfires. This new technology makes it easier for them to quickly determine the status of their charge. The hope is that this new approach will help increase emergency response times and optimize police resources during these unexpected crises.
“In the Greek pilot of SNS-JU 6G-VERSUS, we’re developing a combined robotic dog and aerial drone system that boosts situational awareness for first responders during wildfires.” – Team/Joint Statement
Artificial intelligence (AI) processes real-time camera feeds to rapidly flag those most at risk. At the same time, 6G links deliver data in real-time allowing responders to rapidly deploy support where it’s needed most. This creative, game-changing approach prioritizes responder safety while improving operational efficiency.
Dr. Mahroof expressed pride in leading research that addresses this pressing global challenge, stating, “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge.”
The WYFRS have shown a keen interest in the technology that is being developed. They can get in touch with the University of Bradford team to find out more. With these initiatives, West Yorkshire aims not only to combat the immediate threat of wildfires but to establish a framework for leveraging advanced technology in emergency responses.