It’s a challenge that West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is meeting proactively – and effectively. They are employing all-terrain vehicles, high-resolution mapping tools, and weather forecasting mobile applications to remain proactive and protect human lives. These prescribed fire initiatives raise the capacity of states and tribes to accurately anticipate fire behavior. In addition, they greatly better our response to recent emergency situations on sites such as Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor.
To meet this growing wildfire challenge, WYFRS has developed new, breakthrough technology, lightweight personal protective equipment. This technology is especially important for firefighters who participate in prolonged operations. In West Yorkshire we’ve seen an increase in wildfires over recent years. As a result, this increase has created a critical demand for advanced firefighting tactics and resource deployment.
Dr. Kamran Mahroof from the University of Bradford recently discussed a trial focused on wildfire management during a conference in Birmingham. His team is involved in the EU-funded research project 6G-VERSUS. This project examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced communication technologies in improving situational awareness for first responders.
“Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years,” – Dr. Kamran Mahroof
The 6G-VERSUS project is currently working towards designing this innovative system. It will combine teams of robotic dogs and aerial drones to improve detection, monitoring and mapping of wildfires. We’re excited that this pilot project will grow to include Greece next year.
Project Description
It seeks to leverage artificial intelligence to analyze camera feeds in real time and rely on 6G connectivity to relay data. This technology helps emergency management teams more quickly detect those most at risk. It further enables them to deploy enough resources to make operations effective while ensuring first responders’ safety.
“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,” – Dr. Kamran Mahroof
Despite these advancements, a spokesperson for WYFRS noted that the service currently does not utilize AI technologies for firefighting operations. They understood that technological integration should be a mainstay in their approach to these initiatives.
“At present, WYFRS does not utilize AI technologies for wildfire firefighting operations,” – WYFRS spokesperson
They affirmed that the organization already employs drones equipped with thermal and optical cameras to provide real-time aerial intelligence, which aids incident commanders in identifying hotspots and monitoring fire spread.
“We already use drones equipped with thermal and optical cameras to provide real-time aerial views and intelligence, helping incident commanders identify hotspots and monitor fire spread,” – WYFRS spokesperson
In the UK, academic institutions such as the University of Bradford are working in partnership with firefighter agencies. This innovative partnership underscores the growing need to bring the latest technology into our emergency response plans.