Dr. Kamran Mahroof from the University of Bradford is leading an innovative new research project. We’re excited that he’s taking this bold, global approach to addressing wildfires. This research was recently showcased at an event in Birmingham and is part of the larger 6G-VERSUS project, an EU-funded initiative focusing on advanced technological trials related to 6G communication systems. The initiative as a whole was funded by the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme.
As nature would have it, wildfires have returned to the fore as an urgent concern, as they prove both more frequent and severe in recent years. As Dr. Mahroof noted, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.” This research seeks to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. This includes flying drones and having robotic dogs on the front lines to enhance wildfire detection and response.
The primary aim of this project is to detect wildfires as early as possible, so they can be quickly contained before they spread. The entire concept for us is basically to catch wildfires early on,” said Dr. Mahroof. The research team hopes to leverage new mapping tools and weather forecasting applications. These tools, to be employed by fire services, will enable them to predict fire behavior with greater precision.
As part of its real-world rollout, the technology will be pilot-tested as part in Greece next year. This trial will allow researchers to assess the effectiveness of their innovative approaches in real-world scenarios, potentially paving the way for broader implementation.
In addition to the technological advancements, the research introduces new lightweight personal protective equipment for firefighters, ensuring their safety while battling intense fires. When reached out to, the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) expressed enthusiasm about the possible applications of this technology. They acknowledged that they are still getting up to speed on “this specific technology.”
Dr. Mahroof shared her pride in leading a project that tackles such an important issue head on. “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge,” he said. With greater and deeper collaboration between academic institutions and fire services, we can make meaningful strides toward improving management and response strategies for these increasing wildfires.