West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is at the forefront of innovative wildfire detection. They are utilizing all-terrain vehicles and state-of-the-art mapping technology to improve their response capabilities. With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense globally, the service is adapting to these challenges by integrating modern technologies into its operations.
The WYFRS uses weather forecasting apps to identify and determine the behavior of fires in advance, leading to earlier, more strategic responses. They have developed and implemented lightweight personal protective equipment tailored for firefighters performing extended operations. This new equipment will help keep more firefighters safe and make them more efficient while engaged in long, difficult firefighting operations.
Dr. Kamran Mahroof of University of Bradford has been key to advancing this initiative. He emphasized the growing severity of wildfires worldwide, stating, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.”
Early next year, the University of Bradford team will be running a test pilot in Greece. This plan forms the crux of the EU-funded 6G-VERSUS research project. This project serves as a living laboratory for testing 6G technology. It uses the power of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge tools to identify, predict and mitigate wildfire risks before they start. At the beginning of this year, the research was awarded funding through the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme.
This innovative approach was recently showcased at an event in Birmingham that explored how artificial intelligence can address global challenges. Dr. Mahroof expressed pride in the initiative, stating, “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge.”
Dr. Mahroof highlighted the team’s primary objective: “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” He explained that they are harnessing technology to digitize and proactively identify areas of increased fire risk. This encompasses the use of drones and “robotic dogs” as well.
WYFRS acknowledged that they are still new to this type of technology. They showed a real enthusiasm for working alongside the University of Bradford team. These partnerships would provide companies with the most expertise to expand their capabilities in wildfire detection and prevention.
