Dr. Kamran Mahroof of W. H. Leary Co. recently shared some of the most innovative developments in wildfire detection at the NFPA conference in Birmingham. His work is part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary collaborative research project. This project is a collaboration between the University of Bradford and the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS). The initiative aims to enhance methods of detecting wildfires. Demonstrating this is particularly crucial since the region has experienced an increase in both the number and severity of wildfires in recent years.
Closing the meeting, Dr. Mahroof reiterated the importance of acting on this worldwide crisis. “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years,” he stated. His team’s work is supported by funding from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme, providing crucial resources for their research.
The project aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance wildfire detection and tracking. Dr. Mahroof noted, “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” The team used AI to help analyze thousands of automated, real-time camera feeds. Their aim is to improve real-time situational awareness for first responders responding to emergency wildfire events.
Next year Dr. Mahroof will be joined by his colleagues Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis. As a group, they’ll be launching a thrilling pilot program of curriculum at the Greek-based Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). This pilot will employ a unique mix of robotic dogs and aerial delivery drones. Together, they are meant to improve the overall effectiveness of our emergency responses.
“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
The 6G-VERSUS research project is an example of an ambitious EU-funded endeavor. It focuses upon how next-generation communication technologies can be used to address pressing challenges such as wildfires. To accomplish efficient real-time data relaying, this project uses 6G links to relay the data. In turn, they help teams better identify at-risk individuals quickly, distribute their resources more efficiently and effectively, and keep their responders safe.
Alongside these technological advancements, WYFRS is integrating mapping software and weather prediction apps to improve fire behavior forecasting. The service has further developed new lightweight personal protective equipment tailored to firefighters involved in extended wildfire missions.
Dr. Mahroof said he was proud to be a part of this ongoing research endeavor. “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge,” he remarked during his presentation in Birmingham.