A team from the University of Bradford is pioneering research that employs artificial intelligence (AI) to predict wildfire behavior, a crucial endeavor given the rising frequency and intensity of these disasters globally. This innovative project recently received funding from the European Union Horizon Innovation Action programme. It was recently featured at an event in Birmingham which looked at how AI could address some of the world’s biggest challenges.
One of the core researchers for the project, Dr. Kamran Mahroof, stressed the need for this project. “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years,” he stated. This initiative is intended to locate wildfires at the earliest possible moment in order to improve the timely response measures already put into place by firefighting services.
The initiative, which is being developed under Germany’s 6G-VERSUS research initiative, will involve a pilot test in Greece next year. For the test, cutting-edge technologies including 6G, drones, and possibly even robotic dogs will be used to detect fire hazards. Dr. Mahroof elaborated on the technological integration, saying, “We are using the latest technologies out there – the likes of 6G, drones and, dare I say it, robotic dogs to identify where the likelihood is for a fire to take place and for us to mitigate this as soon as possible.”
The local fire and rescue service in West Yorkshire now regularly utilizes mapping tools to forecast fire behavior. They use sophisticated weather forecasting applications to improve their predictions. They’ve developed an innovative line of lightweight personal protective equipment for firefighters deployed to fight wildfires. The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) may reach out to the University of Bradford team for further insights into their predictive technology.
The university and WYFRS are working together to fill a vital gap in overall community health. They’re hoping to create cutting edge technologies that can help firefighters during lengthy operations. With wildfires on the rise and expected to persist in the West, adding AI to the firefighters’ toolkit will be key to protecting communities.
Dr. Mahroof expressed pride in being part of this vital research, stating, “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge.” This academic research has big implications. It symbolizes a collective commitment to address a growing worldwide challenge that affects communities everywhere.
