West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is intensifying its battle against the growing menace of wildfires. This effort is supported by the latest advanced technology and innovative equipment to help them succeed. This summer, wildfire events have been out of control across the area, particularly on Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor. In reaction, the service has deployed all-terrain vehicles to better reach and maintain these rugged expanses.
To gain a better understanding of fire behavior, WYFRS uses advanced mapping software and weather modelling applications. Predictive modeling These technologies let firefighters predict conditions and respond more effectively, tackling wildfires within the first hour they’re spotted. Dr. Kamran Mahroof, one of the visionary leaders driving this effort, shared his story at a recent conference in Birmingham. He made the case for these trials.
WYFRS knows how complicated and difficult wildfire operations can be. To better protect firefighters working long after the flames, they have pioneered lighter personal protective equipment. These new tools will improve both safety and mobility for our firefighters who have to operate under the most dangerous of circumstances.
Across the West, wildfires are larger, more damaging, and more dangerous. In anticipation, countries, states, and cities across the globe are implementing innovative strategies to minimize these dangers. The University of Bradford is playing its part in this global endeavour as one of the partners in the 6G-VERSUS project. This EU-funded initiative focuses on the full-scale industry integration of disruptive technology. It unites robotic dogs, aerial drones, and AI to enhance situational awareness for first responders fighting the frontlines of wildfires.
The project gained funding earlier this year from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging technology in emergency management. This time next year, this same team will move on to Greece. They’ll work alongside Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), who will manage the pilot phase of the joint research.
WYFRS are already involved in discussions to identify new collaborative work with the University of Bradford team. It’s through these collaborations that states plan to further expand their wildfire response capabilities. Through this collaboration, we hope to see creative and experimental solutions made to tackle the issue of wildfires in West Yorkshire and beyond.
Last week, an AI event in Birmingham focused on use of this powerful tool to address challenges around the world. It really drove home the need for projects such as 6G-VERSUS to inform future emergency response strategies. With wildfires becoming an increasing global threat, WYFRS is determined to stay on the cutting edge of technology-powered solutions.