West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) are leading the way in the use of cutting edge technology and equipment. This upgrade will greatly improve their response to wildfires. The service employs new mapping tools and weather forecasting applications developed to better predict fire behavior. This is a significant start in making sure fire disasters are handled better.
WYFRS has adopted technological advancements, including the introduction of new lightweight personal protective equipment. This equipment is expressly developed for firefighters who are actively involved in extended missions. These tools will be used to improve safety and efficiency in complex firefighting operations.
Next year the University of Bradford will be opening a pilot test based in Greece. This pilot is one of many under the EU-funded 6G-VERSUS research project, which investigates how future 6G technology can address societal challenges such as wildfire detection and management. Dr. Kamran Mahroof, a member of the University of Bradford team, highlighted the timeliness of this research. He explained how wildfires have turned into a global phenomenon, both in the increasing frequency of fire, but also the intensity and severity over recent years.
The 6G-VERSUS project was recently awarded funding from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme. This new initiative aims to stimulate innovative basic or applied research and technology solutions. The University of Bradford team is committed to finding more wildfires in the shortest possible time. Their mission is to reduce harm to both communities and the environment.
WYFRS is using ATV ambulances as part of its new, improved wildfire response strategy. These vehicles are built to operate off-road, helping firefighters reach more remote land impacted by wildfires with much greater preparedness and speed.
WYFRS hadn’t been privy to the specific technologies that University of Bradford team were testing out until this week! They say they’re hopeful about the prospect of future cooperation and collaboration. The service hopes to reach out to the university in the near future. They are looking to learn about how to incorporate these innovations into its operational framework.
