West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is pioneering new strategies to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires in the region. The service uses all-terrain vehicles and advanced geographical information systems technology to enhance the service’s response capabilities. This project follows a growing movement for rewilding after several high-profile wildfires across the UK, particularly on Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor.
In recent years, West Yorkshire has been increasingly hit by a wave of severe wildfires, forcing WYFRS to invest in new technologies. The service uses an eight-wheel Argocat all-terrain vehicle for operations, which helps firefighters traverse tough terrains while providing a safe and speedy response where time matters. They use mapping tools and weather forecasting apps to help them predict fire behavior, giving them increased situational awareness in the heat of emergency.
Dr. Kamran Mahroof’s lightning talk at our recent Firestorm conference in Birmingham made clear just how important ongoing wildfire trials are for our movement. He acknowledged that as we’ve seen, wildfires are not just a uniquely American phenomenon and they’ve been getting more frequent and intense globally.
“Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.” – Dr. Kamran Mahroof
Dr. Mahroof underlined the importance of early detection, stating, “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” He was rightly proud of WYFRS’s part in addressing this important agenda. He touted the promise for collaboration with the new technology that’s more exciting than scary.
New lightweight wildfire personal protective equipment to improve firefighter safety has been adopted. This equipment improves the productivity of these important public servants on long shifts. This airplane is only one aspect of a larger plan to ensure first responders have the tools they need to fight wildfires from all angles.
WYFRS is not aware of any specific emerging technology that is currently being tested. They are very much looking forward to working with research teams, such as at University of Bradford. This transparency fosters the collaborative and creative energy that fuels this ongoing research project, supported by the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme. It is further a central element of the 6G-VERSUS project. The purpose of this project is to run real-world trials of 6G technology to further support firefighting capabilities.
Back in Europe, next year, Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis will start a specific pilot project in Greece. They both hail from the Greek-based Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). Through this project, we will develop a swarming robotic dog/aerial drone system. This unique pairing will enhance situational awareness for first responders that are mitigating wildfire events.
“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.” – Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros
This research specifically looks at using artificial intelligence to analyze real-time camera feeds. It taps into the power of 6G technology to transmit important data at lightning fast speeds. This method allows frontlines teams to proactively and rapidly identify people at risk. It gives them more cost-effective deployment of their resources, keeping responders and the traveling public safer.