The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has an ambition to increase its wildfire prevention and response work. They’re employing all-terrain vehicles, state-of-the-art mapping technology and weather forecasting mobile applications. These resources help scientists better predict fire behavior so firefighters can quickly respond to incidents. WYFRS has rolled out lightweight personal protective equipment tailored for extended operations in difficult working environments.
One major component of this new paradigm of firefighting is a joint effort. Dr. Kamran Mahroof, as the University of Bradford’s project lead, has brought this exciting initiative to the UK. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to detect wildfires at the very first point of ignition, significantly reducing their impact. The trial is part of the EU-funded 6G-VERSUS research initiative, which aims to test 6G technology.
Dr. Mahroof’s team is currently working closely with Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis. They collaborate remotely at the Greek-based Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). They aim to start an initial pilot program in Greece next year. Our pilot program will use a new technology system that integrates a robotic dog with an aerial drone. This cutting-edge technology aims to improve awareness for first responders on the ground during wildfire incidents.
“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.” – The team
WYFRS understands that it is not the usual setting, given how cutting edge this project’s technological developments are. In order to get a better understanding, they are considering getting in touch with the University of Bradford project team for further information.
The project was funded earlier this year by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Innovation Action programme. This federal funding highlights the importance of the project in addressing worldwide challenges presented by wildfires. Dr. Mahroof emphasizes the urgency of this research, noting, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.”
To elevate the project’s profile, we featured it during a special Homewood event in Birmingham. The convening’s theme was the role of artificial intelligence in advancing solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Against this backdrop such groundbreaking innovations, like those under development in the 6G-VERSUS project, are sorely needed.
“By applying AI to interpret real-time camera feeds and using 6G links to relay the data, we can help teams quickly identify people at risk and deploy resources where they’re needed most, all while keeping responders safe.” – The team
Wildfires are one of the greatest threats we face around the globe. Projects like WYFRS and University of Bradford’s are leading the way to improve firefighting tactics with new technology.