Greece has taken a significant step in combating forest fires with the successful testing of a new real-time detection system. Developed by Huawei in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the start-up PROBOTEK, this innovative technology aims to revolutionise emergency response to forest fires.
The system, which was tested using a smoke and fire simulation at NKUA’s forested site in Athens, is designed to enable emergency services to respond within a critical 15-minute window. This timeframe is crucial for controlling fire risks effectively. The testing was part of Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, a global effort to leverage technology for social good.
Huawei’s Southeast European CEO, Ren Fujun, highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation in Greece. “For the past 20 years, Huawei has introduced leading technologies to Greece, believing in the power of innovation to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the safety of citizens and their property,” Fujun said.
Greece, with its hot, dry summers and strong winds, is highly susceptible to large-scale forest fires. Climate change has exacerbated this risk, leading to more frequent and severe fire outbreaks that threaten ecosystems, property, and human lives. In response, Huawei, NKUA, and PROBOTEK have developed a comprehensive emergency response system to mitigate these dangers.
The forest fire prevention system integrates several advanced technologies. The test involved sensors connected through Huawei’s network technologies, which monitored environmental conditions and detected smoke and fire. When these sensors identified a potential threat, an automated drone was deployed to the site. The drone, equipped with video and environmental sensors, provided real-time data to the command centre.
The system uses AI to analyse video footage and meteorological data, offering predictive insights into the fire’s behaviour. This includes:
- The projected path and spread of the fire
- Estimated time to reach populated areas
- Identification of at-risk areas needing evacuation
- Recommended evacuation routes
The solution features a networked AI-based command centre connected to 5G drones and sensors. These sensors track various environmental parameters such as air particles, CO2 levels, temperature, and wind conditions. The upgraded system, following its initial deployment in 2022, now includes advanced functionalities like fire spread analysis, evacuation planning, and route optimisation for emergency vehicles. Additionally, it can estimate the number of people at risk and send personalised evacuation instructions via an app.
This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance rapid-response protocols, saving lives and reducing the damage caused by wildfires. A demonstration of the system’s capabilities is showcased in “Connecting with Nature,” the third episode of Discovery’s documentary series “Being Digi-Sapiens,” which highlights the system’s precision and effectiveness.
The deployment of this advanced fire prevention system marks a significant advancement in Greece’s efforts to protect its natural resources and ensure public safety in the face of increasing wildfire risks.
For more information, visit the Huawei TECH4ALL website at: https://www.huawei.com/en/tech4all