Smoke-detecting Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being trialled in Victoria in a bid to improve bushfire early warning systems.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is assessing the reliability and timeliness of the AI software using 24/7 ground cameras which have been mounted on specific fire lookouts across the state and have been configured to only detect smoke.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said the software and cameras would support the work of group’s specially trained Fire Lookout Observers.
Mr Hardman said the observers worked across 64 fire lookouts and they software would help when lookouts weren’t staffed after hours or due to health and safety concerns, such as operating or climbing in the dark and extreme weather conditions.
“Early detection of bushfires is critical as it provides the best opportunity to suppress bushfires before they impact communities, the environment and important assets like drinking water and energy infrastructure.
“Depending on results (of the trials) , FFMVic may extend the trials to fire lookouts on third-party infrastructure and also develop a remote detection strategy to plan future investment in the technology.”
