Testing AI’s potential for early bushfire detection

Forest Fire Management is exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be used to help detect bushfires early to keep Victorian communities safe.

The Australian and Victorian Governments are each contributing $1.5 million to a Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project through the Australian Government’s signature Disaster Ready Fund (DRF).

The Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project is assessing the reliability and timeliness of smoke-detecting AI software using ground cameras mounted on specific fire lookouts across the state.

As Victoria’s lead agency for managing bushfire risk on public land, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is always looking for new science and technology to help keep Victorians and the environment safer from bushfires.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman AFSM said the trial will provide valuable information to inform how the technology may be used in the future to keep Victorian communities and environment safer from bushfires.

“FFMVic welcomes advancements in technology that can help us detect bushfires early and keep communities safe,” he said.

The Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project is a trial only and is investigating the accuracy of commercially available AI bushfire detection technology. The cameras will operate 24/7 and have been configured to only detect smoke.

The software and cameras will complement and support the work of FFMVic’s specially trained Fire Lookout Observers, who work across 64 fire lookouts – especially at times when lookouts aren’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 biggest opportunity to suppress bushfires before they impact communities, the environment and important assets like drinking water and energy infrastructure.

Phase 1 of the trial took place during the 2023-24 fire season with cameras installed on fire lookouts (pictured) at Mt Gordon, Mt Wombat, Peters Hill, and on a mobile trailer stationed in Mt Vandyke.

Phase 2 of the trial will run through the 2024-2025 fire season and cameras are proposed to be installed on fire lookouts at Big Hill in Stawell, Mt Mittamatite and Mt Ida with further expansion planned for additional sites.

Depending on results, 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.

Disaster Ready Fund

The DRF is an Australian Government resilience and risk reduction initiative to deliver projects that support Australians to manage the physical and social impacts of disasters caused by climate change and other natural hazards.

The Australian Government is providing up to $1 billion through the DRF over five years from 1 July 2023.

The DRF aims to help communities protect themselves against the impacts of disasters.

For more information, including a full list of projects, visit the National Emergency Management Agency’s website.