Fires are a naturally occurring and dangerous part of our natural landscape, causing millions of dollars worth of damage and loss of lives in the wildland/urban interface. Early detection of fire, especially under dangerous weather conditions, is critical for emergency personnel to contain and extinguish fires before they cause significant damage. Equally important is the preparedness of communities to reduce financial losses and to aid in quick recovery.
San Diego State University Foundation will integrate new sensor technology, existing broadband networks, and an educational program to demonstrate that advanced technologies can quickly locate fire and improve and maintain public preparedness. The project will install an array of 13 state-of-the-art wireless fire detection sensors, four weather stations, and four remote cameras to serve as sentinels for early fire detection and localization of fire hazard conditions at the wildland/urban interface. This information will be delivered through direct paging and web-based interactive maps to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Emergency Command Center . Finally, they will operate a community-wide fire education program that explores the use of real-time sensors to build public awareness and preparedness.
The project will bring together a unique collaboration of universities, businesses, community, and emergency response groups, including San Diego State University, Field Station Programs, Fallbrook Fire Safe Council, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, North County Fire Protection District, SDS Visualization Center, Mission Resource Conservation District, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and Ambient Control Systems.
The sensor network will alert the public and emergency response personnel to dangerous weather conditions, locate and report ignitions, provide a basis for community preparedness programs, and allow us to pursue our common goals of educating the public and safeguarding lives and property.
