Photo: Castanet

Kristina Marsden, CEO of SkyScout.

With AI in the trees and drones in the sky, a British Columbia-based company hopes it has found the key to stopping the spread of wildfires.

SenseNet, which launched its wildfire sensors in trees around Predator Ridge, has partnered with SkyScout AI, a leader in AI and drone technology, to provide advanced detection, monitoring and mitigation forest fires.

“The integrated solution provided by SenseNet’s sensors and cutting-edge AI algorithms, combined with SkyScout AI’s drone technology, provides an unprecedented fire early detection system that can be deployed and scaled to enable an informed and immediate response, essential to first responders responsible for monitoring and mitigating wildfires,” said Hamed Noori, CEO of SenseNet, in a press release.

SenseNet’s advanced fire detection technology is powered by a platform integrating advanced sensors, cameras, AI algorithms and real-time data analytics to provide accurate and early warnings of fires of forest.

First responders, communities and businesses immediately receive the knowledge needed to protect critical infrastructure, the natural environment and people, the company claims.

SkyScout’s AI and drone technology can launch the automated deployment of Scout drones, which will provide additional information to manage wildfires.

SkyScout’s developing technology will not only enable the automated deployment of Scout drones, but may also enable the rapid dispatch of ground-piloted oil tanker drones to the precise location of the fire, within minutes.

“We are committed to providing the most comprehensive solution to help combat the devastation caused by wildfires,” said Kristina Marsden, CEO of SkyScout.

“SenseNet’s solution provides a network of sophisticated sensors powered by AI algorithms, extensive data analytics and a management platform. When combined with our early detection drone network, it provides an unprecedented solution to mitigate the threat of wildfires early.

In July, Predator Ridge installed the SenseNet solutionfollowing the successful conclusion of a two-year pilot project with the City of Vernon, in cooperation with the Vernon Fire and Rescue Department, where Predator Ridge was one of the test sites.

The SenseNet system consists of 100 sensors, five gateways and five cameras across the entire perimeter of the station, enabling early detection of wildfires using gas detection and thermal imaging; 24/7 monitoring and management via Vernon Fire Rescue and Emergency Management Services.