Stock photo courtesy of the B.C. Wildfire Service

By Liam Verster

SenseNet

City of Vernon pleased with early-wildfire detection program

Jul 11, 2024 | 4:00 PM

The use of early wildfire detection technology within the City of Vernon has been well received so far.

In July of 2022, the city agreed to be a partner in a research test of the SenseNet system, which uses interconnected fire and smoke detection sensors, gateways and cameras to detect fires early on, then analyze data so early warnings with triangulated coordinates can be sent to firefighters.

The city said the system’s sensors, located in Vernon’s wildfire interface zones such as Predator Ridge, Eastside Road, Tronson Road and the Foothills, allows for 24/7 monitoring and quick dispatching during fires.

“Early fire detection can make all the difference,” Vernon Fire Rescue Chief, David Lind, said.

“To date, we are pleased with how the SenseNet system has been operating and how it has aided in identifying fire incidents in early stages which allowed fire crews to respond more quickly and effectively. This technology gives firefighters the opportunity to start suppressing the fire while it is still manageable, potentially preventing larger, more destructive fires.”

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The partner-in-research phase of the project will end on August 1, 2024, at which point the hardware set up around the community will be under the care of the city, though SenseNet will support and upgrade the system as it evolves.

“We know that successful wildfire resiliency begins with collaboration and partnerships,” Vernon’s FireSmart Coordinator, Wes Brassard, said.

“The City of Vernon has created strong relationships with surrounding jurisdictions and organizations that have since adopted their own SenseNet programs.”

Additionally, the city plans to partner with SenseNet further to use drones to locate fires in off-road, steep or difficult access locations in the future.

Though SenseNet is being used to track wildfire activity, the city still stated it is just one tool and advised residents continue to report wildfires to the B.C. Wildfire Service toll-free at 1-800-663-5555 or by dialing *5555 on a cell phone. Fires within city limits should be reported to 911.