Australian authorities are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance forest fire prediction, detection, and prevention, according to a recent survey by consulting firm PwC. The AI applications range from detecting smoke in timber plantations to utilizing satellite technology for monitoring and preventing bushfires in critical forestry regions.
Key Highlights:
Green Triangle Fire Monitoring: In an Australian first, AI and satellite technology are being employed to monitor the Green Triangle, a significant plantation forestry region along the South Australian-Victorian border. The system aims to swiftly detect and respond to bushfires, crucial in a region where 25% of the land is covered by forestry estate.
Pano AI Fire Detection System: The Pano AI system, implemented for the first time commercially in Australia, scans a 20-kilometer radius for signs of smoke. Deployed in fire towers, it provides an unimpeded view through two cameras at each location. A human operator reviews the AI-generated feed to differentiate between smoke and other elements, ensuring accurate fire detection.
AI for Forest Fuel Load Assessment: Researchers at Adelaide University and the University of the Sunshine Coast have developed the NOBURN mobile app, utilizing AI to assess bushfire risks. The app scans user-submitted photos for bushfire hazards, estimating fuel load distribution. The AI component can help authorities identify areas with higher fire risk, facilitating preventive measures such as backburning.
Citizen Science and AI: The NOBURN app encourages citizen participation by allowing users to submit photos, contributing to a comprehensive assessment of forest fuel loads. The AI component analyzes patterns from various datasets, demonstrating the potential for AI to process large volumes of diverse data for effective risk analysis.
Challenges and Future Prospects: Challenges include the need for a "human in the loop" in certain AI applications, ensuring accurate interpretation of data. Researchers hope that increased public participation in AI-driven initiatives will raise awareness of the technology's potential in predicting and preventing bushfires.
As Australia faces significant challenges, including the loss of timber-producing forests to fires, the integration of AI in fire prevention strategies is seen as essential. The combination of AI and satellite technology offers a comprehensive approach to safeguarding valuable forests and addressing the complex landscape of bushfire risks.
