The first significant fire known to historians happened during Nero’s reign (64) when he ordered Rome to be set on fire to enjoy a grand spectacle. To this day, the world is shaken by fires; large forest, industrial and domestic fires occur, bringing destruction and death. Can fire fighting be carried out using video surveillance systems? Let’s figure it out.
Despite restrictions on making fires and epidemiological bans, the number of fires in the Russian Federation in 2021 increased compared to the previous year.
The statistics are disappointing:
57% of fires at the beginning of this year were recorded in the residential sector. Three hundred ninety people died (11 of them are children), which is 93% of the total number of deaths.
Common reasons are:
As the experience of past years shows, in the second half of the year, the number of forest fires, reed fires, and scrap heaps will increase.
Disappointing statistics necessitate innovative, productive methods for the rapid detection of fire centers and countermeasures to counter such a severe threat.
A logical step forward is the massive use of IP (network) video cameras and fire protection systems.
Problems of fire detection and extinguishing in a forest:
Practical Control Measures Used in Croatia and the USA:
The main objectives of the strategy are the ability to detect and respond quickly.
The danger of fire in landfills lies not only in the fire and smoke itself, but also in the spread of toxic fumes.
Modern solutions include:
If we talk about innovative methods of collecting/sorting waste in cities, it is worth paying attention to using “smart” garbage cans with wireless sensors.
In an urban environment, the most common smoke/fire detection tool is a smoke detector. Of course, this is an effective method, but it lacks “sight,” as a result, the alarm will only work after smoke penetrates the detector. Time is permanently lost. There is also a high percentage of false calls.
Integrated products appeared on the market: video cameras with video analytics for smoke and fire detection. Thanks to them, you can see the fireplace, fix the cause of the fire, and quickly call the fire department.
Another urban solution could be a video surveillance fire-prevention system created using thermal imaging cameras (thermal imagers). The preferred locations for installations are fire-hazardous industrial zones. If the temperature regime is increased, the camera provides a visual assessment and fire alarm activation.
You will find a lot of helpful information in the article “TOP-8 undisputable advantages of thermal imaging video surveillance systems”.
One of the video surveillance market growth drivers in 2020-25 identified is the government growing concerns about public (including fire) safety. Today, we are witnessing the expansion of the influence of video surveillance on all spheres of human life.
The visual component of the fire protection system has already proven its effectiveness. Thanks to it, it dramatically simplifies and speeds up the process of detecting a fire point, whether it is arson in a forest or urban infrastructure.
In the future, the massive use of IP PTZ cameras will ensure the growth of situational awareness and control over the fire situation. And the use of intelligent hybrid solutions (video analytics + various sensors) will make our world safer.
Extinguishing forest fires is a global problem. By mid-2021, only a few countries have adopted the use of video cameras to solve it. Croatia and the USA are pioneers in this direction. Let’s hope that Russia will learn from this helpful experience.
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