As climate change progresses, the frequency and severity of climate emergencies, such as wildfires, are increasing globally. According to the World Resources Institute, wildfires now consume nearly twice as much tree cover as they did 20 years ago.
Regions across the world, including Australia, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Russia, Indonesia, and Western Europe, have experienced significant wildfires in recent years, reflecting a global trend exacerbated by rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.
Climate models predict that the conditions conducive to wildfires will become more common, posing significant challenges for fire management agencies and communities worldwide. Wildfires impact property, infrastructure, the environment, and economies on a large scale.
They also place a substantial burden on global fire and rescue services, diverting resources that might be needed for other emergencies, and posing significant threats to the safety of firefighters and the communities they protect.
With wildfires rising in frequency, a recent report from the UK-based Fire Brigades Union reveals that institutions handling wildfire responses are "woefully underprepared" to handle such incidents.
With the world at risk of frequent wildfires due to climate change, every second counts in emergency response. It is crucial that emergency responders can act swiftly and have the necessary information to quickly assess the situation and take action - and central to that are private wireless networks.
The case for private networks
Private wireless networks provide dedicated and reliable communication channels, which are crucial in remote and challenging environments where public networks may be overloaded or non-existent, like forests.
These networks ensure reliability with the highest level of security, enabling uninterrupted communication even when public networks fail. For instance, during a major wildfire, public networks might become congested or fail due to the high demand and potential damage to infrastructure. A private wireless network mitigates these risks by offering a resilient and secure communication platform.
This dedicated network allows emergency responders to coordinate more efficiently, share critical information instantly, and make real-time decisions, significantly reducing response times and improving overall operational effectiveness.
Moreover, recent advancements in private wireless networks highlight their growing importance in managing emergencies. AirForestry AB, in partnership with Tele2 and Nokia, has deployed a state-of-the-art 5G private mobile network to control high-capacity drones for forest thinning, which is a proactive measure to reduce wildfires.
This innovative approach not only demonstrates the capability of private networks to handle complex tasks in remote areas, but also underscores the potential of such networks to support emergency responders in real-time operations.
Vast amounts of data
Private networks support the deployment of AI and machine learning algorithms that can analyse data in real time. These technologies allow for predictive analysis of fire behaviour, helping to forecast the spread and intensity of wildfires.
AI can process vast amounts of data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and sensor data, to predict fire hotspots and potential ignition points. For example, machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and correlations within data, enabling the prediction of wildfire likelihood and behaviour.
AI-driven models can suggest optimal strategies for containment and evacuation, providing emergency responders with actionable insights to manage resources and deploy personnel more effectively. By integrating AI into their operations, responders can stay ahead of wildfires, reducing their impact and improving overall safety.
According to Nokia's 2024 Industrial Digitalisation Report, 39 per cent of the enterprises that deployed private wireless have since implemented edge computing or new selections of industrial devices to power digitalization and support complementary technologies such as AI and analytics, with a further 52 per cent planning to do so. This integration enhances the capability of private networks to support advanced AI applications, further strengthening the predictive and analytical tools available to emergency responders.
The role of sensors
Additionally, Internet of Things devices, such as sensors for temperature, smoke detection, humidity, and air quality, can be deployed in the field and integrated into the network. These sensors provide valuable data for fire prediction and management, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.
IoT devices can continuously monitor environmental conditions and send real-time alerts to command centres. As soon as an emergency is detected, the command centre can alert the nearest fire station, ensuring a rapid and targeted response.
IoT integration allows for the collection of granular data, offering a comprehensive view of the situation on the ground. This data-driven approach enables better coordination and more informed decision-making, ultimately leading to a more effective response to wildfires.
Moreover, IoT devices can also help in post-incident analysis, providing insights into the fire's behaviour and the effectiveness of the response strategies employed.
The increasing threat of wildfires demands a proactive approach to emergency response. Equipping emergency responders with private wireless networks and modern technology can significantly enhance their ability to manage wildfires effectively.
As we face the growing challenges posed by climate change, it is imperative that we leverage advanced communication solutions to protect lives and property. By integrating and facilitating AI and IoT devices through private wireless networks, we can ensure a more efficient and coordinated response to wildfires, ultimately mitigating their impact and safeguarding our communities.
