The 'Predifire' project, driven by the University of Córdoba through the Forest Fire Laboratory (LABIF), was developed by Automatismos ITEA and Somnum Technologies. It receives financial support from the Junta de Andalucía, as part of the Pland Sequía initiative.
“"With this solution, risk signals and incipient fires are detected in very early stages, automatically verifying the alarm and acting before the fire reaches a critical dimension."
Recent operational tests, overseen by Juan Ramón Molina, a forest fire expert and scientific lead of the project, have confirmed the system's effectiveness and speed. Antonio Ceballos highlighted that technical results demonstrate the system's ability to identify the spread of smoke particles, changes in humidity, and temperature in a matter of seconds, even in conditions of scarce or variable wind.
When the sensor network detects an anomalous combination of variables, such as smoke, thermal changes, or environmental conditions conducive to high risk, the sensors share information. If the possibility of an incipient fire is confirmed, the system generates an alert. Subsequently, a drone is autonomously activated to go to the designated point, assess the situation, and provide more precise validation, using AI and artificial vision to differentiate between a real incipient fire and a false alarm.
The scope of 'Predifire' extends beyond merely installing sensors; it seeks to interpret the physiological state of vegetation, water stress, and the prior conditions that favor ignition or rapid spread. In other words, it not only acts when a fire has already started but also analyzes the conditions that could lead to one.
Tests conducted to date at the University of Córdoba have validated both the technical architecture and the integration between sensors, communications, and aerial platforms. The next steps include more demanding tests, simulating real operational scenarios to measure the system's ability to recognize incipient fires under complex conditions.
“"This leap will be key to consolidating the project as a solution ready to demonstrate its usefulness outside the laboratory and in effective risk environments."
The project's promoters are confident that this initiative has the potential to address one of the biggest environmental, territorial, and civil protection challenges in southern Europe. This alliance between the UCO (LABIF), Automatismos ITEA, and Somnum Technologies, with the support of the Junta de Andalucía, represents a significant advance. Ceballos concluded that, in a context where every summer fires are more costly and dangerous, technologies like 'Predifire' are essential for early detection, better decision-making, and preventing an incipient fire from becoming a tragedy.
