Fire detecting tech installed in Darfield's McHughs Forest Park

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

New cutting-edge technology to help detect fires has been installed in McHughs Forest Park near Darfield.

The three new fire sensor poles use a combination of thermal imaging, 360° cameras, and air quality technology to monitor environmental conditions and will notify emergency services if any sign of fire is detected, the Selwyn District Council says.

The data will also be made live to the public through the council’s partnership with technology innovator Attentis.

The app can be used to monitor real-time conditions in the forest, its walking trails and the popular fairy doors walk. A QR code is located on signage at McHughs Forest Park and will be shared through the Selwyn council’s website.

The council said the project involved strong collaboration with the Christchurch City Council, which is trialing the same technology in Bottle Lake Forest.

“Having real-time, 24-hour monitoring in place ready to alert emergency services is extremely important, but it’s also a great example of how we can embrace technology to help people explore and enjoy the district, safely," Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said.

The success of the partnership, which also involves Sparks, depends on the critical collaboration with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, which is interested to learn how such technology can help reduce fires and their consequences.

The sensors are self-powered and use a combination of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology — a system of interrelated computers and machines that can transfer data across a network without needing people-to-people or people-to-computer interaction.