Green: Dozens of wildfire sensors to be deployed statewide
WAILEA, Maui — Eighty wildfire sensors and 16 wind sensors will be deployed statewide.
The initiative was announced today by Gov. Josh Green and federal officials in response to the deadly Maui wildfires last August.
As wildfires become more common and severe, the advanced sensors will allow first responders to get to and suppress an initial blaze before it spreads, while granting time needed for communities to make life-saving evacuation decisions, according to a press release from Green’s office.
Hawaii will be the first location to receive the new Beta wildfire sensors developed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate and and U.S. Fire Administration, in coordination with small business N5 Sensors Inc.
Dimitri Kusnezov, under secretary for Science and Technology, said the sensors are more effective than traditional optical cameras or thermal imaging sensors used to identify fires, because they don’t just “see” what is already visible — they “sniff” out the fires as soon as they start.
These wildfire detection sensors identify changes in conditions before wildfires start, providing 24-hour sensing and alerting capabilities, according to the press release.
The sensors continuously transmit information and send an email or text notification to a pre-programmed contact when these components are detected. The system housing the sensors is small and compact, able to sit on a utility pole or a traffic light, and can work in all weather conditions.
Homeland Security will deploy 200 Beta wildfire sensors to high-risk areas across the U.S. in 2024 for operational testing and evaluation, including the 80 sensors in Hawaii. This first round of fire sensors is being provided at no cost to the state.
How many of the senors will be deployed on the Big Island wasn’t disclosed.
“In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that struck Maui last summer, the Biden-Harris administration and the Department of Homeland Security vowed not just to help Hawaii recover, but also to help safeguard it against the tragic destruction of another such fire,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. “We continue to execute on that promise.
“Today we are deploying dozens of state-of-the-art fire and wind sensors in strategic locations across Hawaii to enable local officials and firefighters to quickly target an initial blaze and initiate evacuation procedures.”
Green said the state welcomes the early alert system and is grateful for the help from the federal agencies.
“We have seen how rapid and devastating wildfires can be,” he said in a statement. “No community, throughout our island state or elsewhere, should ever have to experience so much suffering and loss. This technology will help to save the lives of Hawaii residents and visitors.”
