Climate change, prolonged drought and increased human activity are significantly raising the risk of wildfires in natural areas. Early detection is critical: minutes determine whether an incident remains local or escalates into a large-scale crisis affecting infrastructure, environment and nearby communities.
Based on intensive stakeholder research, we propose a scalable early-warning concept that integrates AI-enabled detection cameras with human-in-the-loop validation and drone support. The camera network provides continuous automated monitoring and rapid smoke detection, while operators verify alerts to avoid false positives and ensure reliable escalation. Drones complement the system by validating detections, providing situational awareness and supporting emergency services during active incidents. With a phased rollout and procurement roadmap, we can gradually move from pilots to operational deployment.
