Bushfire detection cameras installed in northwest Tasmanian forestry plantations

It can detect bushfires very early in areas where the nearest humans or other infrastructure is dozens of kilometres away. How new technology is being rolled out in Tasmania.

Wayatinah Bushfire, the blaze near Ouse threatening the Derwent Valley town, a tree explodes in flames fanned by strong winds

New AI-powered cameras that detect bushfires in their very early stages have been installed in northwest Tasmania.

The private forestry management company Forico has placed four cameras at Companion Hill, Guildford, Ridgley, and West Takone.

Forico General Manager Enterprise Performance Jim Wilson said the unplanned fires were one of the biggest threats to the forestry industry.

“After trialling a Pano AI fire detection camera at our plantation estate in North West Tasmania for six months, we have now made the decision to invest in four new camera stations for the next three years,” Mr Wilson said.

“The use of four stations allows for triangulation so the exact location of a fire can be pinpointed accurately.

“It also benefits the community and other livelihoods in the region by addressing the risk to businesses and public safety that fire represents.

“While this is an important first step for Forico, in the long term, we would hope to see technology of this kind covering Tasmania more broadly, supported by public rather than private investment.”

Pano AI bushfire detection camera at Companion Hill in northwest Tasmania. Picture: Supplied.

Pano AI Head of Australia GTM Andrew Prolov said the technology was designed to protect people and landscapes from the increasing threat of bushfires.

“Our AI-powered detection network acts as a force multiplier, providing rapid, accurate fire insights that protect both communities and critical infrastructure,” Mr Prolov said.

“In simple terms, it keeps people out of harm’s way and, in the case of emergency service personnel, allows them to be deployed most effectively.

“Forico’s investment in Pano AI is not just about safeguarding assets – it’s about strengthening the resilience of the entire region to the threat of bushfire disaster.”

Burnie City Council mayor Teeny Brumby. Picture: Burnie City Council.

Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby said adopting advanced technology was key to safeguarding natural resources and ensuring the long-term success of critical infrastructure projects.

“This initiative fits seamlessly into our pursuit of protecting not just our existing assets but also the clean energy infrastructure that is so crucial to the future of our region,” Ms Brumby said.

“Forico’s involvement in projects at the intersection of environmental stewardship and clean energy demonstrates the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that will enable us to achieve our shared goals.”

Pano AI co-founder Arvind Satyam said scaling bushfire detection technology was a key objective for the organisation.

“Having already deployed hundreds of Pano AI stations globally, we have a skilled team on the ground in Australia with the expertise to deliver industrial-scale bushfire detection networks at scale and provide dedicated support to our customers and first responders,” Mr Satyam said.

“We understand the immense risk bushfires pose and our systems are protecting over 2 million hectares in Australia alone, and we’re ready to expand that coverage wherever needed.”