The deployment of four new state-of-the-art bushfire detection stations across North West Tasmania was announced recently, marking a significant advancement in fire risk management for the region. Source: Timberbiz
The announcement was made by Forico, Tasmania’s largest private forest manager, managing approximately 173,000 hectares across the state, who will use the cameras to enhance their capacity to quickly detect and respond to bushfires.
The technology has been developed by Pano AI and offers a fully integrated bushfire detection solution that combines ultra-high-definition 360-degree panoramic cameras, satellite technology, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to detect new fire ignitions at the earliest stages.
The cameras will be strategically positioned at Companion Hill, Guildford, Ridgley, and West Takone, with each offering a 16km detection radius, covering surrounding communities and infrastructure from Burnie in the North to Guildford in the South, including rural towns, national parks and reserves.
Forico General Manager Enterprise Performance, Jim Wilson, said unplanned fires are one of the most significant risks facing Australia’s forestry sector.
“Forico’s decision to install Pano AI cameras reflects our commitment to continual improvement in mitigating the threat of fire,” Mr Wilson said.
“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.
“The use of four stations allows for triangulation so the exact location of a fire can be pinpointed accurately. This is a significant step in our pursuit of combating bushfires, which are by far the most significant threat to our assets.
“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.”
The Pano AI cameras’ advanced triangulation capabilities enable precise fire location detection, allowing Forico’s Duty Officer to respond immediately.
Operating 24/7, the cameras provide constant surveillance, reinforcing the company’s integrated fire response system, which includes collaboration with the Tasmanian Fire Service and Forico’s team of trained firefighting personnel.
Pano AI Head of Australia GTM, Andrew Prolov, said the technology is dedicated to maximising effectiveness in protecting both 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. 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,” Mr Prolov said.
“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.”
This cutting-edge technology brings far-reaching benefits beyond Forico’s estate. By monitoring residential areas, roads, and national parks, the cameras bolster public safety and protect valuable infrastructure, including proposed clean energy developments in the region.
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,” Mayor 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.”
Chief Commercial Officer and co-founder of Pano AI, 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 two million hectares in Australia alone, and we’re ready to expand that coverage wherever needed.
“Pano AI is proud to partner with Forico, whose proactive investment reflects a commitment to protecting their forestry assets and the surrounding communities.
Pano AI has systems operational in multiple regions across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania, with 30 separate stations monitoring more than two million hectares of forests, farmland, and renewable energy zones.
This extensive camera network plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of catastrophic bushfires and is helping mitigate the growing trend of fire-affected areas, which have increased by around 48,000 hectares per year over the past three decades.
