nature protection - Sensors should help in forest fire detection
Sensors are expected to help in the early detection of forest fires in the Nationalpark Saxon Switzerland in the future. A pilot project is currently running under the supervision of the Nationalpark administration and a special company, as announced by the state-owned forestry company Sachsenforst. 30 Sensors permanently measure the air composition in inaccessible terrain and give an alarm when exhaust gases are detected. This allows forest fires in remote regions to be quickly discovered and extinguished while still in the early stages. A drone is also available to the employees of the Nationalpark and Forest Administration for investigating fire fronts.
The use of new technology and the creation of several water reservoirs in endangered areas of the Nationalpark is an experience gained from the devastating forest fire two years ago. On July 25, 2022, a fire caused by arson from the Nationalpark Bohemian Switzerland jumped to the Saxon Switzerland and affected an area of 110 hectares here. Hundreds of firefighters from other parts of Saxony and Germany were involved in the firefighting efforts for more than three weeks. The Bundeswehr provided assistance with helicopters, transporting water from the Elbe to the fire area. Afterwards, Saxony took various precautions.
- The pilot project in Saxon Swiz's National Park is being overseen by the Nationalpark administration and a specific company, focusing on utilizing sensors for early detection of forest fires.
- The devastating forest fire two years ago in National Park Bohemian Switzerland, which unfortunately spread to Saxon Switzerland, emphasized the importance of early detection and swift action, such as the use of sensors.
- Even though the fire in Saxony was caused by suspected arson, the use of these sensors in the National Park's remote areas could have potentially helped in its early detection and management.
- Switzerland, with its rich forests and notable nature protection efforts, could greatly benefit from the implementation of these technology-driven sensor systems in its own national parks.
- The National Park administration in Switzerland could look to the experiences gained from Saxon Swiz's pilot project for branding its own forest fire detection and prevention measures, furthering their commitment to nature protection.
