The Green Triangle (an area spanning south east South Australia and south west Victoria) will soon be home to Australia’s largest camera bushfire detection network. This investment in technology supports quick and precise fire detection, protecting communities and plantation forests, a crucial industry for the region.
Spanning 14 locations, Pano AI offers a comprehensive turnkey solution that integrates high definition cameras, satellite feeds, artificial intelligence, and modern cloud software to detect and pinpoint new ignitions and alert fire professionals within minutes.
Pano AI currently actively operates in Australia and the US. In total, Pano monitors a land area of over 2.4 million hectares. Pano provides services in four Australian states: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
They also provide service in six US states: California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. In Australia, customers include Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Southern Cross Forests, and Noosa Council’s FireTech Connect Program.
Internationally, notable customers in the US include PacifiCorp, Xcel Energy, Portland General Electric (PGE), Holy Cross Energy, Big Sky Fire Department, Aspen Fire Protection District, Telluride Fire Protection District, Boulder County, Washington DNR
The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub
The Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) is a group of nine companies invested in the future of the Green Triangle’s regional forestry and wood fibre sector.
Members include Australian Bluegum Plantations, AKD Softwoods, Borg Manufacturing, Green Triangle Forest Products, HVP Plantations, New Forests, NF McDonnell & Sons, OneFortyOne and Timberlink Australia.
The GTFIH covers 90% of the region’s forest industry and represents a unique cross-section –growers and processors, both softwood and hardwood located in south east South Australia and south west Victoria
The key to keeping fires small and limiting the impact on industry and the community is through rapid response and the world-leading actionable intelligence helps fire crews get to the scene faster and safer.
The key to keeping fires small and limiting the impact on industry and the community is through rapid response and the world-leading actionable intelligence helps fire crews get to the scene faster and safer.
With the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires observed in recent years, early detection is critical to minimising the damage and protecting lives and properties.
The deployment of Pano cameras is expected to significantly improve the accuracy and speed of fire detection, enabling firefighting agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Speaking from Mount Gambier, South Australian Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forestry, Clare Scriven said “South Australia’s $1.4 billion forest industry has had a long and strong history of embracing cutting edge technology and the implementation of Pano’s AI fire detection system continues this proud legacy.
“Unfortunately, fire doesn’t recognise boundaries so this collaborative State Government/industry initiative in utilising this ground-breaking technology helps us to ensure the best fire management tools are at our disposal.
“This is a system that isn’t just for the benefit of the Green Triangle forest region but is a win-win for all other landscape users, primary producers and local communities.”
“We applaud Minister Clare Scriven, the Government of South Australia and the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) for leading the installation of modern detection technology to combat the growing threat of bushfires,” said Arvind Satyam, Chief Commercial Officer and one of founding members of Pano AI.
“Our team at Pano is made up of former fire professionals as well as world class technologists who have come together to build the best possible tools for first responders. We’re excited to partner with the GTFIH across their region spanning South Australia and Victoria”
Cameron MacDonald, Chair of the GTFIH said that it was a priority to utilise leading technology as a key protection measure: “This tool from Pano AI provides us with the best opportunity to detect ignitions early so we can extinguish threats before they threaten lives, property and our industry.”
Andrew Prolov, Head of Australia Go-To-Market, Pano AI, says the new technology will help transform the way that the GTFIH manages bushfires.
“When Pano detects a fire threat, our 24/7 intelligence centre confirms the fire and sends an alert within minutes, helping customers and authorities by rapidly sharing real-time intelligence to their extended and remote teams, enabling a fast, safe and coordinated response,” he said.
According to Anthony Walsh, Manager, Green Triangle Fire Alliance said this new technology will protect one of Australia’s most important forestry regions, and with La Nina over, the timing couldn’t be more critical
“We look forward to working closely with Pano AI to have the system in place and operating before the coming fire season,” he said.
By leveraging the power of AI and technology, these cameras hold the promise of reducing the devastating impact of wildfires and safeguarding both human lives and natural habitats.
In preparation for the upcoming 2023/24 fire season, authorities are set to deploy the cutting-edge Pano cameras in wildfire-prone regions as part of an intensified effort to enhance early wildfire detection, timely response, and effective prevention measures to safeguard communities and natural landscapes.
