Wildfires destroy ecosystems, harm human health, and release emissions that further exacerbate climate change in a mutually exacerbating cycle. From 2001 - 2022, forest fires emitted 33.9 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide globally (Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2023). By 2100, the number of extreme wildfires is predicted to increase by 50%, with the most significant increases in the Arctic and tropical forests (UN Environment Programme, 2022). These regions have no history of fighting wildfire, are severely underprepared, and therefore the most vulnerable.

Wildfires are the most lethal at the start, when they can catch locals unaware and spread uncontained at rates of up to 23kph. A critical part of reducing the devastation caused by wildfires is the ability to detect wildfires as early and accurately as possible. Recent technological advancements in wildfire detection include IoT sensors, drones, and AI to help predict and catch nascent wildfires, but these technologies are often expensive and take expertise to install and maintain, keeping them inaccessible to these communities who need it most.

Pyri is an innovative, low-cost wildfire detection system designed with remote communities in mind. Inspired by serotinous pine cones which release seeds only in the presence of fire, Pyri is not only bio-inspired but bio-derived. Unlike traditional IoT sensors, Pyri is made of abundant, non-toxic, and nature-derived materials and requires zero maintenance. Its system is also an effective use of human resources, as it is easy to install, does not need skilled training to operate, and most importantly is at an accessible price point. Pyri is lightweight, flexible, and built for communities with no existing wildfire infrastructure.

While details of our potentially patentable technologies remain undisclosed in this application, the key advantages of Pyri lie in its extensive remote coverage. This transformative innovation represents not just an imaginative solution but a hopeful vision for the future of advanced, nature-based wildfire management.

Introduction

Pyri has significantly advanced wildfire detection and prevention through innovative research and technological advancements. From comprehensive research involving over 20 experts and community members across wildfire-impacted regions globally, Pyri's foundation is built on a deep understanding of vulnerable communities' distinct challenges. This deep engagement has guided the creation of a practical, inclusive detection system. Pyri sets new benchmarks in efficiency and environmental sustainability, leveraging organic materials for minimal ecological impact. Designed for extensive, low-cost remote coverage that lasts multiple fire seasons without maintenance, Pyri seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructure, showcasing unparalleled adaptability and precision in deployment.undefined

Process

In developing Pyri, our process integrated firsthand research with a comprehensive analysis of existing studies, global trends, and original technology exploration.This strategy was pivotal in ensuring Pyri's design aligned closely with the genuine needs of those impacted by wildfires.

Our journey commenced with extensive primary research, involving interviews with over 20 individuals, including wildfire experts and people from wildfire-impacted communities across seven countries. Much focus historically has been on the western side of North America (California, British Columbia, etc) but these are wealthy regions with lots of wildfire infrastructure. Our team intentionally brought in different voices by speaking with people from places such as Jamaica, Turkiyë, and Mexico. From these conversations we learned about the unique challenges they face, and were able to design a system that meets them where they are. Our dialogues with specialists, including those from Imperial College's Hazelab, provided a balanced perspective, offering deep insights into the multifaceted challenges and needs in wildfire management.

In our team's technical exploratory phase, our team, inspired by the latest research, investigated a range of sensing technologies. We tested five distinct wildfire detection methods, each representing different likelihood indicators. These experiments were key in pinpointing technologies capable of effectively indicating fire presence, a key insight from our primary research.

Our prototype validation process was thorough and systematic. We proceeded to refine innovative technology concepts, undertaking experiments to meet criteria such as range, simplicity, efficacy, and durability. This approach ensured that our Pyri not only fulfilled the technical practicalities of wildfire detection but also meaningfully addressed the real-world needs at the forefront of wildfire detection and prevention.

Impact

The root causes of the increase in frequency and severity of wildfire are because of climate change and human activity, but the root cause of our inability to respond to wildfires is lack of investment in prevention. The UNEP is urging governments around the world to adopt a "Fire Ready Formula" that allocates two-thirds of spending to planning, prevention, preparedness, and recovery, with the remaining one third for response. Comparatively, response receives over half of spending typically right now. In the United States, "average annual federal spending on fire suppression totaled $2.5 billion (in 2020 dollars) between 2016 and 2020" (Congressional Budget Office, 2022). Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director, says "We have to minimise the risk of extreme wildfires by being better prepared: invest more in fire risk reduction, work with local communities, and strengthen global commitment to fight climate change" (2022).

However, the current solutions for early wildfire detection, which is key to prevention and preparedness, are costly and can take years to build. Therefore when designing Pyri, we focused not only on environmental impact but also system impact. Pyri easily integrates into current forest management practices and requires no skilled workers, no complicated or expensive installation, and zero maintenance.

Validation

The simplicity of Pyri's design philosophy, focusing on the essential query, "Is there a fire?", streamlines operation. This approach has not only drawn acclaim from industry experts who highlighted the capacity of working for multiple fire seasons if not activated without requiring maintenance but also affected communities "as a way of targeting the source of a fire early on". It has also positioned Pyri as one of the 25 standout projects among 200 at the Venture Catalyst Challenge at Imperial College London, an elite entrepreneurial competition, underlining its potential as a sustainable, effective solution in wildfire management.

In the development of Pyri, our team addressed crucial barriers to create a solution that is not only effective but also sustainable in real-world applications. Understanding the varied nature of wildfire risks and needs, our design approach is deeply intertwined with adaptability.

Our metrics for evaluating the success of Pyri include the number of fires detected and prevented, impact on firefighting response times, and the reduction in the land area impacted by fires. Pyri embodies a holistic, adaptive solution, poised to meet the diverse challenges of wildfire detection and prevention today and in the future.