Early Detection, Smarter Response: SenseNet’s Vision for Wildfire Prevention

Canada’s forests are increasingly under threat. Each year, over 8,000 wildfires burn an average of 2.1M hectares nationwide.

Climate change—through higher temperatures, prolonged droughts, and increased lightning activity—has intensified the frequency and severity of these wildfires. In 2023, 93% of burned areas in Canada were caused by wildfires started through lightning strikes, with British Columbia alone facing its most destructive season on record: over 2.84M hectares burned. With May marking the start of the wildfire season in many regions of the country, communities are bracing for potential risks and implementing preparedness measures.

However, May is also Wildfire Prevention Month, and a perfect opportunity to highlight some of the incredible innovators working to protect our homes, businesses, and the landscapes we love. BC company and Launch and Deliver alumnus SenseNet is using groundbreaking AI technology to offer a solution for wildfire mitigation through faster, more accurate detection—saving municipalities thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars and protecting Canada’s natural resources.

SenseNet’s wildfire detection system integrates AI-enabled cameras, gas sensors, satellite data, and predictive analytics to detect fires in as little as three minutes—often before visible smoke appears. This speed enables emergency teams to act early and prevent small ignitions from becoming uncontrollable blazes.

Their technology addresses key limitations of traditional wildfire detection methods, including:

1. Delayed fire detection and slow response times
2. Limited visibility in remote locations
3. Limited monitoring capabilities and short sensor lifespans 
4. Coverage gaps and inaccurate location data

Once a fire has been detected, their technology doesn’t stop there. Their proprietary SenseCore AI platform can predict fire behaviour and spread with high accuracy, supporting more strategic and efficient responses by firefighters. SenseNet's technology can operate for over three months on a single charge—dramatically outperforming the three-day lifespan of conventional sensors. Their scalable infrastructure allows for flexible deployment and centralized management across diverse areas, ranging from specific infrastructure zones to vast provincial landscapes and remote communities, making their technology highly adaptable.

Wildfires inflict enormous environmental and economic damage. They destroy biodiversity, degrade soil quality, release carbon into the atmosphere, and threaten essential ecosystems. For homeowners, businesses, and municipal governments, the financial toll can be staggering—like the $9B in losses from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire in Alberta, or the $720M from BC’s two major fires in 2023.

The benefits of early wildfire detection are twofold: it not only minimizes destruction and rebuilding expenses for communities and governments, but also provides critical protection for vital infrastructure such as power lines, hydro facilities, and transportation corridors.

Their technology isn't just theoretical, it’s proven. During their three-year pilot project in Vernon, BC from 2022-2024, SenseNet deployed over 1500 sensors and 100 cameras to cover over 45M acres of land. Their technology detected 217 fires and mitigated all within their initial stages, resulting in zero wildfire outbreaks in the pilot coverage areas.

Overall, their technology has detected more than 2700 fires across deployments. Following this success, Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) permanently adopted SenseNet’s system.

SenseNet's innovative solution isn't just promising; it's been rigorously tested and validated by the Government of Canada, CN Rail, and ATCO. SenseNet has forged numerous other key partnerships, scaling their technology and significantly expanding their reach and impact, including:

• BluEarth Renewables
• Rogers Communications
• Juvare
• iez! Telecom
• Wesbild Group

Beyond wildfire detection, SenseNet's versatile technology finds innovative applications across diverse sectors. Its adaptability supports the protection of linear infrastructure such as pipelines and railways, safeguards agricultural lands, and enables rapid aerial surveillance through integration with drone systems.

Their advice to clients looking to integrate new wildfire technology?  

• Identify your most vulnerable areas and assets to prioritize protection
• Choose solutions that can scale and adapt as your needs evolve
• Partner with experienced providers who understand your specific challenges
• Look for integrated systems that combine multiple technologies rather than fragmented tools

SenseNet is currently installing their technology in 10 communities across BC and Alberta, with plans to expand both nationally and internationally. The company continues to innovate, with upcoming efforts focused on developing advanced SPAA sensors, exploring mass production of printable sensors, leveraging quantum computing with D-Wave for improved predictive capabilities, and adapting its technology for urban applications.

SenseNet’s proactive approach and ongoing innovation point toward a future where advanced technology mitigates wildfire risks and protects our communities and natural heritage.