Huawei, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and start-up PROBOTEK, has successfully tested a new forest fire prevention system in Greece. The real-time detection solution, tested through a simulated smoke and fire scenario, is designed to help emergency services respond to forest fires within 15 minutes — the critical window to contain fire risks.
Ren Fujun, CEO of Huawei’s Southeast European Region, highlighted the company’s commitment to Greece, saying, “For two decades, Huawei has brought leading technologies to Greece, believing in innovation’s role in protecting the environment, biodiversity, and citizen safety.”
Greece’s hot, dry, and windy summer conditions, exacerbated by climate change, make the region prone to large-scale forest fires. These fires are increasingly frequent and pose a growing threat to ecosystems, lives, and properties.
NKUA and PROBOTEK conducted the simulation test at NKUA’s forested campus in Athens. Huawei’s network technologies enabled forest sensors to trigger an automated drone response. Real-time footage from the drone, combined with weather and terrain data, allowed AI to predict the fire’s behavior, including:
- The fire’s path and area it would affect
- Time it would take to reach populated areas
- Areas at risk and in need of evacuation
- Details on evacuation routes
The AI-powered system, connected to 5G drones and environmental sensors, can detect factors like CO2 levels, temperature, wind speed, and direction. Initially launched in 2022 at Syggrou Estate near Athens, the system’s latest version now includes advanced fire spread analysis and evacuation route planning. It also provides real-time notifications to residents, helping them follow safe evacuation routes as advised by local authorities.
This wildfire detection solution, aimed at reducing damage and loss of life during fires, was showcased in Discovery’s documentary series Being Digi-Sapiens, where its capabilities were demonstrated. Huawei’s TECH4ALL program, which promotes digital inclusion and sustainability, spearheaded the development of this innovative solution.
