The South Australian Government has unveiled a groundbreaking step in bushfire preparedness with the rollout of an AI-powered detection system across the South East, just in time for the fire danger season. This initiative aims to bolster community and plantation safety, marking the first commercial application of Pano AI technology in Australia.
Backed by a $2.346 million investment, the project integrates cutting-edge AI capabilities into traditional surveillance systems, enhancing the early detection of potential threats. The Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) oversees the network, which includes eight ultra-HD 360-degree panoramic cameras. These advanced tools work in tandem with AI and satellite technologies to identify fires at their earliest stages and provide critical support for firefighting efforts.
The cameras have already demonstrated their potential. During the phased rollout, the network flagged 25 unplanned fires in South Australia, including significant incidents such as the German Flat fire in January and a vehicle arson case in Tantanoola in April. The system’s ability to deliver real-time intelligence has been instrumental in aiding swift suppression activities, highlighting its value not only to forest plantations but to the wider community.
This system is part of a broader strategy to fortify South Australia’s defences against bushfires. Alongside the new camera network, additional resources have been allocated, including the deployment of a Blackhawk helicopter at Parafield Airport and the expansion of the Alert SA app into a multi-hazard platform. These measures aim to provide more comprehensive coverage and quicker response times as the state braces for a bushfire season expected to bring hotter, drier conditions.
The Limestone Coast, where the cameras are stationed, represents a vital hub for South Australia’s primary industries. The region is home to extensive plantations spanning over 130,000 hectares, as well as local communities that rely heavily on these lands for their livelihoods. Ensuring their protection is paramount, and this system adds a layer of reassurance for residents, primary producers, and emergency personnel.
The Pano AI technology isn’t just about spotting fires—it’s about providing actionable insights. Notifications of detected incidents are verified by a Pano analyst before being relayed to the GTFA and the Country Fire Service (CFS). Using the Pano360 interface, users can access features like asset mapping and weather overlays, enhancing situational awareness during critical moments.
While this innovation represents a significant upgrade, traditional fire towers staffed by vigilant personnel will continue to operate. This hybrid approach combines the precision of AI with human expertise, maximising the region’s capacity to detect and respond to fires promptly.
The potential for broader application is already under discussion. The effectiveness of the system in the Limestone Coast will guide decisions on expanding the technology to other parts of the state. Such an expansion could extend the benefits of rapid fire detection and improved situational awareness to even more South Australians.
This project has seen robust collaboration between the state government and the forestry sector, which invests approximately $13 million annually in fire prevention, detection, and response. Nathan Paine, CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the industry’s plantations, noting that bushfires pose the greatest threat to this resource. With rotations lasting up to 30 years, protecting seedlings from fire ensures the long-term viability of the sector and the jobs it supports in regional communities.
Pano AI’s Australian Head of GTM, Andrew Prolov, described the system as a “force multiplier,” delivering rapid, precise fire data to emergency responders. By offering a clear picture of developing situations, the technology enables personnel to act strategically, minimising harm to both people and assets.
Beyond its immediate application in plantations, the system’s reach extends across a broad area, covering just 10% of the forest estate while protecting commodities, communities, and infrastructure over a much larger expanse. This scalability underscores the transformative potential of AI in bushfire management, not just for forestry but for all at-risk areas.
Minister Clare Scriven highlighted the dual benefits of the system, protecting both plantations and communities. With a range of up to 20 kilometres, the cameras offer an extra layer of security, especially on catastrophic fire danger days and during night-time hours.
Meanwhile, local MP Dan Cregan pointed out that this technology complements existing firefighting tools, strengthening regional resilience in the face of increasingly challenging conditions. The integration of AI and aerial resources like the Blackhawk helicopter represents a forward-thinking approach to tackling bushfires in an era of heightened risk.
For South Australia’s forestry industries, the stakes are high. Fires can devastate decades of growth, threatening livelihoods and regional economies. This initiative reflects a shared commitment from government and industry to protect these critical assets and the people who depend on them.
The rollout of Pano AI cameras marks a turning point in bushfire management for the region. By merging advanced technology with traditional methods, the initiative offers a proactive response to one of the most pressing challenges facing South Australians. With its success already evident in the South East, this approach could well set the standard for bushfire detection and response across the country.
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