FirstNet announced yesterday it will be introducing a new remote monitoring solution called GRIDWIDE FIRE-SPY™ to help combat the spread of wildfires. GRID20/20, Inc., maker of the system said it was pronounced FirstNet Ready® as a public safety protection solution. The GRIDWIDE FIRE-SPY is designed to reduce wildfire impacts and occurrences, reduce post-event rehabilitation costs, lessen environmental damages, and reduce liabilities risk for utility operators.
“GRIDWIDE FIRE-SPY will present a first-ever, always-on outdoor wildfire monitoring solution that leverages existing electric utility infrastructure to simultaneously deliver valuable early detection, automated alerts, prevention and situational awareness capabilities. All of these features are combined into one cost-effective solution,” said Alan Snook, GRID20/20 spokesperson.
Snook said the sensor solution has been successfully field-tested, involving utility operator personnel and first responders, at various locations within Virginia and Hawaii.
“Our field tests suggest that GRIDWIDE FIRE-SPY will certainly help to pinpoint unfolding event location accuracy better than just relying on a citizen driving down the road and calling a 911 center,” said Chief Kevin Foster, Company 1, Prince George Volunteer Fire Department, Prince George, VA. “This outdoor, atmospheric monitoring solution will be paramount to improved public safety.“
The sensors can typically be deployed onto overhead distribution transformers in under 10 minutes by utility operators. By leveraging the location, height, and density of existing transformers, the system is designed to provide an outdoor monitoring canopy that quickly overarches a communitie. In addition, the sensors provide outdoor smoke and gasses detection, ground surface temperature monitoring, and changing atmosphere humidity levels which are individually and collectively indicative of wildfire conditions.
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