BURSTCutting edge modern technology has stepped in to catch any wildfires spotted in the Nanaimo area before they can grow out of control.
The forest company Mosaic Forest Management has installed new smoke-detection cameras on top of Mount Benson with 360-degree coverage and up to 50 kilometres of range to continuously scan the landscape, automatically zooming in when a potential smoke plume is detected.
The cameras are the first of their kind on Vancouver Island, and will help identify the start of nearby wildfires earlier and faster, day or night.
Mosaic said in a release that the camera system, which was developed by Vancouver-based SenseNet, can distinguish between smoke, clouds and fog as well different kinds of fires, like a campfire.
Detection to verification takes minutes before an alert is sent to Mosaic, where it’s reviewed by an internal team before B.C. Wildfire Service is notified so a response can be mobilized.
“Early detection technology like this gives everyone more time to respond,” said Steve Mjaaland, director of forest protection at Mosaic.
“It’s an effective way to catch a wildfire in the beginning, so that we can limit impact on surrounding communities, drinking-water sources and our working forest.”
Because the cameras’ monitoring range extends beyond Mosaic’s land base on Mount Benson and in the area, nearby landowners stand to benefit as well.
Any alert the camera generates, regardless of whose land it’s on, will be passed to B.C. Wildfire Service.
“Being a responsible landowner means thinking beyond your property lines and accounting for neighbours and community safety,” Mjaaland said.
As of Aug. 21, there have been 35 wildfires on Mosaic’s operating areas in coastal B.C., underscoring the need for tools that can catch a fire in its earliest moments.
Mayor Leonard Krog said Mount Benson, which overlooks the city, is one of Nanaimo’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the community.
He said that with the installation of the new wildfire-detection cameras, Mount Benson will also serve as an important early warning point for wildfire activity in the region.
“We appreciate Mosaic’s investment in advanced smoke-detection technology that strengthens wildfire preparedness and supports the safety of Nanaimo and neighbouring communities,” Krog said.
“This initiative demonstrates the value of innovation with proactive planning in building a more resilient community.”