Funding boost for Murdoch Uni WA researchers’ AI software that could detect bushfires early

Researchers in Perth’s south are developing artificial intelligence that could detect a bushfire in its earliest stages and alert those at risk faster.

A team of researchers at Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute were awarded funding earlier this month by Cisco to develop the software.

Early stages of the project will involve collecting data during prescribed burns in order to “visually train” the AI to detect the composition of different fires.

Harry Butler Insitute director of operations Andre deSouza told PerthNow that final designs of the camera and AI model were potentially 18 months away.

“We’re hoping to have an initial model trained following the next prescribed burns season (in) April to May 2024,” he said.

“After the next prescribed burn period, we should have more data.

“While data is being collected and an AI model being trained, we will be working on the camera design itself.”

The research begins just weeks after Perth’s northern suburbs were ravaged by flames, after an out-of-control bushfire was reported on November 22 in Mariginiup.

The fire proceeded to burn through 1900 hectares over four days before it was declared under control by firefighters.

Less than three weeks earlier, a series of blazes during a heatwave razed areas and threatened homes around Mandurah and Piara Waters.

Mr deSouza said the project would help rapid detection and response to bushfires.

“Each year, devastating bushfires and wildfires cause significant loss of biodiversity and wildlife, damage property and threaten human lives.

“We simply wish to assist in developing these tools to mitigate against this destruction.”

Mr deSouza said he hoped the AI cameras could eventually be deployed Australia-wide.

“Early warning systems in remote areas can be useful where it might take some time for a fire to get noticed otherwise,” he said.

“We are hoping to provide notifications to key decision-makers.”

Researcher Dr David Murray said the system would be in place 24/7.

“The ability to have year-round, all-hours automated systems to detect and trigger human responses to bushfires is of great importance,” he said.

“Bushfires have had a massive impact on Australia, particularly wildlife and our non-urban communities.”