DENVER, CO – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced the delivery and phased implementation of wildland fire sensors throughout Colorado that can detect the early stages of wildfires before they spread. Currently, 20 wildfire detection and four wind sensors are being delivered to Jefferson County, Colorado and are expected to be tested this winter. There are currently two wildfire detection sensors installed in Boulder County, and Gilpin County will receive 100 sensors in the coming months.
Colorado is the latest state to receive these sensors for testing and evaluation, following successful deployments this year to high-risk fire zones in the Hawaiian Islands and California. Tennessee is also on the horizon to receive the sensors soon. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fire Administration and N5 Sensors Inc., this technology will help firefighters respond faster, save lives and keep residents safe from future fires.
“Operationalizing technologies is at the core of S&T’s work, and this National Preparedness Month, we are proud to pilot these sensors to help Colorado prevent and mitigate against future wildfires,” said Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov [kooz-nets-off], DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “We have a chance to get ahead of extreme weather in our country with these AI-based sensors that work 24/7 to quickly detect an initial wildfire blaze, giving first responders as much advanced warning as possible. Through investments in research, development, and innovation, S&T develops groundbreaking tools like these sensors to support DHS security missions and first responders.”
The piloting of these sensors coincides with Under Secretary Kusnezov’s visit to Colorado this week to listen, learn, and engage with emergency managers and first responders who work on the front lines of rapid change and evolving threats.
In Denver, Under Secretary Kusnezov engaged with members of the nation’s Big City Emergency Managers at their Fall 2024 meeting to discuss challenges and opportunities to leverage emerging technology solutions to increase community resilience.
In Boulder, S&T participated in the Boulder Office of Disaster Management’s Disaster Preparedness Forum, which included an all-hazards responder needs discussion, followed by an in-depth conversation about increasing wildfire threats and potential solutions – including ongoing S&T projects – to build community resilience against them. This engagement featured a display of several S&T wildfire preparedness technologies, including the wildfire sensor, a wildland fire respirator capable of removing airborne hazards in the wildland firefighting operating environment, and the Colorado Tactical Awareness Kit (COTAK) situational awareness platform.
“As fire risks continue to evolve across our region, we’re excited to work with S&T on innovative solutions to help our first responders with efficiency and their own safety in the field,” said Mike Chard, Director, Office of Disaster Management for City of Boulder & Boulder County. The forum was a vital opportunity for us to collaborate directly with S&T and other emergency personnel, sharing our real-world experiences and exploring how these technologies can continue to improve safety for our residents.”
This National Preparedness Month, S&T is continuing its work to learn about the changing all-hazards environment in Colorado and across the United States, educate decision-makers about emerging first responder technology options, and amplify research impacts in Colorado and across the U.S. To learn more about the sensors and other first responder program, visit https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/first-responders-capability.
About DHS S&T
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) mission is to enable effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions and support departmental acquisitions. Created by Congress in 2003, S&T conducts basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation activities relevant to support Homeland Security and first responder operations and protect critical infrastructure. For more information about S&T, visit https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology.
