Using AI to predict and prevent fire hazards

As fire safety technology continues to evolve, new solutions are redefining security across both domestic and industrial settings. In fact, the global fire protection system market is expected to expand by US$14.58 billion between 2024 and 2028, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in shaping these advancements,¹ writes CATHY BRAND, CEO at Brooks Australia.

With a growing focus on integrating fire alarms with other essential safety and building management systems, future developments will likely prioritise enhanced user experience through greater personalisation and automation — creating systems that align seamlessly with daily routines and proactively address human needs.

Over the last decade, AI and big data have transformed many aspects of life, bringing sophisticated innovations to the building and construction industry. AI applications in fire detection, risk assessment and predictive fire analysis are on the rise, making fire safety technology more intuitive and seamlessly embedded in our lives. With advances like real-time fire detection systems, AI may soon allow us to predict and prevent fire hazards before they even emerge.

Reducing false alarms with AI technology

Unwanted alarms can undermine trust in fire detection systems, making it crucial to reduce their occurrence. Advanced systems address this with features like dust and insect protection, delay mechanisms for disturbances, adjustable sensitivity, specialised detection algorithms, and self-learning functions that adapt to environmental changes.

Some commercial fire systems have integrated AI technology to further minimise false alarms. These systems continuously analyse data, selecting the best algorithm and adjusting dynamically. With 36 hours to 20 days of monitoring, they help to enhance performance. Manual algorithm selection is also available for defined environments, offering flexibility and reliability.

How AI is shaping the future of fire safety

Looking ahead, in the next 20 years, fire safety technology is likely to be defined by increasingly sophisticated AI and automated systems. For electronic fire products and solutions, this could mean the development of real-time fire detection systems equipped with AI to predict and prevent potential hazards before they even arise. Smart systems may deliver instant alerts and in-depth analytics, enhancing both safety and response time.

AI is increasingly being used to enhance fire safety engineering and firefighting practices. This integration is being explored in three primary areas to elevate the design, monitoring and management of fire safety in buildings.²

1. AI-based smart fire safety design: This approach uses AI models trained on large fire databases to predict fire behaviour in real time. The AI can simulate complex fire scenarios, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with traditional fire modelling techniques like CFD (computational fluid dynamics). It can also optimise design parameters such as fire size and ventilation to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
2. Building fire digital twin: The concept of a ‘digital twin’ involves creating a virtual representation of a building’s fire safety system. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and AI, this system can provide real-time fire detection, simulate fire behaviour, and assist emergency responders by predicting how a fire will develop and affect different building areas. The system can also offer insights into preventative measures and improve evacuation planning.
3. Super real-time fire forecast: AI-driven forecasting is used to predict the evolution of fire incidents and critical events, such as flashovers or structural collapses, with five- to 10-minute lead times. This forecast aids firefighters and emergency responders by providing critical information to guide their interventions, reducing response times and improving safety. A self-healing sensor network is suggested to ensure continuous data transmission during a fire event.

Early fire risk detection is crucial in high-density environments like workplaces, where thousands may occupy a single building. AI technologies are set to revolutionise fire safety by providing faster, more precise risk predictions, enhancing real-time incident monitoring, and supporting innovative firefighting strategies. As AI advances, its role in optimising fire safety design and response will become indispensable.

<sup>1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-fire-protection-system-market-is-projected-to-grow-by-usd-14-58-billion-from-2024-2028--with-ai-impacting-trends-and-iot-integrated-smoke-detectors-boosting-growth---technavio-302256021.html
2. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-98685-8_6</sup>

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