AI-driven early detection tool could help combat bushfires

Dryad Networks, an ultra-early wildfire detection company, could help tackle bushfires in the region after setting up its first office in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) — in New South Wales’ Macquarie Park. The new ANZ hub is intended to strengthen Dryad’s ability to work directly with governments, emergency services and industry partners to prevent fires before they spread.

“Australia and New Zealand are on the frontlines of climate adaptation, and early fire detection is critical,” said Sohan Domingo, Dryad’s VP of Sales, Technology and Operations, who is leading the ANZ expansion. “With a local team, Dryad can work directly with authorities and land managers to stop fires before they spread.”

Starting with a dedicated local team, Dryad intends to scale up as demand grows, with the view that having a local base will mean working closely with emergency responders, forestry services and national parks to roll out fire detection solutions tailored to ANZ’s unique landscapes.

Dryad’s technology is designed to detect fires before flames appear, to prevent devastating losses. Each sensor runs maintenance-free for up to 15 years and is powered by a small, integrated solar cell. Designed for rugged conditions, the sensors form a wireless mesh network that provides reliable coverage even in remote areas.

With real-time fire maps, Dryad says the solution outperforms spotting towers, infrared cameras and satellites, which only detect fires once they’ve spread. By detecting fires at the smouldering stage, Dryad says it gives emergency services a crucial head start.

“Bushfires don’t just destroy landscapes and communities, they also fuel climate change,” Domingo said. “Early detection is the key to stopping them before they spread. Dryad’s expansion isn’t just about growth; it’s about protecting lives, infrastructure and forests. By reducing fire risk, we’re also cutting carbon emissions and building a more resilient future.”

Silvaguard, an autonomous AI-powered drone that uses acoustic waves to extinguish fires, is part of Dryad’s bushfire suppression solution. It provides a rapid, automated response to fire outbreaks detected by Dryad’s sensors, reinforcing early intervention efforts. Plans are also underway to explore deployment opportunities in ANZ, where fast-moving fires pose a critical challenge.

Local alliances with Indicium Dynamics, Indigenous Industries Australia and Thinxtra, as well as New Zealand’s Direct Safety, are intended to accelerate deployment. These alliances tap into local expertise and are intended to help scale bushfire detection across ANZ. To refine its system and strengthen bushfire resilience in diverse landscapes, Dryad also works with emergency responders, government agencies and research institutions.

Image: Supplied.