In the global battle against wildfires, a new innovation promises to change the game: a pinecone-sized fire detector designed to offer early warning in vulnerable areas. Developed by a group of recent design graduates, this device could provide a cost-effective solution for under-resourced communities, potentially saving lives and property.
Currently, wildfire detection relies on a range of technologies, including satellites, drones, and thermal cameras. However, these tools can be prohibitively expensive, especially for regions lacking resources. The newly developed device, named Pyri, aims to fill this gap with its simple yet effective design.
Design and Functionality
Pyri’s sensors are crafted from wax and charcoal composites, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the environment without leaving a footprint. These devices can be left in fire-prone areas for years without maintenance. Upon detecting heat from a fire, the sensors activate an internal trigger, emitting a low-frequency signal to alert authorities.
Karina Gunadi, co-founder of Pyri, explained the device’s potential impact:
“It can help people evacuate sooner, and it can stop fires from growing before they’re uncontrollable — before they’re really devastating.”
The idea for Pyri originated as a college project in London, with three of the four design engineering students deciding to pursue it commercially after graduation.
Nature-Inspired Innovation
The concept of Pyri draws inspiration from nature, particularly from fire-dependent species like certain pine trees. These trees rely on fire to reproduce, as their seeds are released when the resin sealing their pinecones melts in high heat. Gunadi and her team applied this natural adaptation to their design, using nature-based materials to create a simple form of wildfire detection.
The device’s pinecone-like appearance is not just aesthetic; it serves a functional purpose. The ribbed structure helps protect the sensors from impact, especially when deployed from the air, and ensures they remain inconspicuous to both humans and animals. Gunadi humorously noted,
“We’ve actually lost one in the environment. So, in terms of camouflage, we’re doing maybe a little too well!”
Addressing Environmental Concerns
A significant challenge for Pyri’s creators is the commitment to using non-toxic materials. The team is avoiding rare earth metals and lithium-ion batteries, opting instead for organic electronics. Although the precise composition of the device remains undisclosed due to a pending patent application, the goal is to ensure that once the devices burn up, they leave no negative environmental impact.
Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change, with longer, hotter, and drier fire seasons. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reported that wildfires were responsible for an estimated 6,687 megatons of carbon dioxide pollution in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for effective detection and prevention solutions.
Global Implications and Future Prospects
Pyri’s impact is personal for its creators. Co-founder Richard Alexandre, from Brazil, witnessed the destruction caused by forest fires in the Pantanal region. Gunadi, who grew up in California, experienced the 2020 North Complex Fire firsthand, recalling the eerie orange sky that engulfed San Francisco.
Early detection is crucial, as wildfires can spread at speeds of up to 14 miles per hour. A 2020 study by the Australian National University found that reducing response time by just one hour could decrease the frequency of large fires by 16%. In response to this need, the Biden-Harris administration allocated $15 million for new fire weather observing systems, while Google announced $13 million for its FireSat initiative.
Pyri is not alone in developing ground-based sensor technology. Since 2019, the US Department of Homeland Security has been exploring new wildfire detectors in collaboration with small businesses. These efforts aim to enhance early detection capabilities through innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Pyri plans to offer a subscription package that includes sensors, installation, and monitoring software, targeting customers with limited resources. The company aims to start with sectors such as forestry, agriculture, and utilities in the US, with interest already emerging from international markets.
Since its inception, Pyri has been focused on research, development, and fundraising, including winning a £5,000 prize from the James Dyson Award. The company plans to conduct small-scale tests later this year, with larger pilots and a commercial launch anticipated in 2027.