THE Green Triangle’s AI-powered fire detection camera network is proving to be a critical asset in boosting firefighting intelligence and response times, identifying 46 unplanned fires in south west Victoria this past fire season.
Analysis of the 2024-2025 season, which recorded some of the driest conditions on record, revealed the system made 245 alerts – a 40% increase on the previous year.
The camera network, developed in partnership with Pano AI and deployed at seven strategic locations, provides real-time intelligence to inform decision making by fire managers.
Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) General Manager, Anthony Walsh said the technology was the first to detect at least seven fires this fire season – five on public land – before any human reports were made.
The network of seven cameras, funded and operated by the GTFA members, provides surveillance across 583,000 hectares of public and private landscape with sites at Dergholm, Lake Mundi, Rennick, Nelson, Dartmoor, Digby and Hicks Hill, near Macarthur, covering CFA Regions 4, 5 and 17.
Mr Walsh said the cameras had enhanced situational awareness, actively helping reduce firefighting costs through earlier detection, further strengthening relationships between plantation managers and local fire agencies.
“The plantation industry’s investment in this cutting-edge system is clearly paying off. Earlier alerts and more accurate situational awareness are enabling faster, more effective firefighting efforts that help protect both industry assets and the broader community,” Mr Walsh said.
The AI-driven 360-degree panoramic cameras were particularly valuable in remote and less-monitored regions, effectively identifying fires sparked by lightning strikes. Detection data highlighted the broad regional impact of the system, with 64% of fires occurring on public land, 21% on agricultural properties, 10% on plantation estates and five% along public roads.
While seasonal comparisons can be complex due to shifting weather patterns, Mr Walsh emphasised the AI’s capabilities were clearly advancing year-on-year.
“The more fires the system detects, the smarter it becomes – refining its ability to assess threats and respond with precision. These results show we’re not just responding faster, we’re responding smarter,” he said.
One notable success this season occurred on 9 March 2025, when the AI system detected a lightning-ignited fire in the Weecurra State Forest near Digby.
As night fell and fire crews struggled to locate the ignition point in challenging terrain, data from the camera network pinpointed the source, allowing for immediate suppression. Fire managers later confirmed that a delayed response would have led to a significantly larger blaze and greater regional impact.
The network also played a vital role in monitoring fires throughout the long fire season, providing real-time intelligence to guide containment efforts, including the November Kadnook fires.
Additionally, the camera system is supporting state agencies with real-time intelligence to support the coordination of controlled burns throughout the region in the cooler months.
Mr Walsh credited the success of the season to the strong collaboration between GTFA members, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) and across the border collaboration with the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS).
“This has been one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory, with extreme dryness and lightning events elevating fire risk. We’re proud that our real-time technology has helped our fire agencies act quickly and decisively,” he said.
“The GTFA is committed to building on this success, reviewing our approach this winter as we continue to invest in modern fire management technologies to help safeguard our communities and landscapes into the future.”
Mr Walsh said the GTFA was exploring opportunities to expand the Victorian network of cameras to further improve coverage.
What is the GTFA?
The Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) is an industry-led initiative established to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fire suppression, detection, and prevention across the Green Triangle region. Representing both hardwood and softwood plantation owners and managers, the GTFA is a subcommittee of the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) and continues the long-standing work of the former Green Triangle Forest Fire Co-operative.
Formed in 2020, the GTFA unites nine plantation companies who collectively operate a fleet of 100 firefighting appliances, including an industry-dedicated helicopter, and coordinate a 300-strong team of trained firefighters.
With a strong focus on future-proofing plantation fire management and reducing risk exposure, the GTFA emphasises cross-border coordination to protect not just plantation assets, but local communities.
The GTFA’s efforts complement the long-standing work of the Forest Owners Conference (FOC) and are delivered in close partnership with key firefighting and emergency response agencies including Country Fire Authority (CFA), SA Country Fire Service (CFS) and Forest Fire Management Victoria
