A New high tech surveillance system is transforming how authorities respond to bushfires in South Australia, with artificial intelligence helping detect fires earlier and improve emergency response times across vast forested regions.
The system rolled out across more than one million hectares in the state’s Green Triangle forestry region, has already identified nearly 90 unplanned fires since its launch. Officials say the technology is enabling firefighters to act faster, often when fires are still small and easier to contain.
Developed by Pano AI and supported by a $2.35 million investment from the state government in 2023, the network consists of eight AI-powered cameras installed in key locations across the South East and Limestone Coast. These cameras continuously scan the landscape using ultra high-definition, 360-degree imaging.
Each detection is analysed in real time combining artificial intelligence with satellite data and human verification to confirm potential fire threats. The system not only identifies smoke but also pinpoints a fire location, intensity and proximity to nearby communities, infrastructure and firefighting resources.
Authorities say the results have been significant. Of the 87 fires detected so far, 50 were identified during the 2024–25 Fire Danger Season, while 12 were recorded in the ongoing 2025–26 season. Lightning strikes were responsible for many of the incidents, though others were linked to vehicle fires, electrical faults and escaped burn-offs.
One notable example includes the Biscuit Flat hay shed fire in early 2024, where early detection allowed emergency services to quickly mobilize and scale up their response. The system has also helped detect deliberately lit fires and clusters of lightning-triggered blazes, reducing the risk of larger disasters.
The network is managed by the Green Triangle Fire Alliance, which coordinates firefighting efforts across the region. Additional cameras have also been installed across the border in Victoria, expanding coverage across the broader Green Triangle area.
Officials emphasize that early detection is critical in a country like Australia, where bushfires can spread rapidly due to dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds. By identifying fires at their earliest stages, the system improves decision-making and allows emergency services to respond more effectively.
While the official Fire Danger Season has ended in several regions, authorities warn that bushfires can occur at any time of the year. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and continue following fire safety guidelines.
The success of the AI network highlights a growing shift toward technology-driven disaster management, where real-time data and predictive tools are playing an increasingly important role in reducing risks and protecting communities from natural hazards.