Automatic Detection of Smoke and Flames: Gwangmyeong City Deploys AI for Wildfire Response

24-Hour Monitoring of Four Major Mountains with 360-Degree Surveillance Cameras
Real-Time Assessment of Wildfire Risk Through Key Indicator Analysis

Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province has fully launched an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system to prevent wildfires during the autumn season. The aim is to protect citizens' safety by preventing large-scale fires through swift response.

Employees at the Gwangmyeong City Wildfire Prevention Headquarters are monitoring surveillance camera footage analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI). Photo by Gwangmyeong City

On November 6, Gwangmyeong City announced that it has enhanced its early wildfire response system by introducing Korea Electric Power Corporation’s AI-based wildfire early response system for the first time in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Previously, in September last year, the city signed an agreement with KEPCO’s South Seoul Headquarters for wildfire response, marking the first such partnership in the metropolitan area. Under this agreement, the city installed wildfire surveillance cameras, while KEPCO developed the AI wildfire early response platform. The newly established system began operation on October 30.

This system uses thermal imaging surveillance cameras to capture real-time footage, which is then analyzed by an AI-based composite diagnostic algorithm to automatically detect smoke, flames, and other signs of fire. It also features comprehensive analysis of various indicators such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and humidity, enabling real-time assessment of wildfire risk.

If any signs of danger are detected, the system immediately notifies the monitoring room at the city’s Wildfire Prevention Headquarters, facilitating a rapid initial response. The city has installed three surveillance cameras capable of 360-degree rotation to continuously monitor its four major mountains: Dodeoksan, Gureumsan, Gahaksan, and Seodoksan.

Gwangmyeong City plans to actively utilize this system to strengthen wildfire prevention and response capabilities during the “autumn wildfire caution period,” which runs until December 15. The city will operate the Wildfire Prevention Headquarters not only on weekdays but also on weekends and holidays throughout this period.

Additionally, 23 wildfire prevention and suppression specialists have been deployed to wildfire monitoring posts and areas adjacent to forests within the city to reinforce patrols and initial firefighting activities. Later this month, the city also plans to conduct joint firefighting drills with the Gwangmyeong Fire Station, simulating real wildfire scenarios at facilities near forested areas.

Park Seungwon, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City, stated, “We will build a ‘smart and safe city’ that protects the lives and safety of our citizens from climate crises and disasters by applying AI and other advanced technologies throughout city administration.”