Gwanak District Smartly Prevents and Suppresses Wildfires with AI Monitoring System

Drone Dispatch Enables Rapid Initial Firefighting

In recognition of the autumn wildfire prevention season, Gwanak District in Seoul (headed by District Mayor Park Junhee) has strengthened its advanced fire prevention system by establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based wildfire response system. The district announced on November 12 that, with support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Korea Forest Service, it had installed wildfire monitoring cameras at key locations around Gwanaksan Mountain and completed the construction of a control system between June and September.

CCTV (communication relay devices) installed on Janggunbong and Mojabong Peaks of Gwanaksan Mountain. Provided by Gwanak District.

The AI wildfire monitoring system analyzes real-time closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from major areas such as Yeonjudae on Gwanaksan Mountain, with artificial intelligence automatically detecting smoke or flames. When any abnormal signs are detected, an alert is immediately sent to administrators, and a drone is automatically dispatched to transmit live footage from the site, enabling a swift initial response.

A district official explained, “With this system, we can closely monitor areas that were previously difficult to cover with conventional CCTV surveillance, allowing us to pinpoint wildfire locations more accurately.”

Additionally, the district has installed three canopy sprinkler towers, each averaging 15 meters in height, along the Gwanaksan ridge in Namhyeon-dong. These towers effectively block the spread of wildfires even in strong winds. Each facility can rotate 360 degrees to spray water within a 40-meter radius for up to 40 minutes, and the remote-control system enables a rapid response.

Furthermore, black box devices for wildfire monitoring have been installed along major hiking trails and forest entry routes to eliminate blind spots, and high-pressure hose equipment storage boxes have been placed in forest areas with limited water supply to support early firefighting efforts. The district has also expanded the distribution of personal firefighting equipment sets to professional wildfire prevention and suppression teams, and is applying eco-friendly wildfire retardants in vulnerable areas to minimize damage.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, stated, “By proactively managing fire risks and responding swiftly to fires through a smart wildfire monitoring system utilizing artificial intelligence technology, we are building a safer Gwanak that protects the lives and property of our residents.” He added, “I hope that visitors to Gwanaksan will follow safety guidelines and fully enjoy the deepening autumn and the colorful foliage.”