The means of detecting wildfires across the North Okanagan has just gotten easier.  

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the City of Vernon, in partnership with FireSmart, officially introduced a new wildfire mitigation system, created by SenseNet. 

SenseNet uses advanced integration of artificial intelligence, ground sensors, cameras and satellite data to provide immediate detection of wildfires in real-time. 

"This is a really important tool," said Vernon Fire Rescue (VFR) Chief David Lind. "Early wildfire detection is a big piece of the puzzle for us and if we can get where we need to be quickly, it can have a big impact on our effectiveness."

Lind explained that Vernon residents are diligent with phoning in wildfires, but this service will only enhance their response. 

"During the wildfire season, people call in smoke quickly, but the sensors can detect the fire ahead of visible signs to people in a lot of cases," Lind said.

Vernon partnered with the Vancouver-based company back in 2022 in a two-year trial period. In July of 2024, Predator Ridge installed the system. Now, the partnership has become official, with several sensors stationed in "hot spot" areas around the city. 

The sensors were demonstrated on Wednesday as part of a 75 hectare mitigation project on Eastside Road, provided by the Forest Enhancement Society of BC Grant.

"Wildfires in this area could move very quickly as the winds go up the lake, with the right topography and vegetation," said Lind. "It makes sense to focus a lot of sensors here, but we are also looking at the relationships and partnerships with the municipalities around us."

, the Indigenous-led wildfire and flood protection company, collaborated with the city for the mitigation project. 

SenseNet CEO Hamed Noori explained that the collaboration has been seamless because of how proactive the VFR team is.

"We offer the most comprehensive forest fire detection and management system," said Noori. "We are always improving technology with their help, and they are testing it all the time to make sure the system can detect the fire as soon as possible."

FireSmart coordinator Wes Brassard described one instance this summer where SenseNet detected a small fire at Ellison Park 12 minutes before the first 911 call. This early detection enabled crews to contain the blaze to a small area without damage to any structure.

"When we can't see and can't be there, we rely on different types of tactics and this is just another tool in our toolbox for that resiliency," said Brassard. "We're reducing a massive area to our high-risk areas here in Vernon (with the Eastside Road mitigation project) and then supporting it with some early wildfire detection sensors and cameras."