FIREBird Applications

Utilities

Protect the Public and Minimize Damage

Electric power infrastructure is often at high-risk for fire ignitions. Sparks and arcs can occur when power lines contact animals, blowing debris, or even each other in high winds. Electrical equipment operation or mis-operation can produce sparks.

When FIREBird units are placed along power line easements at approximately ½-mile intervals, they provide continuous, automatic, fire detection.

Photo of FIREBird being installed on utility pole.
Photo of fire underneath a power line.

Power Lines

Why watch for fires along power lines?

  • One study shows that wildfires which ignite along utility power line become, on average, 10x larger than other wildfires.
  • An astounding 19% of all wildfires between 2016 and 2020 in California were caused by the power network. (Learn more)

FIREBird devices placed along power lines protect the public, reduce damage and limit liabilities.

  • Heat-based detection provides fast fire detection regardless of the time-of-day or atmospheric conditions.
  • Automatic notification reduces the time needed for human interpretation.
  • Advanced technology detects very small fires under 1/100-th acre within power line easements, and larger fires out to 10 miles
  • Granular placement quickly identifies WHERE the fire is located regardless of wind conditions.

LEARN MORE

Download our Powerline Application Brief

Solar Facilities

The FIREBird system quickly detects and reports on fires starting within, or near, solar facilities. Unique thermal sensors detect grass fires and wildfires at the point of ignition. They also detect electrical equipment fires including transformer fires.

Special algorithms help avoid false alarms at times of peak solar panel reflections.

  • Notify staff and first responders immediately.
  • Reduce property damage and liabilities.
  • Reduce impact on power generation.
  • Reduce the likelihood of small fires going unnoticed.
Arial photo of large solar facility.

Learn More

Download our Solar Facility Application Brief