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Effective fire and smoke detection using cameras

The ability to use surveillance cameras for fire and smoke detection early warning systems has been with us for quite some time. However, as the technology and software in cameras and management platforms have advanced – particularly with improvements in AI functionality – the reliability of visual fire detection without human oversight has significantly increased. This applies specifically in areas where traditional fire or smoke detection is not possible, such as large open areas.

The first video analytics solutions took advantage of improvements in image processing, enhancing fire and smoke detection capabilities and reducing false alarms. Today, analytics remain key to detection, but AI has also provided a boost in terms of accuracy and false alarm reduction. No doubt the advances in visible, infrared and thermal hardware improved the accuracy of software analytics, making visual fire and smoke detection a common option today.

To learn more about using surveillance devices as fire and smoke detection solutions, SMART Security Solutions spoke to Dahua Technology, Hikvision, and XtraVision. Dahua’s answers came from Elaine Wang from Wisualarm Technology, a subsidiary of Dahua focused on fire protection products and solutions. Ruaal Tromp responded for Hikvision, while Nick Grange answered for XtraVision.

SMART Security Solutions: The ability for surveillance products to detect fire is not new, although products have advanced over the years. In your experience, are cameras used extensively in fire/smoke detection, and if so, which vertical markets use the technology?

Dahua Technology: Cameras are increasingly used in fire and smoke detection, and their application has expanded beyond traditional thermal imaging. Advanced technologies such as video analytics and AI-driven monitoring systems have enhanced cameras’ effectiveness in identifying potential fire hazards.

There are numerous vertical markets using camera technology for fire detection. For example:

• EV charging stations: As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the need for effective fire safety measures in EV charging stations is critical. Cameras equipped with smoke detection algorithms can monitor these areas for signs of overheating or smoke, which may indicate a fire risk. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential hazards associated with battery malfunctions.

•Indoor warehouses: Warehouses often store large quantities of goods, which makes them susceptible to fire hazards. Surveillance cameras can provide real-time monitoring of warehouse environments, detecting smoke or flames early on. When integrated with fire alarm systems, these cameras can enhance safety protocols by visually verifying fire incidents, allowing for faster response times.

• Garbage rooms: Garbage rooms are often overlooked in fire safety planning, yet they can pose significant risks due to the accumulation of flammable materials. Cameras installed in these areas can monitor for signs of smoke or fire, alerting personnel to potential dangers before they escalate. This is particularly important in multi-story buildings where a fire in a garbage room can spread rapidly.

• Construction sites: Construction sites are inherently risky environments, with numerous flammable materials and equipment present. Cameras equipped with fire detection capabilities can monitor these sites for signs of fire, ensuring any incidents are identified quickly. This technology not only protects assets, but also enhances the safety of workers onsite.

Hikvision: I do not think it is used extensively, mainly because many people do not know we have these solutions. The verticals where it can be used, to name a few, would be plantations, mining (especially coal mines with spontaneously combusting coal), conveyor belts and machinery that could have a fire risk, factories/manufacturing plants, etc.

XtraVision: We are agents for the Fike product range and have successfully used its video-based fire detection cameras in projects in South Africa. We have found the cameras detect far quicker should there be a fire or smoke, as they do not have to wait for the smoke to reach the traditional smoke and heat detectors.

However, one must consider using compliant products. The main factor is ensuring the product used is fit for purpose and has the necessary approvals to comply with local and international fire standards, such as SANS 10139.

SMART Security Solutions: How far have cameras advanced when it comes to fire safety? Can today’s video analytics (or AI) detect fires in their early stages, when only whisps of smoke may be visible? What technologies are better for detecting fires?

Dahua Technology: Our main model, DHI-HY-FT431LF, can achieve a 90° detection angle and 10 m detection distance for full fire safety recognition protection. We plan to launch more flame detection cameras supporting longer detection distances. Thermal cameras are a good option for fire detection. However, our flame detection cameras have more advantages. Compared with thermal imaging cameras, the economy and the larger field of view are the biggest differences.

Hikvision: I agree with the statement. Thermal cameras have long-range lenses to cover long distances and will raise an alarm in the event of a fire. They can even be set to alert on high temperatures, even before a fire breaks out. We also have normal (or optical) cameras with algorithms that can detect smoke as an early warning before flames or high temperatures are ‘visible’.

XtraVision: We have found AI fire detection cameras to be very reliable as an early warning system when they have been developed and certified to be accurate in terms of detection, with a low false alarm rate. We have also seen many video management solutions offer AI packages you can link to any IP camera feed to detect fire and/or smoke. This works well in most applications; however, it is not certified as a detection device and, unfortunately, cannot form part of the fire system. These are predominantly used as early warning systems for industrial sites.

We have projects where some of the mines are running thermal cameras to monitor temperature fluctuations across the plant and alert when there is a spike in temperature. Thermal cameras work well outdoors and over longer distances; however, fire detection cameras in the right internal application work just as well. It really is a horses-for-courses scenario.

SMART Security Solutions: Can cameras compete with aspirating smoke detection systems (for example) in terms of accuracy and early warnings in locations such as warehouses, where a potential fire can smoulder for a while before igniting?

Dahua Technology: Yes, our flame detection camera, DHI-HY-FT431LF (based on thermal technology), can detect a potential or smouldering fire. It detects the fire according to temperature.

Hikvision: Yes, especially with thermal cameras that can detect heat signatures as an early warning system. The thermal camera does not have to be in close vicinity or above the fire hazard before it can detect.

XtraVision: We have found them to be comparatively priced with aspirating systems, however, the video-based detection seems to work better. From a maintenance point of view, the video-based system is also very easy to keep clean and test, and is not affected by dust and other outside influences which affect the aspirating systems.

We have also noticed that video-based detection cameras are a far better solution for warehouses and eliminate the need for beams, as stratification does not affect the detection capabilities of video-based fire cameras.

SMART Security Solutions: Cameras can naturally cover a far wider area outdoors than traditional fire detection systems. Does the cost of the camera warrant their use (in forests, for example)?

Dahua Technology: The use of cameras equipped with sensors capable of detecting smoke and fire over longer distances and broader areas can indeed be justified, especially in outdoor environments. While the initial cost of these advanced flame detection network cameras from Wisualarm may be higher than traditional fire detection systems, several factors warrant their implementation:

1. Wide coverage area: Cameras can monitor vast expanses of land, making them particularly effective for detecting fires in remote or expansive areas like forests. Traditional fire detection systems typically have limited coverage and require multiple units to achieve similar monitoring capabilities. The ability of cameras to cover larger areas reduces the number of devices needed, potentially lowering overall installation costs.

2. Early detection: Early detection is critical in preventing the spread of wildfires. Cameras can provide real-time monitoring and rapid identification of smoke or flames, allowing for quicker response times. This capability can significantly reduce the extent of damage, and the costs associated with firefighting efforts and recovery.

3. Remote monitoring: These cameras allow for remote monitoring, which can be particularly beneficial in difficult-to-access areas. This capability enables continuous surveillance without needing a physical presence, reducing manpower costs and increasing efficiency.

4. Durability and longevity: Modern cameras are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for outdoor use. Their durability can lead to lower maintenance and replacement costs over time than traditional systems.

Hikvision: Yes, especially if we look at our Bi-Spectrum (optical and thermal combination) PTZs or positioning system cameras that can be rotated and tilted with zoom capabilities. These can cover massive areas when set to patrol an area and do checks in preset positions.

XtraVision: Yes, many fire systems are currently covering forests. These cameras are normally thermal cameras to ensure visibility at night

SMART Security Solutions: What are your company’s latest fire-detecting cameras (and associated solutions)?

Dahua Technology: With visible and thermal technology, the flame detection network camera provides an all-in-one solution for video surveillance. This camera can detect flames at a long-range, support cold and hot spots and industrial temperature measurement alarm functions, enable flame tracking and positioning, and provide intelligent visual and audible warnings.

• Flame detection: Integrating thermal and video surveillance, detecting flames based on abnormal temperature and confirming details through the camera.

• Smart H.265+ and Smart H.264+: With an advanced scene-adaptive rate control algorithm, Dahua smart encoding technology realises higher encoding efficiency than H.265 and H.264, provides high-quality video, and reduces the cost of storage and transmission.

• Intelligent tracking: Pinpoints and tracks the flame with high accuracy.

Hikvision: Hikvision has a massive range of thermal cameras capable of the functionalities mentioned above. These cameras are either fixed bullets with and without an optical lens or turret types, both of which have various thermal lens options to provide a flexible range of detection. Hikvision also offers Bi-Spectrum PTZ and Bi-Spectrum positioning systems.

XtraVision: We currently offer the Fike camera detection software and cameras, including the FVA-IP camera, which combines the enhanced resolution and picture clarity of standard analogue/network cameras with built-in fire, smoke and motion detection capabilities. The camera’s proprietary onboard analytics continuously monitors the video, frame-by-frame and pixel-by-pixel, to detect anomalies characteristic of fire, smoke, and motion. The camera video processing algorithms include flaming fires, smoke plumes, ambient smoke and intrusion detection.

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