IoT-Based Real-Time Forest Fire Monitoring and Alert System
Introduction
Forest fires cause significant damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and human settlements.
Traditional detection methods such as satellite monitoring and watchtowers often detect fires
too late. To address this gap, we propose an IoT-based system that provides real-time
detection and early alerts, enabling rapid response and reducing the impact of wildfires.
Objectives
• Develop a distributed sensor network to monitor fire-prone forest regions.
• Detect early signs of fire such as temperature spikes, gas emissions, and humidity
drops.
• Send real-time alerts to authorities via mobile/web apps and SMS.
• Ensure low power consumption and scalability over large forested areas.
System Architecture
a) Sensor Node Components
• Temperature Sensor (e.g., DHT22)
• Smoke/Gas Sensor (e.g., MQ-135 for CO/CO₂)
• Humidity Sensor
• Flame Sensor / IR Sensor
• Microcontroller (e.g., ESP32 or Arduino)
• Communication Module (LoRa, GSM, or NB-IoT)
• Solar Power Module & Battery
b) Communication and Backend
• Long-range communication via LoRaWAN or NB-IoT
• Central IoT Gateway collecting and forwarding data to cloud
• Cloud Server for storage, analysis, and dashboard visualization
• Mobile & Web App for alerts, maps, and real-time monitoring
Working Principle
Each sensor node continuously monitors its environment. If a combination of parameters
(e.g., temperature > 50°C, CO level > threshold) is detected, the system:
1. Triggers an alert.
2. Sends location-tagged data to the cloud.
3. Notifies emergency services and forest rangers via app or SMS.
Expected Outcomes
• Early fire detection and faster emergency response.
• Reduced loss of forest resources and wildlife.
• Real-time visibility into fire-prone zones.
• Scalable system adaptable to any terrain.
Target Areas
• National Parks
• Wildlife Reserves
• Dry Forest Regions
• Human-forest interface zones
Budget Estimate (for Pilot Project)
Item Quantity Unit Cost Total
Sensor Node (all-in-one) 20 8500 170000
LoRa Gateway 2 17000 34000
Solar Panels + Battery Units 20 4250 85000
Cloud Hosting & App Setup - - 60000
Total Estimated Cost - - 3,50,000
Sustainability and Scalability
• Powered by solar energy for off-grid operation.
• Designed with modular architecture for easy expansion.
• Uses low-power protocols (LoRa/NB-IoT) for long-term monitoring.
Conclusion
This proposal presents a practical, cost-effective, and scalable approach to forest fire
monitoring using IoT technologies. By leveraging real-time data and smart alerts, the system
enhances early warning capabilities, reduces environmental damage, and supports proactive
forest management.
