Christian Estrosi has announced a plan of concrete actions at the start of this summer to address the significant fire risks in the region. The novelty of the season: a state-of-the-art surveillance camera.
As the heatwave hits the Alpes-Maritimes for several days already, the fire risk is even more significant. The risk is particularly heightened this summer notably because there was not enough rainfall this winter. The combination of drought and strong winds is the scenario causing concern. Over the past fifty years, Nice has experienced 11 fires that have destroyed more than 10 hectares.
To avoid such environmental catastrophes, Christian Estrosi, president of the Mรฉtropole NCA, has presented a plan of action in 4 essential steps: awareness, prevention, control, and surveillance.
Every year, awareness and prevention actions are carried out to prevent risky behavior. The obligation for individuals to clear underbrush is a significant reminder.
The Mรฉtropole reminds that fires can have human origins. Everyone must exercise great caution, particularly in situations that could turn tragic: barbecues, smoking breaks, and DIY activities. And if tragedy strikes, a high-tech surveillance camera can be activated.
A camera capable of detecting wildfires 10 km around
With its look and features, it seems straight out of a science fiction film. This technology is designed to detect wildfires within a 70m2 perimeter. Its head rotates 360ยฐ.
It is equipped with two sensors featuring cutting-edge capabilities. The thermal sensor detects and identifies whether a heat source is abnormal within a 10 km radius. It is accompanied by an optical sensor with an ultra-performing zoom that allows doubts to be dispelled.
These combined data, along with an algorithm, lead to the following promise: it will be possible to detect fires measuring 2 meters by 2 meters wide, in a maximum of 3 minutes. Interconnected with the Urban Supervision Center of the Municipal Police, in the event of a fire, the camera allows for alerting the competent authorities directly.
Surveillance beyond Nice
To optimize its coverage area, it will be installed on Mont Chauve autonomously. Tests have been conducted ahead of its installation. Thus, it will cover the communes of Nice, including its sensitive areas like Mont Boron, St Pancrace, Pessicart, the Chรขteau, and Cimiez.
But it does not stop at Nice, Carros, Gattiรจres, Colomars are also covered. However, the towns of Saint Jeannet, La Gaude, Saint Laurent du Var, Falicon, Aspremont, Le Broc, La Trinitรฉ, St Andrรฉ de la Roche, Villefranche-Sur-Mer, and Eze are not covered entirely. That is why drones are deployed.
These flying devices also assist in monitoring sensitive areas. A brigade trained in remote piloting must ensure the surveillance of Mont Boron and the Aire Saint Michel. Three mobile teams are responsible for patrolling the site with dense vegetation along hiking trails.
An unprecedented experimentation
This next-generation camera will be tested for the first time on the territory of Nice. At this scale, it is also a national first. It should be operational by July 22 at the latest.
This technological marvel costing over 123,000 euros is provided by the company Inรฉo as a loan. Thus, this experimentation is free for the community.
At the end of the summer season, an assessment will be made. For the Mรฉtropole, the idea is to test this device during the coming critical months before potentially considering acquiring two more units to cover the entire territory.
