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Find Answers to the most
Frequently Asked Questions

About the system

HOW MANY SENSORS DO I NEED?
That depends on the project at hand. The region's topography and the exact requirements are important factors to determine how many sensors might be needed. Generally said, one sensor can cover a radius of 15 km, which equates to 700 km². In some cases, this may be even more (especially when region's topography is flat) but can also be less (i.e. in mountainous areas).
IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADD MORE SENSORS TO AN ALREADY ESTABLISHED IQ FIREWATCH NETWORK?
Yes, this is always possible. 
DOES IQ FIREWATCH DETECT SMOKE AT NIGHT?
Yes, our integrated NIR (near infrared) sensor has been specifically designed to detect wildfire smoke at night. We explain how this works on our Technology page. Click here.
DOES IQ FIREWATCH DETECT SMOKE IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS?
Yes, the system can also detect smoke in poor weather conditions. It is important to note that the visibility range may be significantly less than when conditions are ideal.

System requirements and operation

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ME TO USE IQ FIREWATCH?

The basic requirements are:

  • tower, such as fire lookout tower or mobile cell tower etc. on which IQ FireWatch can be mounted
  • energy supply (electrical power connections, optionally photovoltaic)
  • facility/ office for the Command and Control Center with broadband connection (if operation is done by customer)

We're happy to discuss any other requirements and further details with you directly.

DO I NEED STAFF FOR DETECTING SMOKE WITH IQ FIREWATCH?

Yes, IQ FireWatch is not a fully automatic system. The operator in the Command and Control Center is imperative for IQ FireWatch to work properly since operators are needed to verify or dismiss incoming alerts, respectively. 

The Command and Control Center can also be outsourced via IQ wireless. 

HOW MANY IQ FIREWATCH SYSTEMS CAN ONE OPERATOR MANAGE AT THE SAME TIME?
We recommend for one operator to manage 12 sensors but an experienced operator can even manage up to 16 systems at the same time.

Technology and Workflow

HOW DOES IQ FIREWATCH INDICATE A DETECTED SMOKE PLUME IN THE SOFTWARE?
Once IQ FireWatch detects smoke, the information is sent to one of the operator workplaces and is indicated by a red box on the screen. An alarm sound can be added too. Either way, an incoming alert still needs to be checked by an operator and if it is verified to be an actual fire, it needs to be passed on to the local emergency services.
DOES THE SYSTEM ALWAYS SEND AN ALERT WHEN SMOKE IS DETECTED, EVEN WHEN THE ORIGIN IS A CHIMNEY?
Genereally said, yes. The system cannot distinguish between wildfire smoke and that of a chimney. But the operator can always add exclusion zones within the software so that recurring false alarms are  eliminated.
CAN I USE MY EXISTING HARDWARE FOR THE COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER?
Yes, generally this is possible but please note the system requirements.
CAN I USE MY EXISTING CCTV CAMERAS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF WILDFIRES?

No, they cannot be used. The three different sensors incorporated in IQ FireWatch are specifically designed and configured for smoke detection. Generic cameras are not suited for the early detection of smoke. 

Besides, IQ FireWatch provides high-resolution, uncompressed RAW data whereas commercial CCTV cameras only use compressed data. 

HOW MUCH IS THE DATA TRANSFER?

The data transfer can be quite low, but it is dependent on the customer's requirements. Please contact us if you have any questions.

IS THERE AN APP FOR IQ FIREWATCH?
Yes, but it is currently only available for Android. 

Fields of application

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SOLUTIONS THAN FOR FORESTRY?

Yes, we do!

Yes, IQ FireWatch can be used for various applications. In addition to forest fire detection, IQ FireWatch can also protect areas surrounding forests from forest fires. Moreover, with the additional use of the thermal sensor, the system is able to detect fires on industrial areas, outdoor warehouses and agriculture. 

 

Find out more about our fields of application here. 

More questions?

Contact us