Christchurch recreational park protected by Attentis fire detection sensors

September 19, 2022

Karen Sweaney

Environment / Parks / Recreation / Safety / Technology /

One of Christchurch’s most popular recreational spots - Waitākiri Bottle Lake Forest Park - is now protected by New Zealand’s first environmental sensing and early fire detection network.

Bottle Lake Forest is both a commercial forest and recreational park. A fire in this location would threaten the plant and wildlife, as well as human life, as this area is frequented by thousands of visitors per year.

In a trial undertaken by Christchurch City Council and Spark New Zealand, with technology partner Attentis, the park now has a network of five self-powered sensors that will deliver environmental monitoring, live micro-climate weather updates, air quality information and visual and thermal imaging to assist in early fire detection.

Attentis’ fire detection network uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor conditions within the park, which is also a commercial forest, around-the-clock.

Christchurch City Council Manager of Smart Christchurch, Michael Healy, says the technology will help protect a special part of Christchurch city and noted “thousands of people visit Waitākiri Bottle Lake Forest Park each year to get out in nature and enjoy the bike and walking tracks. The technology will help protect the forest, neighbouring properties, the environment and wildlife.

“The 360 degree cameras and IoT sensors are continuously monitoring conditions, providing valuable real-time data on things like air quality and ground temperature.”

Attentis’ range of sensors provide comprehensive correlated information, allowing users to understand how changes in their environment lead to impacts in health, systems, assets and critical infrastructure. Early detection and notification detailing the type of threat, fault or threshold breach, supported by live conditions and on-site images enables rapid investigation and ongoing situational awareness.

Spark IoT lead Tony Agar says both emergency services and Christchurch residents will benefit from the technology.

Agar explains “the data is transmitted to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), who will be able to take action if conditions present a fire danger.

"In the event of a fire emergency, this means emergency teams can strategically position ground and aerial personnel at the most effective locations or even track changes in wind speed and direction to stay ahead of the event.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Senior Advisor Readiness and Recovery, Wayne Hamilton, says that early detection and intelligence helps mobilise response resources as quickly as possible. It also gives communities time to implement their own emergency plan.

Hamilton added “Fire and Emergency is interested to learn how technology like this can help reduce the incidence and consequences of fire in our community.”

Healy added “an important part of this project has been the excellent collaboration between Christchurch City Council, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Rayonier Matariki Forests and Spark IoT” Michael Healy, Manager Smart Christchurch.”

For those interested to hear moreon this project, they can register for the webinar with Michael Healy and Cameron McKenna held 10am Thursday 29th September. Register now

For more information on Attentis go to attentistechnology.com/

Images: Self-powered sensors have been installed in Waitākiri Bottle Lake Forest Park to help with early fire detection (top, credit: Attentis) and other images courtesy of Christchurch City Council.

About the author

Karen Sweaney

Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management

Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.

Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.

She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.

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