Multisensor Gas Monitoring Systems for Early Detection of Forest Fires

Abstract

Early detection is one of the most effective strategies to reduce wildfire propagation, environmental damage and suppression costs. This work presents the design, development and experimental validation of a multisensor gas system for early forest fire detection based on autonomous gas sensing nodes. The proposed platform combines electrochemical gas sensors, photovoltaic energy harvesting and LoRaWAN wireless communications for deployment in remote areas without electrical infrastructure. The sensing nodes targeted early combustion markers, particularly carbon monoxide and volatile compounds. Experimental validation was performed in controlled combustion campaigns under wind tunnel conditions. Different enclosure and sampling configurations were compared, including active pumping, passive diffusion and solar radiation shielding. Results showed clear detection of smoke plumes at distances up to 40 m. Electrochemical CO sensors exhibited the highest sensitivity, while passive sampling inside a solar radiation shield provided the best compromise between sensitivity, thermal stability and energy autonomy. The system represents a scalable and cost-effective complement to conventional wildfire surveillance systems.