A local tech start-up is helping safeguard people, properties and natural assets from one of the region’s most threatening fire seasons thanks to a new world-leading tool.
Maroochydore-based Exci can detect bushfires within minutes by processing more than 2.5 million camera images and 30 gigabytes of satellite data daily, according to co-founder and CEO Christopher Tylor.
“Since 2021, we’ve been able to detect nearly 30,000 bushfires within Australia, minutes after ignition, and alert frontline responders five times faster than through human reporting,” the volunteer firefighter said.
Formerly known as Fireball International, Exci’s AI-assisted program analyses satellite images and on-ground cameras to swiftly spot heat and smoke.
Exci, which means “alarm’’ in Latin, already has been used to great effect in wildfire-ravaged California.
Mr Tylor said he was extremely pleased to deliver an Australian made and owned fire-detection system for the Sunshine Coast.
“The Exci system can automatically detect bushfires within minutes, using satellite and ground-based sensor data analysed by powerful, machine-learning algorithms,” he said.
Mr Tylor said Exci would collaborate with Land Watch Australia, a family-owned business located in Palmwoods, known for delivering remote, camera surveillance solutions to Australian farmers and rural communities.
“Their expertise in crafting rugged terrain-specific camera systems aligns with our wildfire detection technology, making them the ideal hardware partner for us,” he said.
“Exci and Land Watch Australia have begun installing cameras at new sites located at Gerrards Lookout at Maleny, Dulong Lookout and Mount Coolum.
“Like us, they have a passion for making Australia a safer place to live.”
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Local Disaster Management Group chair and Sunshine Coast Council mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the life-saving technology that will benefit and help protect the region.
“Council’s primary focus is to ensure the safety of our communities and Exci’s sophisticated system will help us rapidly respond to bushfire threats,” he said.
“The swift arrival of our firefighters can be the difference between an easily contained minor incident, and a major bushfire that can lead to extensive destruction.”
October 9 to 16 is Get Ready Queensland Week, which encourages residents to know their risk, prepare emergency plans and pack an emergency kit.
While previous seasons have focused on storms and flood risks, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting this one to bring heatwaves and threat of severe bushfires due to the El Nino weather pattern.
Cr Jamieson said the roll-out of the bushfire detection system in the region was the result of a collaboration between QFES, HQ Plantations, Powerlink, Exci and Land Watch Australia.
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