The fight against wildfires in Spain has gone beyond just firefighting crews, planes, and hoses. Each summer, forests face an increasing threat driven by climate change, rural depopulation, and a new generation of fires that are nearly impossible to control. In this context, technology is beginning to become an essential ally.
Securitas Seguridad España, in collaboration with Alphanet, has launched a pioneering early fire detection solution based on the combined use of IoT sensors, machine learning, and 24/7 monitoring. The ambitious goal is to identify smoldering fires in their first minutes and act before they become large-scale blazes.
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Spain: a country increasingly vulnerable to fires
According to data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), in 2024, 47,711 hectares of forest burned in Spain. While this marks a 5% reduction compared to the average of the past decade—and was actually the second-lowest figure during that period—the data conceal a concerning trend: large wildfires (over 500 hectares burned) have surged by 31% in the last ten years, averaging 24 incidents per year.
Since 2017, experts speak of sixth-generation fires. These extreme blazes, fueled by prolonged droughts and the accumulation of dry biomass, are capable of altering atmospheric conditions and generating firestorms. This is a terrifying scenario for firefighters and civil protection services.
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The key is to arrive before the fire
Timing is everything. Detecting a fire in its early stages can mean the difference between a small burn and an environmental disaster of enormous proportions. This is where technological solutions come into play.
The system developed by Securitas and Alphanet relies on smart sensors installed on trees that can analyze their surroundings in real time. Thanks to machine learning, these devices learn to distinguish between normal signals and anomalies that could indicate a fire. This helps avoid false alarms caused by nearby cars or chimneys.
These sensors operate using solar panels and transmit data via LoRaWAN, a long-range, low-power wireless communication technology. In areas without coverage, Border Gateway devices ensure the information still reaches the control center.
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A live map to coordinate response
The information is centralized in the Securitas Operation Center (SOC), a control hub with 24/7 monitoring, or in local centers managed by each municipality. Through the AlphaDataManager platform, alerts are displayed on a geolocated dynamic map, allowing for precise identification of the fire’s origin and rapid deployment of resources.
However, technology alone is not enough. Effectiveness also depends on clear response protocols and genuine public-private collaboration. Notably, 72% of Spain’s forested land is privately owned, though its protection primarily falls to public authorities.
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Beyond innovation: a structural challenge
Deploying IoT and machine learning for forest surveillance opens the door to a future where technology acts as the first line of defense against fires. However, it raises important questions:
– Who will fund the widespread installation of these systems across millions of hectares?
– How will this technology integrate with regional and municipal prevention plans?
– What about private forests that often lack maintenance?
What’s clear is that prevention is far cheaper than suppression. The economic cost of a large fire is not just measured in millions spent on firefighting, but also in biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and social and tourism damages in rural communities.
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Towards a new paradigm in forest management
Wildfires are now one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in Spain. The introduction of early detection technologies based on IoT and machine learning will never replace human work but can serve as the initial alert to mobilize crews, helicopters, and water-dropping planes.
The goal is straightforward: act within minutes, not hours. If the system becomes widespread and coordinated with emergency services, it could mark a turning point in the fight against fires.