With urban development and aging buildings, the risk of fire has been steadily increasing, especially in old buildings. Due to dilapidated facilities and structural limitations, fire prevention and detection efforts face significant challenges. In light of technological advancements, the Fire Services Department will launch the “Pilot Scheme of IoT Fire Detection System” to enhance fire prevention capabilities in old buildings and protect the lives and property of occupants by leveraging advanced IoT technology.

The core technologies of the IoT Fire Detection System include multi-sensor detectors and IoT gateways. The set-up of these devices has undergone rigorous scientific validation and are capable of accurately and efficiently detecting fire hazards. Once a fire has been detected, the system immediately sends alerts to both occupants and the Fire Services Communications Centre. This innovative technology overcomes the limitations of traditional fire detection systems by enabling real-time monitoring of fire signals, ensuring that occupants can evacuate promptly in the event of a fire.

Compared to traditional fire detection systems, the IoT Fire Detection System has introduced multiple improvements in terms of both design and function, enhancing fire prevention performance. By utilizing advanced multi-sensor technology, the system can screen out environmental interferences (such as cooking fumes or incense smoke), significantly enhancing the accuracy of fire detection. In addition, through the centralized monitoring platform, the service provider can continuously monitor the system’s operational status and receive maintenance recommendations to ensure long-term efficiency.

The IoT Fire Detection System also serves as a data-driven analytical platform. The Fire Services Department collects fire data through the centralized monitoring platform and conducts in-depth analyses to identify fire risk patterns and high-risk locations. These data provide a scientific basis for formulation of policies, including:

• Identifying clusters of high-risk old buildings and prioritizing targeted measures to improve buildings’ fire safety standards;
• Designing targeted public education and fire prevention campaigns for specific high-risk buildings based on fire data analysis.
• Developing and reviewing fire safety policies suitable for old buildings.

By integrating data analysis with policy implementation, the Fire Services Department can allocate resources to where they are most needed, significantly enhancing the fire safety levels of aging buildings. Therefore, this Branch is proud to offer our full support for the Pilot Scheme of the IoT Fire Detection System.

The Institution of Fire Engineers (Hong Kong Branch)