Key facts
- Hong Kong's Fire Services Department is deploying AI-assisted drones.
- The drones will be used to detect hill fires during the Chung Yeung Festival.
- The technology aims to improve speed and accuracy in fire detection.
Hong Kong's Fire Services Department is set to deploy three new AI-assisted drone technologies to enhance its ability to detect hill fires, particularly during the heightened risks associated with the Chung Yeung Festival. The drones are designed to improve the speed and accuracy of fire detection, thereby increasing operational efficiency. This initiative aligns with global efforts to leverage AI and advanced imaging for early wildfire detection, as demonstrated by Israel's testing of an autonomous drone system aimed at spotting fires before they escalate. The Israeli system is a collaborative project involving several government bodies and research institutions.