MFD announces launch of new fire-sensing technology

The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) announced the recent launch of new fire-sensing technology that samples the air and uses AI to provide early warning of fires that may start in parts of Maui.

Called the N5 Shield sensor program, the technology has been made possible through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and the U.S. Fire Administration, along with the cooperation of Hawaiian Electric Co.

Sixteen N5 Shield sensors were recently placed along designated corridors in West Maui and in South Maui. Also, MFD has four mobile sensors that can be stationed in strategic locations to monitor conditions at and around existing fires.

Key fire department personnel are set up to receive alerts in real time as the sensors detect anomalies consistent with fire. The system uses machine learning to improve at detecting fires early and also at minimizing "false alarms."

"This technology, coupled with the AlertWest fire detection camera system put in place by HECO, provides the County of Maui with cutting-edge, early fire-detection capability," said MFD Chief Brad Ventura. "Both systems are in their infancy, so we look forward to seeing their impact on fire control operations, and determining how best to enhance their value in the years to come."