Italtel Develops AI-Based Fire Monitoring Platform for RAP PALERMO
Italtel has launched the “Fire Monitoring” system at the Bellolampo landfill in Palermo, developed in collaboration with RAP (Risorse Ambiente Palermo), the municipal company responsible for environmental hygiene in Palermo.
In recent years, there has been an increase in outdoor fires in landfills and recycling centers, posing significant risks to human health, the environment, and property. One of the rising causes of these fires is arson, necessitating stricter security measures within and around these facilities. The growing proportion of high-risk waste, such as batteries and electronic waste, exacerbates the issue.
Active 24/7, “Fire Monitoring” promptly detects fire outbreaks using artificial intelligence to compare images from cameras (both video and thermal) provided by partner HikVision. These cameras automatically scan the area to identify flames, smoke, and areas where temperatures exceed predefined thresholds.
Six dual-spectral thermal cameras monitor the area and are positioned on light towers connected through 4/5G mobile technology, with two being mobile units mounted on vehicles. The system is overseen by a centralized IoT platform designed by Italtel (named IoXpert), which sends immediate notifications upon detection of outbreaks for timely intervention. Collected data is analyzed and managed by operational room operators, who can also direct each thermal camera and zoom in for verification and potential manual validation of automatic alarms.
“With the implementation of the ‘Fire Monitoring’ system, Italtel and RAP have taken a significant step towards securing public infrastructure,” says Loredana Tomasino, Head of the Palermo office and the IoT Competence Center at Italtel. “This solution leverages our expertise in IoT and computer vision to address the critical issue of fire prevention and management in landfills, exemplifying how technological innovation can be successfully applied to reduce risks and protect public health.”
According to RAP President Giuseppe Todaro, “this new monitoring system represents a turning point in combating fires. The risk of zero—unfortunately—does not exist, especially in a complex and at times hostile environment where we face the ongoing threat of arson. However, thanks to the Fire Monitoring platform, it will certainly be easier to oversee the entire Bellolampo area, detect fires, and reduce response times by capturing and reporting any suspicious outbreak. I am confident that the presence of such an extensive system of cameras and monitoring will also act as a deterrent against wrongdoers and those who, until recently, thought they could act unimpeded.”
