Real time fuel moisture monitoring using low-cost Internet of Things devices

The moisture content of bushfire fuel (FMC) is a key limitation on bushfire occurrence and on implementing fuel hazard reduction burns. Fire agencies monitor FMC primarily using direct measurement, which often involves considerable travel time and results in limited point-location data. Our cost effective Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, originally designed for smoke detection, present an opportunity to efficiently monitor FMC in real time with high spatiotemporal resolution. Deployed alongside existing fire agency fuel monitoring programs, these devices will facilitate direct comparison with current operational practices. Additionally, the project allows comparison with other lower spatiotemporal resolution, landscape scale FMC monitoring products. This research empowers bushfire managers to easily and efficiently assess FMC, fostering an understanding of complementary and innovative FMC prediction methods.