This week, the State Forest Service launched its Remote Forest Fire Detection and Observation System (AUANS). The implementation of such a system is an unprecedented event, not only in the history of the State Forest Service but also on the scale of Latvian forestry.

At the beginning of the 21st century, there were attempts to introduce such a system, but the expected results were not achieved. In 2017, the idea of a pilot project for implementing such a system was born. Information was sought regarding the operational experience of such systems in other countries. Our neighbours from Lithuania, where such an observation system has been in operation for almost 10 years, shared their experience. Thanks to the support of the previous Director General of the State Forest Service, Andis Krēsliņš, the implementation of such a system has now taken place in Latvia as well. The procurement was carried out within the framework of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) under the Latvian Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, with state and European Union support for the measure “Investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests”, sub-measure “Support for the prevention and restoration of damage to forests from forest fires, natural disasters and catastrophic events”, and activity “Installation and improvement of forest fire, pest and disease monitoring equipment and communication equipment” (creation and improvement of the forest fire protection observation equipment network), project No. 19-00-A00803-000001 “Creation and improvement of the forest fire protection observation equipment network”.

The right to create, install and maintain the AUANS system was won by the company SIA "DATI Group" through the prescribed procurement tender process. As a result, observation cameras were installed on 12 fire observation towers in the Riga Regional Forestry of the State Forest Service, capable of identifying smoke at a distance of up to 15 km and pinpointing the coordinates of these locations. The main purpose of the system is faster and more accurate identification of fire locations, which will reduce the area of burnt forest. Information received from the towers will be analysed at the AUANS operational control centre at the Inčukalns forest fire-fighting station. Going forward, the performance of AUANS will be compiled, evaluated and analysed, and the possibility of equipping the remaining State Forest Service fire observation towers across Latvia with such a system will be assessed. The creation of such a system throughout the country will ensure significant conservation of forest resources in the future.