Development of an Intelligent Fire Prevention System Using IoT-Enabled Sensors and Automated Countermeasures

Abstract

Fires pose a significant threat to communities worldwide, with devastating consequences that include the loss of lives, destruction of property, and long-term environmental impact. In Zambia, the rising incidents of fires, often caused by gas leaks, cylinder explosions, electrical faults, and unattended fires, highlight the urgent need for effective fire prevention and early detection systems. Traditional fire safety measures, while useful, often fail to address the complexities and speed with which fires can spread, especially in residential and industrial settings. This paper proposes an innovative, smart fire prevention system leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance both fire detection and prevention efforts. The system integrates multiple IoT sensors, including gas leak detectors, smoke detectors, heat sensors, and a fire suppression mechanism, all connected to an Arduino board. Upon detecting a threat, the system immediately alerts occupants, local authorities, and emergency responders through automated notifications, and automatically initiates countermeasures such as activating extinguishing mechanisms. By combining real-time monitoring and automated intervention, the system offers a comprehensive, cost-effective solution adaptable to both residential and commercial applications.