Smart cameras keep a finger on the pulse in the fight against wildfires in the Kalmthoutse Heide
On 16 May 2025, the Agency for Nature and Forests together with the municipality of Kalmthout presented a new technology that takes nature management and fire safety in Flanders a step forward. In the fire-prone Kalmthoutse Heide and Groot Schietveld, an advanced camera detection system was recently installed on top of the fire towers. Those smart cameras, based on artificial intelligence, support the dozens of volunteer fire tower watchmen. They monitor the area daily during dry periods for signs of smoke or fire. Their role in early detection of fire has been crucial for many years, and remains so.
During a press moment, Lukas Jacobs, mayor of Kalmthout, Jo Brouns, Flemish minister of Environment and Agriculture, and expert on natural fires at the Agency for Nature and Forests, Jurgen Rombaut, explained the functioning and wider impact of this pilot project.
Technology as an ally in nature management
Based on AI, the cameras automatically recognise and locate smoke plumes in the landscape. They are a valuable addition to human surveillance from the fire tower, especially during periods of increased fire danger. "With this investment, we show how digital innovation can effectively contribute to the protection of vulnerable nature areas," said Minister Brouns. "Digital technology is no longer just an administrative tool, but a powerful instrument in the field."
Mayor Jacobs stresses the importance of cooperation: "With these smart cameras, we now have the technology to detect possible wildfires even better and faster. This can be done in a radius of up to 20 kilometres, across the entire area of the Grenspark (6000 ha) and far beyond the border with the Netherlands. This project came about thanks to the commitment of our municipality, the Agency for Nature and Forests, Defence, the Rand fire brigade and the volunteers of the fire tower. We are particularly proud that Kalmthout can set an example in Flanders. This year, for example, we are investing in drilling deep wells in the grounds for additional fire-fighting water facilities for the fire brigades."
Space technology watches over the heathland
Jurgen Rombaut, expert on natural fires, closely follows these technological innovations: "The system installed comes from the German IQ FireWatch and has its origins in space travel. The camera technology was developed together with the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) for ESA's Rosetta mission. Today, this technology is being further refined with the Brandenburg forestry authority to be used for fire detection. The system consists of two cameras that work together and each scan 180°, generating a 360° image. They combine colour, black-and-white and infrared images to detect smoke up to 50 km. Thanks to AI, suspicious smoke plumes are automatically recognised and located."
The installation of the cameras was carried out by the company SurCom International in collaboration with Antennebouw Wind, Kranen De Bie and Hommema NV, among others. Due to good preparation, the installation went smoothly. The systems are now being tested and further learned so that they can operate with as few false alarms as possible.
From idea to installation: cooperation as key
Jurgen Rombaut: "The road to this technological tour de force began in April 2022 with the opening of the new fire tower. Exploratory talks with various partners followed shortly afterwards. In autumn 2022, the proposal was successfully included in the Flemish Climate Adaptation Plan. In 2023, the cooperation was formally ratified: the municipality and Defence made their towers available, ANB provided the funding."
After a careful tender process, the system was installed this spring. Images shown live today gave an impressive insight into the operation and potential of this technology.
A look to the future
The smart cameras are currently in a test phase, but the ambitions extend further. In a context of climate change and increasing drought, fire prevention is becoming increasingly important.
Mayor Lukas Jacobs speaks from experience: "These cameras are a very important additional investment in preventing natural fires and safeguarding our unique nature. In May 2011, we lost 600 ha of prime nature after three days of extinguishing by many fire brigades. It was then the biggest ecological disaster in Flanders. We don't want to experience that again."
Flanders still has many nature reserves that are not permanently monitored today. This project will therefore provide valuable insights for a wider roll-out of camera detection in other areas.
Finally, Minister Jo Brouns gave special thanks to the volunteer fire watchers: "Their commitment remains indispensable. Technology can support, but not replace. It is these volunteers who, often in scorching heat and at high altitude, tirelessly search the area for incipient plumes of smoke. Thanks to their vigilance and terrain expertise, we can better evaluate, adjust and optimally deploy these new tools."