Climate change has become a more prominent part of the risk landscape for critical infrastructure, with an escalated threat to remote and unmanned facilities within the utilities sector. Rising temperatures, extended droughts, and stronger winds have contributed to more frequent and severe wildfires, particularly in regions like the Western United States. As the risk of wildfires grows, senior leaders and decision-makers in the utilities space are seeking to leverage technologies that enhance thermal situational awareness and risk mitigation.

Supporting community safety

Climate-related factors, such as declining soil moisture and the accumulation of organic materials, are known to contribute to fire hazards. And studies confirm that from 1984 to 2015, the number of large wildfires in the Western U.S. doubled. Projections now suggest that even a 1°C increase in temperature could expand burned areas by up to 600% in some forests. The threat is very real. Beyond direct infrastructure damage, wildfires can result in substantial economic losses, environmental degradation, and public health concerns due to deteriorating smoke and air quality. Utilities must recognise the importance of supporting community safety, and manage the risk of operational, financial, and reputational losses for their organisations. Proactive response to temperature escalations should therefore be an integral part of their security plan.

Leveraging thermal detection for early wildfire prevention

Early detection of temperature anomalies is critical for protecting infrastructure and managing the risk and response needed specific to wildfires. Thermal detection solutions, developed by Flir, are designed to detect heat elevation before it escalates into a larger issue. Convergint collaborates with Flir to integrate thermal imaging into comprehensive security and operational strategies for utilities and critical infrastructure.

Key benefits of thermal detection solutions:

Proactive fire prevention

Flir thermal cameras detect heat anomalies and hot spots early, before combustion occurs, allowing safety personnel to act to reduce the risk of large-scale fires and protect infrastructure.

Enhanced situational awareness

Thermal imaging supplements traditional fire detection systems by identifying temperature variations that may signal potential risks, helping operators monitor conditions and respond promptly to emerging threats.

Operational efficiency and asset protection

Temperature changes identified through thermal imaging can indicate equipment deterioration, production anomalies, or overheating of hazardous materials. By monitoring these variations, utility operators and maintenance teams can assess asset health and identify potential issues before they escalate, helping to minimize downtime and avoid costly repairs.

Convergint urges utility firms to support this effort

As climate change accelerates the frequency and severity of wildfires, utilities, and critical infrastructure organisations must adopt technologies that enhance their capabilities specific to fire detection and risk management. These efforts ultimately support operational efficiencies and financial results. In collaboration with Flir, Convergint assists with the implementation of advanced thermal detection solutions to help utilities address emerging climate-related risks.