The Internet of Things can reduce the impact of wildfires by more than 50%

Wildfires continue to become more severe across Spain, and technology is emerging as one of the most effective tools to combat them. Among the most promising solutions is the Internet of Things (IoT), whose ability to detect fires at an early stage, monitor environmental conditions and deliver real-time data could reduce burned areas by more than 50%, according to experts consulted by 1NCE.

The figures illustrate the scale of the problem. In 2025, nearly 360,000 hectares burned across Spain, making it the worst year on record according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. The trend has not improved: so far this year, 108,000 hectares have already been destroyed, four times more than during the same period last year.

1NCE, a company specializing in IoT solutions with operations in more than 170 countries, including Spain, also highlights data recently presented by Spain's Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, underscoring the seriousness of the current wildfire season.

Among the most significant fires in recent weeks are those affecting La Mierla and nearby towns in Guadalajara, Orés and the Cinco Villas area in Zaragoza, Los Gallardos (Almería), several municipalities in western Madrid, including Villa del Prado, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa, Fresnedillas de la Oliva, Robledo de Chavela and Aldea del Fresno, as well as Burgohondo (Ávila).

Technology that detects fires earlier

Fighting wildfires increasingly depends on advanced technology. Alongside drones and artificial intelligence, IoT has become a key ally for firefighting teams thanks to its ability to collect and transmit information continuously.

One of its greatest advantages is ultra-early fire detection. Connected devices can identify unusual conditions in remote areas between just one minute and one hour after a fire starts, allowing emergency services to respond before flames spread significantly.

Sensors and cameras protecting forests

These systems rely on networks of ground-based sensors capable of measuring temperature, air humidity and soil moisture in real time. Whenever these values change abruptly or exceed predefined thresholds, the system automatically issues an alert.

Traditional and infrared cameras connected through IoT complement these sensors by continuously transmitting images, helping confirm the presence of a wildfire even in hard-to-reach locations.

Critical information during emergencies

The benefits of the Internet of Things continue even after a wildfire has started. During firefighting operations, connected devices provide essential information that improves operational decision-making.

Among other functions, they monitor water quality after exposure to ash and burned vegetation, assess air quality affected by smoke and airborne particles, and track environmental conditions that may threaten both nearby residents and emergency crews.

Monitoring wind conditions is another major advantage, as wind is one of the factors that most strongly influences wildfire behaviour. Under extreme conditions, strong winds can spread flames at a rate equivalent to five football fields every minute.

Data that helps prevent future wildfires

Beyond responding to emergencies, IoT also plays a long-term role in wildfire prevention. Information collected by thousands of connected devices can be used to create weather models, analyse seasonal environmental trends and identify patterns that help predict wildfire risks in future years.

As a result, the Internet of Things not only enables faster emergency response but also strengthens prevention strategies and improves the planning of firefighting resources.