Tech Highlight - Development of Video Smoke-Fire and Thermal Detection Technologies

Fire detection is undergoing a fundamental transformation. As built environments become larger, more complex, and increasingly automated, traditional point-type smoke and heat detectors are no longer sufficient on their own. Vision-based and thermal technologies are emerging as critical tools for earlier, more reliable fire detection across diverse environments.

Video smoke and fire detection systems analyse camera feeds using intelligent image processing to identify smoke, flames, and abnormal motion patterns in real time. These systems are designed to recognise visual fire signatures—such as smoke plumes or flickering flames—while increasingly distinguishing them from non-hazardous phenomena through advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Thermal imaging detection systems, by contrast, use infrared (IR) sensors to detect heat signatures rather than visible light. This enables them to identify abnormal temperature rises or hotspots before smoke or flame becomes visually apparent. Such capabilities are particularly valuable in environments where airflow, dust, or large volumes may delay or dilute smoke detection.

For example, in high-bay warehouses, video detection systems can identify smoke at ceiling level long before it reaches traditional detectors, significantly reducing response times. Similarly, in waste management facilities, thermal cameras are used to detect overheating within waste piles before ignition occurs, helping to prevent fires before they start.

Artificial Intelligence and advanced analytics

A major area of technological progress lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies significantly improve detection accuracy while reducing false alarms—one of the traditional challenges of fire detection systems.

AI models are trained on extensive datasets of fire and non-fire scenarios, enabling systems to distinguish genuine hazards from false alarm sources such as dust, steam, insects, or lighting variations. As a result, modern systems can rapidly classify fire events from live video feeds and generate alerts without requiring direct contact with a physical hazard source.

Increasingly, solutions combine visible-spectrum video with thermal imaging in bi-spectrum systems. These hybrid approaches enhance detection reliability under challenging conditions such as darkness, fog, or smoke, providing a more robust and resilient detection capability.

Expanding Applications and Market Demand
Video and thermal detection technologies are being adopted in environments where traditional detection methods face limitations:

• Large indoor spaces and tall volumes: Warehouses, industrial halls, tunnels, sports arenas, and transport hubs, where smoke may not reach ceiling-mounted detectors quickly.
• Outdoor and semi-open environments: Waste and recycling facilities, solar installations, and electric vehicle charging stations, where wind, airflow, and environmental conditions affect detection reliability.
• Risk-prone industrial sectors: Oil and gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing, where early detection of abnormal heat development is critical.
• Smart buildings and infrastructure: Integration with building management systems enables broader situational awareness and supports data-driven safety strategies.

Global demand for video smoke detection and thermal imaging solutions is growing strongly, driven by increasing safety requirements, industrial automation, and the need for intelligent, connected systems.

Europe represents a significant share of this market, supported by strong regulatory frameworks and widespread adoption in commercial and industrial applications. At the same time, high growth rates are projected in regions such as Asia-Pacific, where rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development are accelerating deployment. Integration with building automation and digital management platforms further enhances the value of these technologies, enabling both retrofit applications and incorporation into new-build projects.

Thermal detection systems, in particular, are gaining traction due to their ability to:

• Detect abnormal heating patterns before fire develops
• Reduce false alarms caused by dust, steam, or environmental interference
• Provide wide-area coverage with fewer devices

Standards and Regulatory Frameworks

As these technologies mature, standardisation plays a critical role in ensuring performance, reliability, and market acceptance. The International Organization for Standardization has introduced dedicated standards for vision-based fire detection:

• ISO 7240-29:2024: Specifies performance requirements and test methods for video fire detectors operating in the visible spectrum.
• ISO/TS 7240-30:2022: Provides guidance on system design, installation, and maintenance.
• ISO 7240-33 (under development): Will address thermal imaging fire detectors, defining performance criteria and test methods.

These standards form part of the broader ISO 7240 series covering fire detection and alarm systems.

Within Europe, the EN 54 series remains the central framework for fire detection and alarm systems, defining product requirements, testing methods, and performance criteria. At present, video and thermal detection technologies are not yet fully harmonised within EN 54. However, progress is being made through national initiatives and certification schemes, such as those developed by recognised testing bodies including CNPP and national standards organisations. These developments are helping to bridge the gap while work continues toward harmonised European standards.

In North America, standards and codes are also evolving. Developments such as UL 2684 and updates to NFPA 72 increasingly recognise video and thermal detection technologies as valid detection methods in appropriate applications, supporting broader adoption across global markets.

Accelerating technologies

The development of video smoke-fire detection and thermal imaging technologies is accelerating, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, system integration, and expanding application areas.

These technologies enable earlier detection, improved reliability, and broader coverage—particularly in complex or large-scale environments where traditional systems alone may be insufficient. At the same time, evolving international and European standards are providing clearer frameworks for performance evaluation and certification, supporting wider market adoption. As buildings and infrastructure continue to digitalise, intelligent, camera-based fire detection systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in integrated safety strategies and data-driven risk management.

Euralarm’s Task Force on Video Fire Detection

To support the development and standardisation of these emerging technologies, the Fire Section of Euralarm has established a dedicated Task Force on Video Fire Detection (TF VFD). This initiative reflects the growing importance of video-based and thermal detection technologies within the fire safety sector. The Task Force focuses on:

• Mapping the current standardisation landscape across international, European, and national levels
• Identifying ongoing European activities and assessing the need for improvements or new standards
• Developing an action plan for incorporating video and thermal detection technologies into European frameworks

By bringing together industry expertise, the Task Force contributes to advancing understanding, supporting standardisation, and promoting the effective adoption of these technologies across Europe.