Pinecone-Inspired Wildfire Alert Device

Inspiration & Motivation

With climate change driving an anticipated 50% increase in extreme wildfires by 2100—especially in regions like the Arctic and tropical forests—early detection has become critical. Conventional systems are often expensive, complex, and labor-intensive to install. Inspired by serotinous pinecones—which release seeds only in response to fire—Pyri mirrors nature’s design, engaging only when needed and dissolving harmlessly into the environment.

How It Works

• Deployment: Pyri sensors are dispersed over territory—by drones, helicopters, or manually—requiring no installation infrastructure.

• Activation: Rising flames or high heat melt Pyri’s wax-based shell, triggering a saltwater solution that powers organic electronics and prompts an RF alert.

• Alert Transmission: The RF signal is caught by standard communication towers, pinpointing the fire’s location and informing emergency services and affected communities.

• Environmental Impact: After activation, the sensors burn away entirely or degrade harmlessly—made from non-toxic and biodegradable components.

Design & Development

The Pyri team—students from Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art—conducted extensive interviews with wildfire experts and affected communities in regions like Jamaica, Türkiye, and Canada. These insights informed their design criteria for range, durability, and low-cost scalability. Their collaborative prototyping leveraged HF engineering and sustainable materials, with a patent application now filed.

What Sets Pyri Apart

Unlike many IoT or drone-based systems, Pyri is affordably deployable and requires no ongoing maintenance or technical expertise. Its eco-conscious construction avoids rare-earth metals or toxic materials, making it scalable, cost-effective, and accessible to communities most in need.

Recognition & Future Plans

Pyri was named the UK National Winner of the James Dyson Award 2024, earning £5,000 and progressing to the international final.

The prototype development and field testing are the next milestones, beginning with pilot programs in national parks or private lands, aiming for real-world deployment.