A new automated wildfire detection and monitoring system was officially launched today in the Kamyshenka forestry unit of the Semey Ormany State Forest Nature Reserve.
The system is designed to significantly improve early response to wildfires, assess potential risks, and localize outbreaks in their initial stages. The Semey Ormany region is among the most fire-prone areas in Kazakhstan, with 42 wildfire incidents recorded since the beginning of the year—many of them caused by natural phenomena, such as dry lightning.
During a meeting with investors, the Minister emphasized the need to accelerate fire recovery efforts and set a deadline by the end of June to stabilize the situation and ensure timely progress.
The newly implemented system operates 24/7 using advanced thermal and optical cameras mounted on 30-meter-high towers. These rotating cameras provide 360-degree coverage and utilize artificial intelligence to automatically detect early signs of smoke or fire. Once a threat is identified, the system immediately sends an alert to the Operational Control Center for rapid response.
“In the next phase, the system will be integrated into the Strategic Planning and Emergency Response Command Center of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, enabling centralized monitoring of forest areas at the national level and more effective decision-making.
This initiative in Semey Ormany marks an important step toward protecting Kazakhstan’s natural heritage and enhancing the safety of communities living near forested regions”, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources reports.