About the Forest Fire Detector

Forest fires are an ever increasing problem for many areas throughout California. In order to effectively fight these fires early detection is key. These fires will be detected using sensors placed in the treetops of a forest. In order to effectively transmit data each sensor unit will also have a transceiver that will receive and output radio frequency (RF) signals. In this paper, the 2.4GHz frequency will be analyzed because it is the only globally allowed frequency. This RF frequency propagation will be analyzed through vegetation while the vegetation is both on fire and not. In addition to analyzing vegetation in different stages of on fire, this paper will also analyze how mote placement within the treetops can affect RF propagation. Lastly, this paper will use this research and analysis to draft a methodology for implementing a mesh network of these motes. This network will be used in a variety of dynamic topographies and climates and must be able to adapt to them effortlessly.