Planck Vision Systems: Large Fires in Auckland and Canterbury Result in Major Losses, with Damages Estimated at $5 Million

Planck Vision Systems manufactures thermal imaging solutions for portable inspection and 24/7 monitoring of commercial applications including: Early Fire Detection, Manufacturing, Substations and Tunnels, Electrical Panel/Cabinets, Storage Facilities, Data Centers and Elevated Body Temperature Screening. Our company is headquartered in Santa Barbara CA, the capital of infrared sensing technologies in the United States.

On December 13, 2024, two large fires broke out in New Zealand, one in Auckland’s industrial area and another in rural Canterbury, prompting evacuations. The Canterbury fire, which started around 9:00 PM near the Waimakariri River, spread rapidly due to strong winds. The blaze affected an area approximately 1km x 1km, with evacuations underway, and has caused significant damage, estimated at $5 million. In Auckland, a vegetation fire on Highbrook Drive was quickly brought under control, but both fires highlight the importance of early fire detection systems.

NEWS

On the night of December 13, 2024, two major fires erupted in New Zealand. The first took place in an industrial area of Auckland, while the second, a vegetation fire, spread rapidly in rural Canterbury.

Around 9:00 PM, a vegetation fire started on the Waimakariri Riverbed, near West Melton, Canterbury. The fire spread to pine trees along Old West Coast Road, creating a massive blaze visible across the skyline. Strong winds exacerbated the situation, allowing the fire to grow to an estimated 1km x 1km in size by 10:00 PM. Fire and Emergency New Zealand dispatched 10 trucks to the scene, and evacuations were underway for residents east of Thompsons Road to McKays Road.

The evacuations have impacted many households, and a local photographer reported firefighters going door to door to ensure safety. The high winds, with speeds approaching severe gale levels, have made firefighting efforts difficult, and the situation remains volatile. The estimated damage caused by this fire is already in the range of $5 million.

The fire in Canterbury follows a recent fire in the Bridge Hill area, which burned through 1000 hectares of land before being brought under control. The Bridge Hill fire also prompted evacuations, highlighting the growing risk of wildfires in the region.

In Auckland, a smaller fire broke out around 9:10 PM on Highbrook Drive, covering a 30m x 30m area. Firefighters quickly responded with three appliances and a water tanker, successfully containing the fire. One crew remained at the scene to dampen down hot spots. This blaze caused flames to shoot into the air and an orange glow illuminated the horizon, but fortunately, no major damage was reported.

These fires highlight the need for quick response systems and early fire detection technologies. Planck Vision Systems leads with superior thermal imaging tailored for diverse industries. Beyond detecting minute temperature variations, our always-on technology ensures system protection, operational excellence, and catches every anomaly. This vigilance minimizes risks, preempting system failures and potential threats.

_{source: nzherald.co.nz}

Scalable Solutions for Early Fire Detection
For early fire detection, Planck Vision TNC thermal imaging cameras are far superior to traditional systems that can alert to fire only after the visible consequences of smoke and flame are present. TNC cameras can help to prevent the destruction of goods and loss of life by surveilling for abnormal heat conditions before fires erupt.

Top 6 Advantages of Planck Vision Thermal Cameras:
Industry-Leading Sensitivity: Our cameras easily identify dangerous pre-flame conditions and post-flame hotspots, providing early warnings to prevent extensive damage.
Customizable Options: With a wide selection of sensor resolution and lens optics, we tailor our cameras to suit specific surveillance needs, ensuring optimal performance for every application.
Dual Thermal/Visible Cameras: Combining thermal and visible cameras in one unit enhances situational awareness, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and swift response to potential threats.
Easy Installation and Operation: Our IP cameras are designed for seamless integration into your local network, simplifying installation and operation for enhanced efficiency.
User-Programmed Analytics: With analytics running on Edge, our systems offer the best reliability, empowering users to customize monitoring parameters for precise threat detection.
On-Camera Head Relays: Control is placed where it’s needed most with on-camera head relays, facilitating quick adjustments and interventions in critical situations.