Written on 02 June 2026.

200th GERMAN EARLY WILDFIRE DETECTION SENSOR INSTALLED IN LOWER SAXONY

PRESS RELEASE

Hanover – June 2 2026

The first automated early wildfire detection system (AWFS) was commissioned in Brandenburg in 2003. Since then, it has developed into the backbone of wildfire detection in Germany and is now used across four continents worldwide. Innovation made in Germany.

Since 2011, early wildfire detection in Lower Saxony has relied on IQ FireWatch. The 17 existing installations monitor over 440,000 hectares, mainly in the north-eastern part of the state, particularly in the districts of Lüneburg, Heidekreis, Uelzen, Gifhorn, Lüchow-Dannenberg and Celle. All sites were modernised in 2021. The system is now being expanded to include an 18th site in Alt Garge, on land owned by Lower Saxony State Forests. This will be the 200th installation in Germany. A 19th site in Harburg-Rosengarten will follow shortly afterwards, ensuring that the federal state is optimally prepared for the 2026 forest fire season.

The multi-patented IQ FireWatch System detects smoke and smoke-like events using a multispectral sensor unit that rotates 360 degrees within four to six minutes and captures images at predefined positions. These images are processed in real time by a combination of feature-based algorithms and artificial intelligence. The interaction of hardware and software enables a monitoring radius of 20 kilometers in nearly all weather conditions. Under optimal conditions, detection is possible at distances of up to 50 kilometers or more.

If a fire is detected, alarm notifications are sent to the wildfire control center located in the “Auf der Hude” government complex in Lüneburg. From there, emergency responders are alerted and provided with essential additional information, such as the exact location and navigation details.

“The goal is to detect forest fires as early as possible and successfully combat them in order to prevent them from escalating into major wildfires and to minimize harm to people and nature,” explains Knut Sierk, an employee of the Lower Saxony State Forestry Department and head of the Forest Fire Control Center in Lüneburg. In addition to ongoing forest restructuring, the expansion of technical and forestry infrastructure, and sustainable awareness-raising, the AWFS is and remains a central component of preventive wildfire protection in Lower Saxony. “Coordination with the other federal states is particularly important, as they also rely on state-of-the-art early detection technology and enable cross-border sharing of data. After all, wildfires do not stop at state borders.”

The AWFS IQ FireWatch system has been implemented in the eight German federal states that are at the greatest risk of wildfires.

“We will continue to invest significant effort and expertise into further developing this important high-tech system so that this technological backbone of automated wildfire detection will continue to protect our environment in the future,” says Dr. Kurt Winter, Managing Director of the Berlin-based manufacturer.

Due to climate change, the global risk of wildfires is increasing significantly every year. Prolonged drought and heat, sometimes even before trees have leafed out, are growing risk factors. Because of these and other conditions, wildfires cannot be completely prevented, making early detection the decisive factor for a quick and precise response. Lower Saxony is prepared.

CONTACT FOR INQUIRIES

Knut Sierk

Lower Saxony State Forests – Operations Management

Bienroder Weg 3, 38106 Braunschweig
Tel: 0171 9780455
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / www.landesforsten.de

Victoria Winter
IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH
Ernst-Lau-Straße 5, 12489 Berlin
Tel: +49 30 863230-809
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.iq-technologies.berlin

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Early wildfire detection in Germany

In the past, observers on fire watch towers used binoculars under physically demanding conditions to help prevent wildfires. For the past 20 years, this task has been taken over by IQ FireWatch smoke detection sensor systems, deployed as the “Automated Early Wildfire Detection System” (AWFS). It is the only system in Germany currently in professional use and one of the key technical measures in wildfire protection. Originating in the high-risk region of Brandenburg, the system has since been deployed in many other regions to protect people, the environment, and assets. Due to increasing climate-related risks, the milestone of 200 systems across eight federal states is highly significant.

Early wildfire detection in Lower Saxony

On behalf of the State of Lower Saxony, the Lower Saxony State Forestry Department monitors more than 440,000 hectares of land from its wildfire control center in Lüneburg.

Since 2011, they have used the Automated Early Wildfire Detection System (AWFS), which was modernized in 2021. 360° cameras at various locations capture images of the surroundings. Specialized software analyzes these systematically recorded images and reports potential fire events to the control center. Trained staff review alerts and notify the fire brigade control center if necessary. Two new locations are currently under construction and will be integrated into the existing system.

IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH

IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH (formerly IQ wireless GmbH), headquartered in Berlin, is a company with over 20 years of experience that operates two innovative business divisions: IQ FireWatch and IQ spacecom. IQ FireWatch is a terrestrial early-warning fire detection system for forests, industrial facilities, and populated areas near forests. IQ spacecom offers high-performance wireless communication solutions that enable small satellites, such as CubeSats, to achieve flexible and highly efficient broadband data communication. More than 50 employees continuously develop and optimize the products to meet customer needs and provide solutions for the complex challenges of the future. The technical innovations of IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH are researched, developed, manufactured, and tested at the company’s headquarters in Berlin.

IQ FireWatch at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

At INTERSCHUTZ 2026, IQ FireWatch will present the latest generation of the world’s leading Automated Early Wildfire Detection System (AWFS): more compact, powerful, and versatile than ever before. At two exhibition booths, the Berlin-based IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH will demonstrate how IQ FireWatch’s precise, terrestrial, multispectral real-time detection system saves crucial minutes in protecting people, the environment, and assets.

In line with the motto: “Early Detection Enables Action.” Visitors can also learn about a wide range of opportunities for industrial partnerships in a growing and future-oriented market segment.

IQ FireWatch can be found in Hall 17, Booth F04, as well as in the WildfireCamp outdoor area.

Appointments can be arranged at: iq-firewatch.com/interschutz2026

Picture L-R Dr. Kurt Winter (CEO, IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH) and Minister Miriam Staudte (7th from left) at the commissioning of the AWFS sensor in Alt Garge