We are Finalist in Conservation X Labs Fire Grand Challenge!

Envisioning Labs is proud to announce our selection as a finalist in Conservation X Labs' Fire Grand Challenge. This recognition supports our work developing innovative solutions for underground smouldering wildfires.

Our entry, Firelance, evolves from our previous CO₂-based fire suppression systems developed in Southeast Asia. The project now focuses on detecting and monitoring "zombie fires" in North American contexts—deep-burning fires in peat and duff layers that persist underground, releasing significant carbon emissions while remaining difficult to detect with conventional methods.

We're developing a multi-sensor approach to ground fire detection that uses specialized sensors to identify carbon monoxide concentrations and smoke particulates, enabling early detection of underground fires before they become destructive surface wildfires.

With support from the Conservation X Labs accelerator program, we'll conduct field testing in partnership with the San Juan Islands Conservation District. Our testing will evaluate various sensor configurations to determine the most effective combination for detecting underground fires of different intensities.

With peat fires in Western Canada emitting approximately 6 million metric tonnes of carbon annually, our work addresses significant environmental and public health challenges. By creating technology that can detect these fires earlier and more precisely, we aim to support more efficient wildfire response strategies and prevent escalation into larger wildfires.