Huangshi, Hubei: Fortifying a "Safety Barrier" Against Forest Fires

Recently, the Huangshi power supply department in Hubei Province strengthened its "safety barrier" against forest fires by applying new forest fire prevention technologies.

Transmission Smart Monitoring Center of State Grid Huangshi Power Supply Company

Photo by Cao Xiangkui

In Zhulindong Village, Baisha Town, Yangxin County, Huangshi City, power company personnel deployed infrared drones to conduct a grid-pattern inspection of the Jinping-Sunan ±800kV Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) transmission line. While flying over the Qifengshan Forest Farm, the drone identified a smoldering pile of grass. The ignition point was located where the UHVDC line intersected with high-voltage lines supplying the Yangxin area. If the fire had spread, it could have caused a short circuit and tripped the transmission lines, disrupting electricity supply to local residents.

Staff operating a drone to inspect the transmission lines

Photo by Cao Xiangkui

After receiving the fire alert, a patrol team stationed two kilometers away quickly deployed with firefighting equipment and extinguished the flames. The entire process—from detection to suppression—was completed in under 15 minutes.

Rapid Response Brings Fire Under Control

Photo by Cao Xiangkui

The Huangshi power supply department has installed over 50 voice-activated alarm devices in key high-risk areas to remind passersby that open flames and fireworks are prohibited. Furthermore, they are conducting comprehensive, round-the-clock patrols of 47 local 220kV high-voltage transmission lines, planning to deploy 3,500 personnel and 135 drone patrol missions to fortify the "safety barrier" against forest fires.