CTRL-F (Interreg Bayern – Czechia)
What is CTRL-F
CTRL-F (Cross-border Technologies for Rapid Localisation of Fire) is a three-year international project focused on the early detection of forest fires in the Czech-Bayern borderlands, specifically in the Šumava National Park and Bavarian Forest National Park.
The project combines a sensor network able to detect gases and emissions generated during combustion with autonomous drones carrying thermal and optic cameras. The drones will be deployed from docking stations located directly in the field. After assessing the possible crisis based on the sensor network, the semi/automatic dispatch of the drone will be initiated, and visual data will be transmitted to the fire department operations centre.
The project is realised in cooperation with the University in Ansbach, companies NeuralDrones UG, KI64, the Fire Rescue Service of the Pilsen region and the Fire Rescue Inspectorate of the Cham county.
Aims of the project:
- To strategically deploy the sensorics to detect the substances produced during combustion and the drones in the docking stations.
- To shorten the reaction time when a forest fire is located and to increase the efficiency of the decision-making processes of the IRS.
- To test the operability of drones beyond the limits of visibility (BVLOS), after the necessary legislative adjustments on both sides (Czech/German) will be made.
Results of the project:
- Operating network of sensorics and drones docked in remote areas of the Šumava National Park and Bavarian Forest National Park.
- Early on-time detection of forest fires will help to minimise/mitigate the potential impact of the forest fire and to achieve a higher level of efficiency in the deployment of firefighting units.
- Utilisation of docked drones also for search for missing persons or other IRS operations.
Project timetable:
- Start: 1. 1. 2026
- End: 31. 12. 2028
Project Coordinator:
University Ansbach
EU Budget for SITMP:
6.8 Mil CZK
Project Identification:
BYCZ08-246 – CTRL-F
Other projects
GOLIA (Horizon Europe)
EPIC (European Urban Initiative)
