Sensors-actuators cooperation in WSANs for fire-fighting applications

Wireless sensor and actuator networks for environmental operations are discussed in this paper. A scenario of a forest being under fire is analyzed. While the forest fire detection is a classical application for sensor networks, here this research area is extended, taking into account actuators and focusing on sensors-actuators cooperation. First, the spreading of the fire is illustrated, adapting a well-known model based on percolation theory and explaining its relations with epidemics propagation models. Then, it is shown how the temperature data gathered by sensors can be used by actuators to automatically perform actions to battle with blaze. Finally, the simulation results are presented, documenting the correctness of the decisions taken by the system and the efficiency of fire-fighting actions related to the sensors density.