Fri, 16 Jan 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 'They are essential': How smoke detectors are evolving

AI trained to recognise fire is among the latest developments in fire alarm tech.
A woman in Dover narrowly escaped a house fire caused by her tumble dryer, which was triggered by an expired smoke alarm in her home. The incident highlights concerns that modern life may be outpacing the capabilities of traditional smoke alarms. Researchers are working on new technologies to improve smoke detection, but experts emphasize that any certified and functioning smoke alarm is better than nothing. In fact, people without a working smoke alarm are 10 times more likely to die in a fire. There are two main types of smoke alarm technology: ionisation-based systems and optical-based alarms. Heat sensors can also be installed in kitchens to detect high temperatures. The tests used to evaluate smoke alarms were developed in the 1980s, but experts say that despite changes in building materials, traditional smoke alarms remain reliable. However, new challenges have emerged with the rise of e-bikes containing lithium-ion batteries, which can produce toxic and flammable gases. Some researchers are developing ultra-sensitive smoke alarms, such as aspirating devices that constantly suck in air to detect small quantities of smoke. Smart technology is also being integrated into smoke alarms, allowing for wi-fi connectivity and push notifications to users' phones. The smoke alarm industry has a responsibility to reduce nuisance alarms, which can lead people to deactivate or uninstall the devices. Companies are working to address this issue by calibrating their alarms to avoid false triggers. In the future, researchers may develop AI-based systems that use machine learning to detect fires in video feeds from any camera. This technology could potentially be integrated into drones, helping firefighters pinpoint the location of a blaze in high-rise buildings.
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