What ShouId I Consider When Planning a Fire Test?

Review Your Site’s Health 

Good site health is essential for a successful Fire Test. The two most important factors to check are device connectivity and energy levels. Both can be monitored in the Device Overview of the Site Management App.

We recommend performing a full site review using our Site Management App before conducting a Fire Test.

Connectivity:
Each device’s connectivity status is displayed in the Device Overview list as a four-bar signal icon, representing the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value. Similar to the signal bars on a mobile phone, this real-time indicator provides a reliable measure of the device’s connection strength and stability.

Energy:
The energy levels of Silvanet devices are displayed as a percentage in real time within the Device Overview list. By drilling down into a specific device, you can access a detailed energy graph, which can be customized to display patterns over any chosen time period.

Tip: Before testing, we recommend reviewing the 24-hour and 7-day energy patterns of all gateways on the test site, as well as a selection of sensors located in the immediate test area. 

Important: If your border gateways are powered solely by solar energy, they may enter power-saving mode at night. We recommend allowing them to fully charge in the morning before testing. Fire alerts are prioritized and will wake the gateway even when it is in power-saving mode.

If you need assistance reviewing your site’s health before a Fire Test, we are happy to help. Simply contact our Customer Success Team via our online request form or by emailing support@dryad.net. 

Set Up Alert Recipients Before Testing 

Before testing, make sure all necessary alert recipients are configured in the User Management section of the Site Management App. Users should enable Fire Alert Notifications and verify that the correct email addresses and phone numbers are entered to ensure alerts reach the intended recipients.

For full details on adding and editing users, please see our article How do I add and manage users in the Dryad Site Management app? 

Choose a Suitable Testing Location & Time

Before contacting fire specialists, it is recommended to identify several potential locations and times for the test that can be suggested to the professionals. Locations should provide 360-degree coverage by Silvanet Sensors (as seen below) and test scheduling should be made after midday when possible. The final test site and time must be reviewed and approved by trained fire professionals to ensure safety.

Contact a Local Fire Specialist to Schedule the Prescribed Burn

Before conducting a Fire Test, your first step is to engage trained fire professionals to perform a prescribed burn. Your role is to coordinate the scheduling, provide necessary information, and ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met.

Typically, your fire specialist will perform the following preparation steps before conducting a prescribed burn:

1. Site Assessment

   • Evaluate the proposed test location to ensure it is safe and suitable for a controlled fire.

   • Confirm that the area has sufficient clearance from flammable structures, vegetation, and other hazards.

   • Verify that the site provides adequate sensor coverage for the Fire Test.

2. Regulatory Compliance

   • Obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.

   • Ensure the burn complies with local fire codes, environmental regulations, and weather restrictions.

3. Fire Behavior Planning

   • Determine the type and amount of fuel to be used.

   • Develop a fire management plan to control the size, intensity, and spread of the fire.

   • Assess potential wind, humidity, and temperature conditions to predict fire behavior safely.

4. Safety Measures

   • Establish perimeter safety zones and firebreaks to prevent unintended spread.

   • Prepare firefighting equipment on-site, such as hoses, extinguishers, and water sources.

   • Assign trained personnel to monitor and control the burn at all times.

5. Communication and Coordination

   • Notify local authorities and nearby residents if required.

   • Coordinate with any on-site personnel who will monitor sensor alerts during the test.

   • Set a clear schedule for ignition, monitoring, and extinguishment.

6. Contingency Planning

   • Prepare a plan for unexpected changes in weather or fire behavior.

   • Establish procedures for rapid extinguishment if the fire exceeds safe limits.

      

Important: Prescribed burns may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions. If your Fire Test is intended to demonstrate the system at a scheduled time, please plan accordingly. When a Fire Test is not feasible, we recommend performing a Sensor Smoke Test instead. Full details can be found in our article: Step by step guide: Sensor Smoke Test.