Chongqing - Chongqing's Ciqikou Ancient Town is a national 4A-level tourist site, the first batch of Chinese historical and cultural blocks, drawing over 16 million visitors annually. Yet, it encounters governance challenges like community management and the need for specialized attention to tourism, fire prevention, and flood control.

Known for its over 700 wooden buildings, Ciqikou faces potential fire risks. With over 1,800 residents and a daily influx of 50,000 visitors, it also experiences significant population pressure and safety challenges.

"Fire prevention and control are the most important and mature aspects of our work in Ciqikou," said Li Cheng, a member of the Party Committee and Organization Committee from Ciqikou Street in Shapingba District, in an interview with Bridging News on April 9. "Fire prevention is our top priority."

He added, "That's why we have developed the Integrated Governance and Smart Management Platform of Ciqikou Street - AI fire automatic early warning." This Smart Firefighting Management System boosts fire management's technological efficacy at tourist sites.

Li stated that the Ciqikou area now has three high-altitude "eagle eyes," 209 surveillance cameras, and 944 smart smoke sensors, creating a comprehensive 3D firefighting IoT sensing network. 

Li added that this could quickly alert his team to unexpected temperature increases or smoke detection, allowing for rapid evaluation of potential fires and ensuring swift fire detection and activation capabilities.

Meanwhile, Ciqikou Street utilizes AI for fire response, with intelligent dispatch ensuring alarms from smoke sensors prompt immediate warnings and real-time updates to local governance centers, emergency management, and tourist area micro-fire stations for swift professional firefighting action.

"This application of intelligent sensing devices not only enables fire alarms and triggers but also facilitates follow-up and conversion through our platform," Li said. "We currently receive around 1093 fire alerts, and we can typically address them all within 6 minutes."

In the event of a major fire that may be challenging for firefighters to manage alone, immediate activation of emergency plans ensures swift resolution. Li stressed that these protocols ensure rapid notification of firefighting teams and timely data delivery to the command center for analysis and decision-making, enhancing response efficiency.

Digital Chongqing's smart firefighting efforts bolster Ciqikou Ancient Town's safety and showcase the city's excellence in urban management and safety prevention. Moving forward, Ciqikou Street plans to use technology to enhance fire prevention and protect residents and visitors.