Fire protection has traditionally relied on detecting smoke or flames after a fire has already started. Fidelity SecureFire, in partnership with Sigfox South Africa, is aiming to change that approach with the launch of HEATWATCH, a connected fire-risk ecosystem designed to identify abnormal heat build-up before a fire occurs.
The new solution combines intelligent heat monitoring, nationwide IoT connectivity, 24/7 command-centre monitoring and South Africa’s largest private fire response network to shift fire protection from reactive response to proactive risk prevention.
Addressing Emerging Fire Risks
The rapid adoption of solar PV systems, battery storage, inverters and backup power solutions has introduced new fire risks for both residential and commercial properties. Electrical faults and overheating equipment have increased the need for technologies capable of detecting potential failures before they develop into fires.
Unlike conventional fire detection systems that activate after smoke is present, HEATWATCH continuously monitors equipment temperatures and identifies abnormal heat build-up at the source, providing an earlier warning of potential fire hazards.
Intelligent Heat Monitoring
At the core of the system is a compact wireless heat-monitoring sensor that attaches directly to high-risk equipment. The device continuously measures temperature changes, operates for up to two years on a single battery and requires no Wi-Fi or hardwired infrastructure.
The solution is designed to protect a range of critical assets, including:
- Solar inverters
- Battery energy storage systems
- Generators
- Electrical distribution boards
- Server rooms
- Mission-critical infrastructure
When abnormal temperatures are detected, alerts are immediately transmitted through the Sigfox national IoT network to Fidelity SecureFire’s 24/7 National Command Centre, where operators assess the incident, initiate escalation procedures and coordinate an appropriate response. Where necessary, fire response teams can be dispatched immediately.
Combining IoT Connectivity with Fire Response
The solution is supported by Fidelity’s partnership with Sigfox South Africa, whose nationwide low-power IoT network enables reliable transmission of critical alerts over long distances while consuming minimal energy.
According to Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services Group, the future of fire protection lies in identifying risks before incidents occur rather than responding once damage has already begun.
Similarly, Gregory Rood, CEO of Sigfox South Africa, said the partnership demonstrates how IoT connectivity can improve emergency response by ensuring reliable communication even in environments where conventional connectivity may be unavailable.
An Integrated Fire-Risk Ecosystem
Rather than functioning as a standalone monitoring device, HEATWATCH combines four key capabilities into a single integrated platform:
- Early heat-risk detection
- Nationwide IoT connectivity
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Direct access to South Africa’s largest private fire response network
This integrated approach enables faster risk identification, quicker decision-making and more effective incident response while reducing the likelihood of equipment damage, operational downtime and fire-related losses.
With rapid deployment, wireless connectivity and nationwide coverage, HEATWATCH provides a scalable fire-risk management solution for residential, commercial, industrial and remote facilities.
As businesses continue investing in renewable energy infrastructure and mission-critical electrical equipment, predictive fire monitoring is expected to play an increasingly important role in protecting assets, maintaining business continuity and improving overall fire resilience.
