How LORIOT and Kerlink use IoT to prevent wildfires

As climate change drives longer dry seasons and more extreme weather, wildfire prevention has become a global priority. In Austria’s Salzburg region, a new IoT-based monitoring system is helping local authorities take early action using real-time environmental data to assess risk and prevent fires before they start.

To bring this project to life, LORIOT, a Swiss provider of LoRaWAN network infrastructure and IoT systems, partnered with Kerlink to combine reliable connectivity with advanced data analytics. The result: a scalable “smart forestry” network that turns local sensor data into actionable insight for better decision-making in the field.

A Smart IoT Network for Forest Monitoring

Deployed in collaboration with the Salzburg Forestry Department, the system continuously monitors environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and soil conditions key indicators of fire risk.

Data collected by sensors in the forest is transmitted via Kerlink Wirnet iStation gateways to LORIOT’s network and analytics platform, where it is processed and visualized in near real time.

“This project came to life thanks to strong partners who brought deep expertise in IoT sensing and gateway technology. In the long run, this system will help prevent forest fires by enabling early action and putting protective measures in place before it’s too late,” explains Robin Wulfes, IoT Solutions Lead at LORIOT.

Built around six Kerlink gateways and a network of weather and soil sensors, the system provides long-range, low-power connectivity across roughly 350 km² of forest. Even in remote or mountainous areas, it delivers the reliability and stability required for continuous monitoring.

Reliable Connectivity at the Core

At the heart of the network are Kerlink Wirnet™ iStation gateways industrial-grade, IP67-certified devices designed for harsh outdoor conditions. These gateways form the communication backbone of the wildfire prevention system, ensuring that critical environmental data flows securely and efficiently from the forest floor to LORIOT’s analytics platform.

Together, the two technologies create a robust foundation for real-time monitoring and data-driven forest management.

“Reliable connectivity is the backbone of any effective monitoring network, especially in challenging environments like Salzburg’s forests,” says Chakib Berkani, Business Expansion Manager at Kerlink. “Working with LORIOT, we’ve shown how strong partnerships and proven technology can turn real-time data into timely, preventive action that protects both people and nature.”

Toward a Model for Smart Forestry

By providing accurate, localized information, the system helps authorities replace broad fire bans with targeted, evidence-based measures that are easier for communities to understand and follow. Real-time dashboards and automated alerts give forest managers the visibility they need to act quickly and effectively.

As the project scales, it could serve as a model for other regions facing increasing wildfire risk—demonstrating how IoT connectivity can move forest management from reaction to prevention.

Discover the Full Use Case

How did LORIOT and Kerlink design and deploy this Smart Forestry system in Salzburg?

Download the full use case to explore how IoT and LoRaWAN connectivity are shaping the future of wildfire prevention: Use case