Integrated Sensor Networks for Low-Cost Residential Fire Suppression and Smoke Hazard Mitigation
Abstract
Residential fires remain a leading cause of structural loss and civilian death, with smoke inhalation—rather than direct burns—responsible for the majority of fire-related fatalities. Conventional wet/dry sprinkler installations are effective but carry high installation and maintenance costs that put them out of reach for many low- and middle-income households. This study presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of an Autonomous Fire Retardation System (AFRS): a low-cost, sensor-driven fire suppression and smoke-clearing prototype intended for confined residential spaces. The system pairs an LM35 analog temperature sensor and an MQ-2 gas/smoke sensor on an Arduino Uno transmitter node with an Arduino Nano receiver node, linked wirelessly via HC-05/HC-06 Bluetooth serial modules. Crossing a 45 °C temperature threshold triggers a 5 V DC water pump and audible buzzer; smoke intensity exceeding 20% triggers a 12 V DC exhaust fan. Real-time readings are displayed on a 16×2 LCD. The prototype was validated through Proteus circuit simulation, controlled ignition/smoke trials, Bluetooth range testing (indoor and open-field), and calibration of the LM35 voltage–temperature response. The system correctly activated the water pump and buzzer at the 45 °C threshold and the exhaust fan at 20% smoke intensity, with no observed actuation delay. The Bluetooth link maintained reliable communication up to 8 m indoors and 13 m in open field, consistent with signal attenuation from indoor obstructions. LM35 output voltage scaled linearly with temperature (approximately 10 mV/°C) from 0 °C to 120 °C, matching the sensor's rated response. The prototype demonstrates that a wireless, dual-sensor architecture can deliver early fire and smoke response at a fraction of the cost of conventional sprinkler systems, making it a viable safety option for low-income and rural households, with clear pathways for sensitivity and range improvements.