Fidelity turns to Sigfox to spot fires before they start

Sigfox South Africa’s nationwide 0G network is the connectivity backbone for HeatWatch, a fire-risk monitoring service developed and launched by Fidelity SecureFire .

At the centre of it is the HeatWatch Sensor Sticker, which continuously monitors the surface temperature of the asset it protects. When a predefined threshold is exceeded, it sends an alert over the Sigfox network directly to Fidelity SecureFire’s monitoring platform.

The asset owner is notified immediately, while Fidelity SecureFire’s 24/7 national command centre manages escalation and coordinates a response. Where the protected asset falls within the company’s designated response footprint, trained fire response teams can be dispatched.

As solar installations, inverters, battery storage systems and other high-value electrical equipment proliferate, so does the need for an early-warning layer that works independently of Wi-Fi , fixed internet access or high-power infrastructure.

“This partnership is exactly what our network was built for,” said Gregory Rood, CEO of Sigfox South Africa. “Reliably moving small but critical pieces of information over long distances while using very little power is where the Sigfox 0G network excels. When lives may be at risk or significant asset damage is possible, dependable connectivity becomes essential. Together with Fidelity SecureFire, we are helping shift fire protection from responding to incidents to preventing them.”

The 0G network suits applications such as HeatWatch because it is designed to carry small, essential data messages using very little power. Its national reach, low-energy operation and independence from a customer’s internet connection make it a practical backbone for sensors that must stay active for long periods and communicate when it matters.

With a guaranteed two-year battery life and no wiring required, the Sensor Sticker can be deployed quickly across residential, commercial and industrial sites. It is designed for high-risk and high-value assets including inverter systems, battery banks, generators, electrical distribution boards, server rooms and other mission-critical equipment.

The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship. Fidelity is among Sigfox South Africa’s founding investors.

“Technology is only valuable when it delivers action,” said Wahl Bartmann, group CEO of Fidelity Services Group. “The fire industry has traditionally focused on what happens after a fire starts. We believe the future lies in identifying risk before an incident occurs. HeatWatch is more than a sensor. It is a connected prevention ecosystem that combines predictive technology with South Africa’s largest private fire response capability. That means we can help customers act before a small risk becomes a devastating loss. For our customers, that translates into less damage, less downtime and greater peace of mind.”

HeatWatch is available from R977 including VAT as a once-off purchase, with professional monitoring included. Physical fire response is provided where the protected asset falls within Fidelity SecureFire’s designated response footprint.