Connected Vehicle data empowers NSW RFS with evacuation insights

Sydney, Australia - 10th June 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is leveraging innovative Connected Vehicle technology to enhance its understanding of evacuation behaviours during emergencies. In collaboration with Compass IoT, this project provides crucial real-time and retrospective insights into driver behaviours for data-driven decision-making. 

Analysing anonymised vehicle data, the RFS is gaining insights into how residents react to SMS and voice message alerts during Emergency Periods. Compass and RFS have trialled a sample dashboard of the Cessnock Road fire in late 2023. 

The data enables a deeper understanding of driver reactions during Emergency periods and warnings, including analysis of travel times and speeds. 

The RFS plans to build more similar dashboards in collaboration with Compass to explore evacuation behaviours for other fires across the state. 

Michael Kwok, Key Accounts Manager at Compass IoT, commented on the future possibilities: "This collaboration with the RFS highlights the power of connected vehicle data in real-world emergencies. By providing actionable insights into driver behaviour, we can empower the RFS and ultimately improve community safety during critical events."

This project is part of the Natural Hazards Technology Program, delivered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, to accelerate technology innovation in the state. For more information on the Natural Hazards Technology Program, visit www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au.

‍

For further information

Teagan McKay

Communications and Media Strategist 

teagan@compassiot.com.au

‍

About the Rural Fire Service (NSW)

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead combat agency for bushfires in NSW. For over 100 years, we have been a significant part of the history and landscape of NSW. Working closely with other agencies, we respond to a range of emergencies, including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and storms that occur within rural fire districts. Learn more at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.  

‍

About Compass IoT

Founded in 2018, Compass IoT is a multi-award-winning connected vehicle data aggregator that uses vehicle-generated insights to help transport professionals build better, safer, and more resilient cities. Compass provides granular insights to clients across Australia, New Zealand, North America, the United Kingdom, and Asia. Learn more at www.compassiot.com.au.