Back in the 2019 Tasmanian bushfires we were lucky enough to be the other side of the Huon River from the fireground, however we had a LOT of smoke (compare the photo below to the street view image)
It's now 2025, and while we've been very lucky compared to the US and mainland Australia, we now have a bushfire nearby (~6km from our house) that contains the following advice:
Residents should be aware that smoke and ash may be visible in the Channel area over the coming weeks, and anyone who is at higher risk from smoke should enact their personal health plans.
So, it's time to DIY some new smoke sensors! (I would just rely on the excellent BLANkET network already in place in Tasmania, but there aren't any downwind of the current fire)
Hardware
I already have a pair of PMS7003 sensors unused in a 'future projects' box, so we'll use them. They are supported by esphome, so using an esp32/esp8266 with them seems a simple choice
Mine (located in Kettering) will use a wired esp32 (because POE makes that simple), and I'll see if I can get one mounted at the Channel Men's Shed in Margate which will need to use wifi
I don't have a nice shiny 3d printed enclosure, so it'l use something like an old yoghurt tub to weatherproof them.
Build
.. To Be Continued at the weekend :-)
