We proposed
A modular Ember Defense Kit to protect vents, gutters, and exterior gaps using accessible passive materials and guidance.
BRDG · PHASE 2 · FALL 2026
A vent that
responds.
EmberVent is a sensor-driven, fail-safe vent prototype designed to close automatically when smoke or dangerous hot-and-dry conditions are detected.
See how it works ↓ LIVE PROTOTYPE DEMONSTRATION
ESP32 · DHT22 · MQ-2 · MG996RLOCAL SENSING. AUTOMATIC ACTION.
01 / THE PROBLEM
Embers can enter a home long before flames arrive.
Wind-driven embers can travel ahead of an active wildfire and enter through vents, gutters, roof gaps, and other small openings. Once inside, they may ignite dust, insulation, stored materials, or structural components.
90%of home and business ignitions during wildfires may be caused by embers.Source: NIST
PHASE 1 → PHASE 2
From idea
to a working system.
We built + tested
Initial vent-cover prototypes and the working sensor “brain” that will enable an active closure response.
We refine
Calibrate thresholds, test controlled heat and smoke conditions, mount a real vent, and add enclosure, battery, and alerts.
02 / SOLUTION OVERVIEW
Meet
EmberVent.
EmberVent combines an always-on passive mesh layer with an active system that senses danger and closes the vent automatically.
It does not predict wildfires, replace evacuation orders, or guarantee a structure will not ignite.
Sense
An exterior-facing smoke sensor and temperature/humidity sensor monitor for smoke or hot-and-dry conditions.
Decide
An ESP32 reads the sensors locally every few seconds - no internet connection is needed to act.
Protect
A metal-gear servo drives the louvered damper shut while fine mesh remains behind it as a passive layer.
Fail safe
If power or a sensor fails, the vent defaults to a closed, protected position until manually reset.
03 / WHAT WE BUILT
A working benchtop
version of EmberVent’s brain.
ALARM LOGIC The vent closes when smoke is detected or conditions are hot and dry. The condition must hold for three readings, then the system remains latched closed until reset.
TESTING + RELIABILITY
Tested for the risks that matter.
We tested the logic in software first, then on live hardware. The project is being built around a deliberate normal → confirming → latched → reset cycle.
Confirms readings, safely closes the vent, and prevents resets until conditions are clear.
Normal readings around 31–33°C and 55–59% humidity remained stable with the vent open.
Warm, humid breath correctly stayed normal - it is not a hot-and-dry wildfire signature.
Calibrate thresholds with fire-weather data and test a real mounted vent with a controlled heat source.
04 / ENGINEERING CRITERIA
Designed to protect without forgetting what a vent needs to do.
FitCover selected vents without mounting-edge gaps.
Ember protectionPrevent ember-sized particles from passing through.
AirflowMeasure the change before and after installation.
DrainageKeep gutters draining without overflow or standing water.
InstallationEnable one-person installation with common tools.
MaintenanceAllow easy cleaning without damage.
05 / EXPECTED IMPACT
Prepared homes. More resilient communities.
Practical protection
- Improved household preparedness
- Greater access to home hardening
- Clearer installation and maintenance guidance
Community resilience
- Scalable wildfire mitigation
- Reduced structure loss and displacement
- Lower emergency and recovery burden
06 / THE TEAM
Different disciplines.
One shared purpose.
Phase 2 combined software, sensing, CAD, engineering, research, coordination, and communication into a working EmberVent prototype.
Ifunanya Okafor
Code Design Lead
Computer Science · Math + BMECal State LA
Kabir Khan
Web Dev & Servo Prototype
Software EngineeringSan José State
Rutu Aarabhi Kuchi
AI & Prototype Systems
Computer ScienceUC Irvine
German Leon
Project Coordination & Proposal Integration
Biomedical EngineeringCal Poly SLO
Josue Lopez Prado
3D Modeling Lead Designer
Mechanical EngineeringCal Poly Pomona
Michael Trang
Team Collaboration Management
Mechanical EngineeringCal State Long Beach