Abstract: In this paper we propose a new systematic approach to monitor forest fires over large areas. Established architecture of the complex, as well as effective methods of centralization and decision-making. Scientific and technical challenge is to create a system of distributed video surveillance to solve the problem of early detection of forest fires. This article discusses the existing fire detection approaches: the use of specialized towers, fire detection methods from the air, with the use of aircraft of various classes, a holistic approach to forest fire monitoring system uses satellite monitoring, video monitoring system. The described system is designed for the detection of forest fires and the determination of their spatial coordinates in real time. For the operation of the software complex towers and existing infocommunication data transmission medium can be used. This article analyzes existing approaches in the field of forest fire monitoring. A new systematic approach to problems of this kind, which is characterized by high performance and maximum efficiency of the concept solutions with minimal resource costs.