Abstract: Fire detection is crucial for preventing fire disasters. In highway tunnels, the complex internal environment often leads to low identification rates and an inability to locate fire sources when using traditional detection methods. To address these issues, this paper proposes an integrated fire detection and extinguishing method based on infrared thermal imaging, combined with a smart fire cannon system. The system integrates an uncooled infrared array sensor and an AT32F435 microcontroller into the fire cannon device. Through layered processing of infrared images from the fire scene, it extracts temperature field distribution data and achieves early fire identification based on characteristics such as the rate of temperature rise and spatial propagation. Furthermore, by analyzing the temperature field, the system confirms the fire location and outputs its coordinates to control the fire cannon’s movement, enabling precise targeting and suppression of the flame. This approach provides an alternative solution for tunnel firefighting and lays a foundation for the intelligent networking of tunnel fire protection systems.