A method and system for detecting sulfur fires that comprises a remote infrared or microwave sensor to detect sulfur dioxide gas and provide an unsupervised remote daytime and nighttime sulfur fire-watch, hot spot detection, early sulfur fire prevention, sulfur fire detection, or sulfur fire control of unattended combustible sulfur blocks, sulfur stockpiles, sulfur plants, or equipment using remote sensing devices that includes detection, measurement and analysis of electromagnetic radiation to determine the presence of sulfur dioxide gas.