Technological advances in the firefighting field are an important component of a modern fire service. In the case of Thermal Imaging Cameras, the technology was developed by the American military and, over the course of several years, adapted for industrial use and then for use in the fire service.

The most powerful light produced cannot penetrate smoke, however thermal (infrared) energy does penetrate smoke. The Thermal Imaging Camera has the ability to transfer the thermal energy (infrared waves) into a visible image. The image produced is very much like an x-ray and it takes a trained person to correctly interpret the image. In a fire where the smoke is so thick a firefighter can’t see more than a couple of inches past his/her visor, the camera allows for a more effective search and rescue operation.

While firefighters are always mindful of causing as little damage to a fire scene as possible, it is also necessary to ensure that fire has not ‘traveled’ to inaccessible areas, waiting to rekindle. The Thermal Imaging Camera allows firefighters to locate hot spots in a wall or duct where fire can hide. It also allows firefighters to minimize damage at a fire scene and to prevent rekindles which can be costly to both the property owner and the municipality, and to preserve evidence at fires, enabling the Investigator to better determine the fire origin.

Windsor Fire & Rescue Services was the beneficiary of fundraising partnerships carried out by a variety of businesses, service clubs, and private citizens. Each camera now costs approximately $17,000. It was important that each station have an imaging camera and the donations were supplemented by department funding to purchase a total of 5 cameras, so far. Recently, the Windsor Firefighters Combat Challenge Team won a thermal imaging camera at the world competitions. Scott Technologies presented the camera to the team who, in turn, presented it to the Fire Chief.