Thermal Imaging Camera Use (Hard)

Thermal Imaging Camera Use

• Primary Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) is stored in the cab of the fire apparatus, accessible by the officer. All personnel must familiarize themselves with the unit before use
• TIC must be utilized on every dispatched structure fire and other identified situations to enhance the safety of firefighting personnel or rescue operations
• TIC can be used for various purposes, including:
  • Safer navigation in zero visibility spaces
  • Search and rescue
  • Fire attack teams
  • Rapid intervention teams
  • Locating fire during size-up
  • Identifying structural compromise
  • Locating hidden fires during overhaul operations
• TIC has limitations:
  • Only provides a two-dimensional view
  • Does not show behind walls
  • Affected by reflective surfaces like water, glass, and plastic
• TIC must be stored on the apparatus at all times and inspected daily as part of the daily equipment checks
• TIC battery should be changed every morning, and the lens and screen must be kept clean
• If the TIC becomes damaged or inoperative, the issue must be documented and the on-duty District Chief should be contacted immediately

Deployment and Use

• All members must adhere to the thermal imaging camera guideline
• Officers ensure all assigned TICs are deployed from their apparatus on every dispatched structure fire and other identified situations that enhance the safety of firefighting personnel or rescue operations
• Apparatus have additional TICs assigned for firefighter use

Uses of Thermal Imaging Camera

• Navigating in spaces with zero visibility due to smoke for search and rescue, fire attack teams, and rapid intervention teams
• Locating fire during size-up
• Identifying structural compromise, avenues of fire travel, or impingement on exposures
• Locating hidden fires during overhaul operations
• Assisting rapid intervention teams in locating downed firefighters
• Maintaining crew accountability
• Assisting during hazardous materials incidents by viewing levels of flammable liquid or pressure vessels, determining effectiveness of cooling streams, or monitoring vapor clouds of gas releases
• Search and rescue (assisting police, etc.)

Limitations of Thermal Imaging Camera

• TIC provides a two-dimensional view, limiting depth perception for firefighters
• TIC does not provide a view behind walls but can indicate temperature changes
• TIC can fail, relying on methods like tag lines, hose lines, or maintaining wall contact is recommended over sole reliance on TIC
• Water, glass, and plastic create reflective images, making the camera ineffective
• Holes in the floor may not be visible on the screen due to temperature differences
• When the TIC is activated, cool areas appear dark, and heat sources appear white.
• The firefighter using the TIC must keep the screen and lens clean as soot buildup can reduce image quality.

Storage and Maintenance

• TIC is permanently stored on the apparatus.
• TIC must be inspected daily as part of the daily equipment checks.
• TIC battery is changed every morning
• TIC lens and screen must be kept clean

Damaged or Inoperative TIC

Document the issue and contact the on-duty District Chief immediately

• The District Chief will coordinate obtaining a replacement or loaner unit from Logistics