How Infrared Technology Can Help Firefighters in Emergencies

Thermal imaging is a fast, effective solution to help firefighters fight fires.

Firefighters can use thermal imaging cameras (TICs) to detect hot spots and provide assistance in emergency situations.

The high cost of early TICs meant initial adoption was slow. As prices have dropped, the technology has become more affordable and has progressed from one camera per firehouse, to one camera per team, and now one camera per firefighter. At the same time, new tools such as drones and robots equipped with thermal imaging cameras have emerged to help firefighters do their jobs.

These thermal imaging cameras for firefighters detect infrared light and are designed with tough materials, making them ideal for the tough working conditions of emergency services.

They are ergonomically designed for firefighters, ensuring they can be held comfortably and securely.

Thermal imaging cameras can therefore be used in a wide variety of areas: So, what equipment is available to firefighters today? What are the key features of this technology to help them respond to emergencies?

Today, firefighters can use a range of devices equipped with thermal imaging cameras to view fires from the inside, outside, and from above.

Handheld thermal imaging cameras help firefighters manage fires strategically and allow them to easily move through the smoke to save lives. These cameras are compact and robust. They're lightweight and easy to grip, even with bulky gloves.

Firefighters can also manage the complexities of finding and fighting fires with thermal imaging cameras attached to or even embedded in helmets, giving them greater freedom of movement.

The latest fire trucks now have integrated thermal imaging cameras: they are usually located at the front of the vehicle and provide a wide field of view, helping to fully assess the situation. These embedded cameras are very small and lightweight, making them easy to install in emergency vehicles. They are durable and protect the camera from moisture and water. They don't require any special maintenance and provide great images.

Thermal imaging cameras mounted on airborne devices or small drones provide low-angle views of the rooftops and upper floors of tall buildings. When dealing with a large and spreading fire, these devices can help to accurately map the affected area. Among other things, thermal imaging cameras mounted on drones can help monitor the progress of fires and detect the intensity of fires from a distance.

The need to intervene in hostile environments has led emergency services to use increasingly innovative tools and techniques. Robots equipped with thermal imaging cameras can be deployed to navigate difficult environments: they can explore dangerous environments before teams intervene. Some robots can go upstairs, climb over small obstacles and take pictures. They are rigged like drones and connected to a touchscreen control panel. They are another option for limiting your adventures.

Parisian firefighters use them, and when Notre Dame caught fire in 2019, their robot was the only thing able to penetrate the flames. The 500kg Colossus was sent directly into the center of the cathedral, helping to save valuable time by extinguishing the flames and reducing the temperature inside the nave.

Decision-making cameras to help assess and analyze fires. These tactical thermal imaging cameras provide firefighters with a wealth of information to help them stay on top of the situation. High resolution and high frame rates make these cameras effective tools for decision-makers.

Situational awareness cameras can detect hotspots and victims. They help firefighters respond to rapidly changing fire conditions. They are compact tools designed to support teams in extreme situations, such as low visibility and emergencies, so they know where they are, find victims, and leave the building. Firefighters also use them to respond to other emergencies, such as road accidents.

- Thermal imaging cameras have become an indispensable tool for any team intervening in a critical situation.

- They help firefighters move quickly while ensuring they remain safe and responsive during emergencies. Infrared can be used to visualize hot spots that are invisible to the naked eye, with unique sensitivity and precision.

- When firefighters perform rescue missions or fight fires, infrared technology helps them:

- Can even see through thick smoke. Thermal imaging is the only technology that can do this.

- View in very hot environments (> 1200℃).

- Find the victim.

- Identify residual hotspots after fires have been extinguished, especially in the forest or industrial settings, and see if fires may have restarted.

Numerous technological advancements mean firefighters now have access to tools that increase their efficiency and allow them to respond more quickly. Technical support greatly assists teams in hazardous firefighting work by limiting the risk to human life and materials.

Drones and robots equipped with thermal imaging cameras today have the undeniable added advantage of helping to carry out certain dangerous tasks without deploying humans. The future promises further incredible advances through the development of satellite thermal imaging to monitor the start of forest fires from space.

The above has introduced some information on how infrared technology can help firefighters in emergency situations. If you want to order infrared thermal imaging cameras, please contact us.

JAVOL is a professional custom infrared thermal imaging equipment manufacturer. Relying on the multi-spectral high-sensitivity photoelectric sensor chip of advanced compound semiconductor materials, with the deep learning AI algorithm as the engine, it integrates low-light night vision technology, infrared thermal imaging technology, short-wave infrared technology, Combining multispectral technology with fusion technology, our company designs, develops and manufactures advanced imaging products and system solutions, which are widely used in fire protection, machine vision, automatic driving, drone payloads, high-end manufacturing and medical diagnosis and other fields.