Thermal Imaging Manfred Kihn

The use of thermal imaging in the fire service continues to evolve as firefighters look to expand the technology to every aspect of firefighting.

We know how valuable the technology is for interior fire operations and direct fire suppression activities, but how can we apply this tool to help firefighters with aerial attack applications? A thermal imager (TI) can be extremely helpful to firefighters on the ladder crew. This group of firefighters is responsible for placing the apparatus in the right spot, opening vent holes, and positioning the master stream. The decisions made by the ladder crew are critical to attacking the fire aerially and on the ground.

Best Positioning of Apparatus in Multiple Scenarios

Placing the apparatus for attacking the fire from above depends on many factors, including the type of structure, building construction, obstructions overhead and on the ground, the size of the area needing to be contained, and access points. Knowing the best place to position the ladder truck is a critical one as this impacts hazards, scene coordination, and overall effectiveness. The greatest concern with apparatus placement is the presence and location of overhead electrical lines. Inadvertent contact with electrical lines can have catastrophic consequences for anyone on or touching the apparatus. During a nighttime fire, power lines can be difficult to see. Add inclement weather, and it can be even harder to determine where these lines are. This is where your TI is a valuable tool; it can help the truck operator determine the best placement of the apparatus to help with search and rescue, extrication, ventilation, and overhaul.

• A Closer Look at Thermal Imaging for Firefighters
• Thermal Imaging Safety Training
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal Imaging Use in Fire Prevention
• Thermal Imaging: Think Strategic Deployment During Fire Attack
• Thermal Imaging: Understanding Your TI Technology
• Thermal Imaging: Look How Far We Have Come
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal Imagers Are Not Without Risks
• Thermal Imaging: How to Prevent the “White Hat Syndrome”
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal Imagers Not Just for the Crews
• Thermal Imaging: Industrial and Environmental Fire Situations Need a Thermal Imager

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for nearly $640,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grant funding to help rural fire departments protect public safety and natural resources. The deadline for applications is November 15.

“DEC’s Forest Rangers work closely with volunteer fire departments to battle wildfires, and this grant program is a great way to help fire personnel across the state,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “These grants bolster local capacity to fight wildland fires, protecting property and communities.”

The Volunteer Fire Assistance grant program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by DEC Forest Rangers. Fire departments will receive 50/50 matching funds up to $1,500. Last year, the program provided $1,500 grants to 412 fire departments.

Only expenses directly related to wildfire suppression efforts are eligible for funding. These include the purchase of portable pumps, portable backpack pumps, hand tools, hoses, approved lightweight fire-resistant clothing, hard hats, turnout gear, portable radios, generators, and dry hydrants. Expenditures not directly related to firefighting, such as search and rescue, acquisition of land, construction of buildings and facilities, major apparatus purchases, and maintenance items are not eligible for funding.

Eligible fire departments include: those that serve a single town with a population under 10,000; those that serve multiple communities, one of which is a rural town of less than 10,000 residents; and fire departments in towns with a population of 10,000 or more that meet the application requirements. Fire departments that receive a grant award must complete all required grant paperwork.

For applications and additional information about the grant program, contact DEC at (518) 402-8839; write to NYSDEC, Division of Forest Protection, 625 Broadway 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12233-2560; or visit the DEC website.

Rosenbauer—Peotone (IL) Fire Protection District pumper. Commander 7011 cab and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 750-gallon water tank; Command Light KL415D-FX light tower; Rosenbauer EXT aluminum body; Rosenbauer Lo Pro ground ladder storage rack; low hosebed. Dealer: Bill Schreiber, Sentinel Emergency Solutions, St. Louis, MO.

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After a four and a half year wait, the Ringle Fire Department celebrated the arrival of a new and upgraded fire truck Monday thanks to support from the community, WAOW.com reported.

The fire truck cost over half a million dollars and will be used for putting out fires, as well as assisting car accidents with extrication gear, the report said.

A Kansas City Fire Department truck was involved in a crash Monday afternoon near West 43rd Street and Madison Avenue, KMBC.com reported.

Police said the ladder truck was on its way to an emergency call and had its lights and siren activated as it was heading west on West 43rd Street.

Accident investigators said a tan Lincoln MKX was heading north on Madison Avenue and the vehicles collided in the intersection.

Police said the ladder truck went off the road to the right, hitting three wooden utility poles. Two were sheared off and the third was splintered and unstable, the report said.

No firefighters were hurt. The driver and sole occupant of the Lincoln was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the report.

The crash is under investigation.