Menu

WFC News

Posted: Oct 3, 2022

Understanding Colorization and Temperature in Your Thermal Imager

Thermal Imaging

In my article “What Am I Looking At?” (August 2022), I reflected on the use of grayscale imagery with white-hot polarity (white—hot, black—cold, everything else—shades of gray) while using your thermal imager (TI). This month, I want to expand on this more by talking about colorization and temperature measurement.
Carl Nix

All TIs will produce colorization. This is a standard feature at different temperature levels based on their respective manufacturer specifications. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1801, Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire Service–2021 Edition, stipulates that only the colors of yellow, orange, and red can be used. For example, this manufacturer inserts colorization at this temperature range: Yellow 500-800°F (260-426°C), Orange 800-1,000°F (426-537°C), Red 1,000+°F (537°+C).

What the NFPA does not stipulate is what temperature this colorization should appear. Therefore, all manufacturer specifications can vary, so make sure you understand this before use.

What does colorization do for you?

As the temperature progresses within the structure, your TI will produce colorization indicating concerns: extreme ceiling temperatures, advancing fire progression, the location of the fire, and so on. Each color palette will give you a certain temperature range. Remember, this colorization is only temporary, because as soon as you get water on the fire, the red goes away, and your TI is back to showing grayscale imagery. Some TI technology have user selectable modes, which insert distinct color palettes based on various applications you require, so make sure you understand which application your TI should be set on.

Read more
Posted: Oct 3, 2022

Fairfield (CA) Council to Consider Providing Fire Service to Cordelia District

The Fairfield City Council on Tuesday will consider providing fire service to the Cordelia Fire Protection District, DailyRepublic.com reported.

The board action is to decide whether to allow the city fire department to apply through the Solano Local Agency Formation Commission to enter into a contract for service with the Cordelia district, the report said.

The report states the city is already covering some calls for Cordelia when staffing dictates.

The idea is for the short-term agreement to extend out no longer than June 30. If no long-term agreement is reached by then, the staff report states that the short-term contract should be re-evaluated.

The fee per call would be $475. Based on current call volume, the contract would generate about $213,000 through the end of the fiscal year, the report said.

Read more
Posted: Oct 3, 2022

Union Pacific Fire Train Helps Crews Fight 120K-Acre Cedar Creek (OR) Fire

High-tech is a big part of firefighting in the 21st century, from drones to automated detection cameras. But a less advanced piece of equipment – a fire train – is helping crews working to contain the two-month-old Cedar Creek (OR) Fire that has grown to nearly 121,000 acres, KTVZ.com reported.

Here’s Sunday’s update from fire officials:

West Zone Operations: Firefighters were able to remain engaged yesterday as an east wind pushed across the fire area. With the assistance of the Union Pacific Fire Train, crews increased the security of control lines in the south and southwest. The east wind event will continue today but begin to diminish and ultimately shift to a northwest wind by the afternoon and evening. Road grading has begun on the west side of the fire and is expected to continue as crews work to repair areas impacted by firefighting efforts. The southeast area of the fire showed little activity from a reconnaissance flight yesterday afternoon and will continue to be monitored. Work to reduce fuels and repair impacted areas along the northern edge is nearing completion.

East Zone Operations: 
Yesterday’s work around the divisions east of the crest included processing fuels, skidding, hauling, decking, masticating, and looking ahead to repair work. Some of the road work included identifying areas along the 46 road that need repair and finishing grading along the 700 road near Cultus Lake. Temperatures are unseasonably hotter and drier than normal with no precipitation in the foreseeable forecast. The fire is expected to continue creeping and smoldering, but no spotting is anticipated.

Read more
Posted: Oct 3, 2022

New CAL Fire Helicopters Are Game-Changers for Firefighting at Night

For the first time in its history, CAL Fire is flying night-time air attacks with its own crew and equipment, thanks to its new Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK helicopters, ABC10 reported September 27.

Read more
Posted: Oct 3, 2022

Photo Apparatus of the Day: October 3, 2022

E-ONE—Papillion (NE) Fire Department two pumpers. Typhoon long cabs and chassis; Cummins X12 500-hp engines; Waterous CSU 1,750-gpm pumps; 780-gallon polypropylene water tanks. Dealer: Greg Stofer, North Central Emergency Vehicles, Lincoln, NE.

PREVIOUS PHOTO OF THE DAY >>

MORE FIRE APPARATUS ARTICLES >>

Read more
RSS
First12081209121012111213121512161217Last

Theme picker

Search News Articles