In this episode of TIC Talk, hosted by Chris Mc Loone of Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment, Brad Harvey from Bullard covers how thermal imaging has evolved as it relates to initial size-up on the fireground.
Fifteen years ago, thermal imagers (TIs) were bulky, costly devices—upward of $30,000—and typically the responsibility of a single firefighter on scene. As Harvey notes, the technology has dramatically evolved: contemporary models are smaller, significantly cheaper, and more rugged, allowing multiple firefighters to carry TIs routinely.
This shift matters because size-up begins the moment responders receive an alarm and continues through arrival and action on scene. With more firefighters equipped, the situational awareness enlarges, improving coordination and decision-making.
Thermal technology has branched out—drones, aerial devices, and apparatus-mounted imagers now contribute supplementary imaging, expanding the incident commander’s toolkit.
Harvey stresses the importance of specialized training geared toward using thermal imaging for size-up, which differs from training focused solely on interior search and rescue. A major training emphasis should be understanding “normal” thermal signatures—like the impact of sunlight on residential roofs—and identifying subtle anomalies that could indicate hidden fire or structural weaknesses.
Identification is only half the battle. The other half is conveying what is seen through the thermal imager to team members and command in a way that supports rapid understanding and action. Harvey and Mc Loone discuss the challenge of radio traffic amid the chaos of a fireground, where brief updates are critical.
Rather than technical jargon, Harvey advocates for simple, direct reports. For example, instead of detailed temperature readings, a firefighter might relay: “Roof heat pattern looks abnormal—hotter near ridge, suspect fire exposure,” or “Heat venting from windows on two sides.” Such concise messages quickly convey what’s unusual and prompt command or others to investigate further or adjust tactics.
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