Carl Nix

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 imaging camera (TIC) 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.

Situational Threats

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 hazards, scene coordination, and overall effectiveness are impacted. 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. When fighting a fire at night, 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 TIC is a valuable tool. Using a TIC can help the truck operator determine the best placement of the apparatus to help with search and rescue, extrication, ventilation, and overhaul.

Aerial ladders are often used in fighting fires where high-rise buildings are affected. Add smoke and darkness to this scene with zero visibility, and it’s nearly impossible to see the structure’s upper windows and roof line for hidden dangers. Your TIC can help identify electrical lines because electricity generates heat as it travels through the line. This heat is identifiable by the TIC, making the power lines easy to locate. Now, scan the scene using your TIC to help locate problems such as electrical service wires, window-mounted air conditioners, and a host of other hazards you need to avoid. The TIC can also help detect people who are at the windows but obscured by smoke from the fire below. Be aware, however, that your TIC should never be used to determine whether down lines are energized. Although the TIC can provide reliable identification of the presence of power lines, it should not be used to evaluate energized vs. nonenergized.

TIC Assistance

Using your TIC to perform a variety of ventilation tasks is also an effective use of the tool. Use your TIC to identify the warmest area of the roof. If you are in the bucket, be sure to scan the roof from your elevated position with the TIC to identify the area of the roof where the heat is collecting or the warmest part of the roof. Now that you’ve scanned the roof area, you know where to start