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RVFD buys thermal imaging camera
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| RVFD firefighter Tim Berry points the thermal imaging camera at Albert Howie to show it translates what it sees into a thermal picture. Photo by NORMA MARTINEZ |
It’s no bigger than an average video camera, but this camera will help the Rockport Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) modernize and improve fire protection and emergency services for the citizens of Aransas County.
The RVFD has purchased a thermal imaging camera (TIC), at a cost of $10,000, with proceeds from its recent letter fundraising drive. The camera will allow Rockport firefighters to see objects, including people, in zero visibility environments, explained Albert Howie, RVFD volunteer and EMS paramedic.
He explained the camera operates by translating a thermal (heat) picture of objects into a visual image to be seen by the human eye. Everything viewed through the TIC lens retains its shape and is discernible as to what they are, people, objects, etc.
When firefighters enter a smoke-filled room, the lack of visibility heightens the potential for victims and firefighters to become disoriented and lost inside a building which is on fire. That thus hampers their ability to find an exit in an emergency situation. The TIC in effect provides firefighters with the vision to see, find victims and lead them to safety.
Howie said the TIC will enable firefighters to execute operations faster and more effectively, which in turn reduces fatigue faced by firefighters. The time necessary for fire fighting as well as search and rescue can be cut almost in half by utilizing the TIC.
RVFD Chief Doc Thomas said the camera will especially be useful in a big building, such as a store, hotel, etc. if it is ever needed.
Howie also explained the TIC can be used to locate the source of a fire, for example if one is burning in a wall. Thomas said if the department had already had the TIC when the Java Bay Caffe fire occurred, they would have been able to determine the exact location of the blaze and not had to break into such a big area in the wall.
RVFD volunteers also said the TIC can be made available to the Fulton or Lamar VFDs upon request. It also can be requested by local law enforcement agencies for assistance in suspect searches, Howie added.
Thomas said Aransas County’s department is the first in this area to purchase such a camera. The first time it was put into use was Tuesday, Oct. 4 when volunteers responded to a structure fire in the southern part of the county.
Howie said all volunteers were to be trained Thursday, Oct. 6. In addition, the RVFD will be establishing a policy for how the TIC is to be used, and by whom at every fire call.
Thomas pointed out when TICs first came out on the market, they cost about $25,000. They have already gone down in cost and they are hoping to purchase another TIC in the future.
Howie said they are pleased the citizens contributed so readily to the letter drive. He noted in addition to the TIC, the RVFD also purchased lighter air bottles for their breathing tanks as well as bunker gear to replace their outdated equipment.
The RVFD has purchased a thermal imaging camera (TIC), at a cost of $10,000, with proceeds from its recent letter fundraising drive. The camera will allow Rockport firefighters to see objects, including people, in zero visibility environments, explained Albert Howie, RVFD volunteer and EMS paramedic.
He explained the camera operates by translating a thermal (heat) picture of objects into a visual image to be seen by the human eye. Everything viewed through the TIC lens retains its shape and is discernible as to what they are, people, objects, etc.
When firefighters enter a smoke-filled room, the lack of visibility heightens the potential for victims and firefighters to become disoriented and lost inside a building which is on fire. That thus hampers their ability to find an exit in an emergency situation. The TIC in effect provides firefighters with the vision to see, find victims and lead them to safety.
Howie said the TIC will enable firefighters to execute operations faster and more effectively, which in turn reduces fatigue faced by firefighters. The time necessary for fire fighting as well as search and rescue can be cut almost in half by utilizing the TIC.
RVFD Chief Doc Thomas said the camera will especially be useful in a big building, such as a store, hotel, etc. if it is ever needed.
Howie also explained the TIC can be used to locate the source of a fire, for example if one is burning in a wall. Thomas said if the department had already had the TIC when the Java Bay Caffe fire occurred, they would have been able to determine the exact location of the blaze and not had to break into such a big area in the wall.
RVFD volunteers also said the TIC can be made available to the Fulton or Lamar VFDs upon request. It also can be requested by local law enforcement agencies for assistance in suspect searches, Howie added.
Thomas said Aransas County’s department is the first in this area to purchase such a camera. The first time it was put into use was Tuesday, Oct. 4 when volunteers responded to a structure fire in the southern part of the county.
Howie said all volunteers were to be trained Thursday, Oct. 6. In addition, the RVFD will be establishing a policy for how the TIC is to be used, and by whom at every fire call.
Thomas pointed out when TICs first came out on the market, they cost about $25,000. They have already gone down in cost and they are hoping to purchase another TIC in the future.
Howie said they are pleased the citizens contributed so readily to the letter drive. He noted in addition to the TIC, the RVFD also purchased lighter air bottles for their breathing tanks as well as bunker gear to replace their outdated equipment.
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