State program pays for each fire company to have a thermal imaging camera
By: John Patten
HIGHTSTOWN Hightstown Engine Company Chief John Archer doesn’t mince words when describing the latest acquisition to his company’s fire fighting arsenal a Bullard thermal imaging camera.
"This is the best piece of equipment for firefighters since the invention of the fire hose," he said while demonstrating the camera last week.
All three local voluntary fire companies will have the cameras soon, thanks to a state measure that pays for the purchase of one camera for each fire company in New Jersey.
Chief Archer can back up his bold claim because the cameras allow firefighters to view the interiors of smoke-filled rooms during fires, making it possible to quickly locate people as well as objects that may be in their way.
"We can also use this to find the hot spot inside a house before we even have to go in," he said.
Using infra-red technology borrowed from military "night-vision" goggles, the camera makes it easy to pinpoint dangers. Chief Archer points out that without the cameras, firefighters entering a smoke-filled room have to crawl on their hands and knees, feeling their way around the room. If they believe a person may be unconscious or in other danger, they have to attempt to find them without being able to see where that person is and what’s in their way.
"Try walking around a room in your house that you know well your living room or kitchen with your eyes closed or blindfolded," he said. "Now, imagine doing that when you don’t know the room at all."
Then, he adds, imagine doing that while the room burns down around you or you know someone’s life depends on how quickly you can find them.
That’s why the camera is so important, he says.
The Hightstown company has an important option on its camera, which increases its usefulness as a lifesaving device. A small transmitter on the camera relays a signal to a videotape recorder and TV, located in the back of the chief’s vehicle.
"We will be able to use the tapes for training and review," he said. "And I’ll be able to help direct and guide the crew inside."
East Windsor Fire Co. 1 also has received a thermal imaging camera, and Fire Co. 2 is expecting to receive its in the near future.