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Search for Persons and Objects
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The camera is not restricted to locating fires. In many cases, the firefighter will be
using the camera in a search for casualties, to seek out dangerous items such as
fuel tanks or gas cylinders and also as an aid to navigation through unknown
premises.
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Image Clarity
The sharpness and clarity of the image provided is related to the temperature of
the scene and objects in view. A cold room provides little infrared energy and
less detail is detected than in a warm environment where objects give off
significant energy. In general, the warmer the scene, the more thermal contrast
and hence greater detail in the picture.
Heat Layers in Closed Spaces
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In a major fire, a layer of hot gases may build up in the upper region of the
closed space. Attempting to use the camera in this hot layer will cause the image
to become featureless. By bringing the camera down beneath this layer, the unit
is able to provide the firefighter with a clearer picture of the scene ahead.
Windows and Polished Surfaces
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Glass is not transparent to long wavelength infrared energy and it is not possible
for the operator to use the camera to look through a window. A white window
would indicate that the window itself is relatively warm and may be being
heated by a fire behind it. Just as we see reflections in glass under normal
circumstances, it is possible that the camera can detect infrared reflections in
glass, mirrors and polished or painted surfaces. Care must be taken to ensure
that the image seen is not simply a reflection. Experience will give the operator
added confidence.
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