Thursday, February 04, 1999
Two cameras let firefighters see in smoke
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
Two Warren County fire departments will soon be using the latest technology for search and rescue in burning buildings, thanks to a $50,000 purchase by a neighboring community.
Franklin Township trustees Monday said they will buy two thermal imaging cameras for use by the Franklin and Carlisle fire departments. Franklin Township's own fire department already has the advanced camera.
The helmet-mounted cameras, which cost $25,000 apiece, enable firefighters to see clearly in a smoke-filled room and quickly locate victims. The cameras also can pinpoint the location of small fires not easily detected.
The three departments work together at structure fires and other emergencies, but trustees were concerned that the one camera might sometimes take too long to arrive at area fire scenes.
The costly devices are somewhat rare in Warren County. Only a few local departments have them, including Mason and Deerfield Township. Other communities are raising money to buy them.
“I don't think there's anything that your fire department can use that might mean more to them,” Franklin Township Trustee Rupert Ruppert told Franklin City Council. The township will own the equipment.
In addition to allowing firefighters to see through smoke, the cameras are useful at spotting excessive heat.
“We've also found them very beneficial when we've had a hidden fire,” said Steve Pegram, Mason deputy fire chief. “It also reduces us having to tear something apart to determine where the problem is.”
He recalled an instance where firefighters smelled something burning in a building but couldn't find what it was. The camera pinpointed a piece of smoldering insulation below a kitchen floor under a refrigerator.
The cameras for Franklin and Carlisle are being ordered and should be in by spring.
The communities have forged a reputation of working well together.
“I think this just ensures the marriage between the Franklin Township trustees and the city of Franklin,” said Franklin Mayor James Mears.
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TRISTATE DIGEST
Two cameras let firefighters see in smoke
