How high-tech gear will help Corner Brook firefighters find people in heavy smoke

When Corner Brook firefighters face smoke and flames to rescue people or pets from now on, they'll do just that — face the dangers, with new gear that's literally right before their eyes.

The City of Corner Brook has bought six breathing apparatus masks that have hands-free infrared cameras mounted outside, and tiny video monitors attached inside.

When firefighters go into houses or buildings, they will be able to look into the monitor in the mask and see the shape of a person or animal, even through thick smoke or darkness.

"In the blackest room, the hottest stuff shows up in colours," Craig Harnum, the city's deputy fire chief, said in an interview with the Corner Brook Morning Show.  

Red signifies the hottest areas, and the screen includes a thermometer that relays valuable data. 

"You can actually see the temperatures [that a firefighter] is working in."

Besides alerting rescuers to flames lurking behind walls, the equipment will help indicate body temperature — thermal energy — so rescuers will see the shape of the person or animal. 

Keeping hands free

Corner Brook firefighters already have a type of hand-held infrared camera, about as big as an oversized construction-type stapler, with a trigger to control it. 

But Harnum said even when the screen of the old unit is only at arm's length from the firefighter, the smoke can obscure the image.

No such problem for the new masks, in which the video monitor is enclosed. The monitor, just below the rescuer's cheek, is in plain sight.

The older type also ties up the use of one of the firefighter's hands in a closed space, where objects may need to be carried, or moved out of the way.

'It's a tool I would consider priceless'

But Harnum said even with the new high-tech outfits, firefighters will still use the tried-and-true, hands-on methods of finding people or pets.

"We're still going to feel under the beds and in the beds and check the closet, but right now, with a quick look around the room, [he or she] will actually see anything that's giving off thermal energy," he said. 

"It's a tool I would consider priceless."

• Furry friends need saving too: Corner Brook firefighters get pet oxygen masks

Harnum said that along with receiving new gear to help them protect the public, Corner Brook firefighters have also received new equipment "designed around that terrible job, when we have to rescue ourselves."

New oxygen tank and back carrier units have emergency locator beacons that will emit signal if a firefighter gets lost inside a building or falls unconscious. 

Harnum said fellow rescuers carry beacon receivers to lead them to their downed colleagues.

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Harnum had high praise for Corner Brook city council, which approved six hands-free infrared camera masks, 22 breathing-apparatus back harnesses and 44 air cylinders.

"They came through in a big way," he said. "They delivered everything we asked for, so we're good to go."