Thermal Imaging Camera

(“Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) in Firefighting” 2024) Thermal Imaging Cameras are sensors sensitive to infrared
radiation. Firefighters use TICs to detect heat signatures, increase
visibility in smoke filled or dimly lit rooms, and assist in locating
the source of fire or victims. According to the Western Fire Chiefs
Association, TICs are useful during the overhaul phase. This is stated
to be after completing search and rescue and fire suppression tasks.

TICs can also help determine the presence of hazordous materials such
as spilled fuels at a car accident. For search and rescue, TLCs can
detect body heat and locate victims that may be visually obstructed by
foilage, or lighting or weather conditions.

(Kihn 2023)

1. Limited Visibility in Smoke: Thick smoke can obscure heat signatures
   
2. Reflective Surfaces: surfaces can reflect ambient heat and create
   inaccurate readings
   
3. Limited Penetration: Cannot sense heat signatures through thick materials
   
4. Range Limitations: Resolution decreases proportional to distance to
   heat source
   
5. Temperature Accuracy: inaccurate
   
6. False Positives/Negatives: see 2. or 4.
   
7. battery life
   
8. Environmental Conditions: heavy rain, fog, snow, high humidity,
   affect TIC performance
   
9. Water: because of heat differential, can appear as a hole
   
10. training and interpretation: can require training and experience
    for proper use