Jaffray area fire protection gets thermal imaging
July 1, 2009 by CVNews
Filed under Baynes Lake, Community, Elk Valley - Koocanusa, Jaffray, Local government, Local news, Safety, Technology
Members of Jaffray - Baynes Lake fire department and Lions Club with new thermal imaging camera. Pictured from left to right: Bert Tiffin, Gerry Mottl, Stan Doehle, Jane Carlson, and George Munro
Press release –
New Technology for Baynes Lake Fire Department.
The Baynes Lake Fire Department is armed with a new thermal imaging camera (TIC), thanks to generous donations from the Baynes Lake Lions Club.
“Out of all the technological advances made in firefighting equipment, this technology has to be one of the most progressive. The TIC plays an important role in all of our operations, from fire suppression to motor vehicle incidents,” says Jaffray-Baynes Lake Fire Department Fire Chief, Dave Boreen. “Firefighters are now able to see clear images in otherwise blind circumstances. In the thickest of smoke or the darkest of nights, these images are put in front of the firefighter to allow for a more effective search and rescue operation.”
Studies show use of the TIC technology can reduce search times by up to 75% and firefighter safety is increased by allowing them to find the seat of the fire more quickly and identify any unsafe fire or heat buildup that could be occurring.
The TIC also allows firefighters to quickly identify hotspots or fire travel in hidden or inaccessible areas to minimize rekindles and property damage, which can be costly to both the homeowner and the Regional District.
The use of a TIC at a motor vehicle incident allows firefighters to quickly search for ejected patients or look for heat imprints in vehicle seats to identify how many people may have been involved. At hazardous materials spills, firefighters can actually see liquid levels in containers or even ground areas beyond the pools that are affected by the spill.
“We are very grateful to the Baynes Lake Lions Club for this generous donation. It will make a permanent difference in our community,” adds Boreen.
Baynes Lake Volunteer Fire Department is staffed with 24 volunteer firefighters and 1 full time chief. They respond to structural and wild land fires, motor vehicle incidents and medical aid calls with the First Responder program.
The Department is always looking for volunteers. Anyone within the Baynes Lake fire protection area interested in joining the department can contact Dave Boreen at (250) 429-3133.
Press release
June 29, 2009
Jaffray – Baynes Lake Fire Department
Regional District of East Kootenay
