Part 1 - A basic overview & drill FETI Drill 15-1 January, 2015 Dave Casey, Butch Savage THERMAL IMAGING IN THE FIRE SERVICE Note: Most photos herein are provided by Bullard, but the information is generic to all brands. This should not be considered an endorsement of one brand versus another.

The proper use of thermal imagers can: expedite search and rescue, reduce the probability of firefighter disorientation better locate hidden fire extension and many other effective applications, such as V.E.I.S. Slide 21/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal Imager

improper The improper use of thermal imagers can: make it easier for firefighters to become disorientated miss victims increase the chance of firefighter injury DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 31/12/2015

What is Thermal Imaging ? Thermal Imaging is : the detection of Infrared Radiation the translation of the detected energy levels into a viewable image It is a way to look at the “Heat Signature” of an object or person 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 4

What is Infrared Radiation ? Infrared radiation is a portion of the Electromagnetic Spectrum It is a form of energy that we perceive as heat

Where does IR come from ? Infrared Radiation comes from anything with molecular activity Infrared emitters are broken down into 3 categories based on the amount of energy emitted Passive : primarily absorb and dissipate IR energy from active or direct emitters (inanimate objects) Active : emit IR energy in low to medium strength and varying intervals (living organisms) Direct : constant high strength IR energy emitters (energy sources) 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 6

Imagers Image Intensifiers vs. Infrared Detectors Image Intensifiers (I 2 ) amplify existing visible light Infrared Detectors view IR sources regardless of the visible light conditions Image Intensifier Infrared Detector 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 7

Image Display Hottest Objects : White or Light Shades Coolest Objects : Black or Darker Shades Display is relative to the area viewed 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 8

Thermal Imaging Principles IR Principles Heat / Energy Principles Image Interpretation 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 9

IR Principles Infrared Radiation can be : Emitted Absorbed Emitted Again Reflected BST FOOTAGE 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 10

IR Principles Reflections Infrared Radiation can be reflected by a number of surfaces These can include : Glass, Water, Mirrors, and Shiny Surfaces Reflection 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 11

IR Principles Reflection 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 12

IR Principles Glass IR will not penetrate glass, however heated glass will show up lighter in color Water IR will not penetrate water, some penetration may occur in a fog or mist Steam IR may or may not penetrate steam depending on it’s density 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 13

Image Interpretation Thermal Contrast how well objects stand out from one another, related to detector sensitivity and the variance of temperature in objects being viewed High Contrast High Contrast Background and victim are distinct shades Low Contrast Background is faded together, victim is all the same shade 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 14

Image Interpretation Thermal Inversion Occurs when an object changes shade, even though its temperature has not, due to changing environmental conditions Background is light, versus dark, due to heating by fire Firefighter is dark, versus light, due to high surrounding heat conditions 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 15

Image Interpretation Thermal Saturation Not the same as “White Out” Occurs when objects absorb as much energy as possible and radiate the energy back creating an even temperature and an almost completely white image An “All White” image can occur during or after a fire 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 16

Image Interpretation “Haloing” – TIX (BST) Units Only “Haloing” – TIX (BST) Units Only Causes a black ring around the hottest objects, and a white ring around the coldest objects Causes a black ring around the hottest objects, and a white ring around the coldest objects Can be used as a visual queue, or eliminated by the iris or gain control Can be used as a visual queue, or eliminated by the iris or gain control “Haloing” 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 17

Image Interpretation Judging Temperature – TIX (BST) Units Judging Temperature – TIX (BST) Units Look for “Haloing Look for “Haloing Opening & Closing Thermal Throttle Opening & Closing Thermal Throttle Comparisons should be made between like objects when possible Comparisons should be made between like objects when possible THROTTLE OPENTHROTTLE CLOSED “Haloing” around hot spot hot spot remains with throttle closed 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 18

Image Interpretation Judging Temperature – MX Units “RHI” Temperature Measurement Feature Shifting into “EI Mode” “Red Hot” Feature Comparisons should be made between similar objects when possible 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 19

Hazard Identification Hazard Identification - Objectives 1. Identify heat, fire, and ignition Sources 2. Evaluate presence of hazardous materials 3. Determine extent of mechanical or electrical hazards 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 20

Thermal Imaging Applications Structural Firefighting Size - Up Search & Rescue Fire Attack Ventilation Overhaul Limited Only By Your Imagination ! 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 21

Thermal Imaging Applications 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 22

Size Up Size Up - Objectives 1. Identify the areas with the highest levels of heat which may indicate: a. the extent of the fire conditions b. the seat of the fire 2. Identify heat / fire conditions in areas which may impact structural integrity 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 23

Size Up Size Up - Key Points Thermal imagers can not see heat or fire through solid objects, they can only pick up heat that has been transferred to the surface Different types of building construction and building features will show heat conditions differently When possible compare like structures to rule out environmental conditions, like sunlight heating the roofs so they will all appear as white or hot 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 24

Size Up Size Up - Objective #1a High Heat Levels shows fire & heat throughout structure Heat In Attic shows advancing fire conditions BST FOOTAGE 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 25

Size Up Size Up - Objective #1b “Haloing” Occurring Around Window which would make it Hottest Spot most likely the seat of the fire BST FOOTAGE 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 26

Size Up Size Up - Objective #2 High Heat Levels In Attic could impact structural integrity of roof & ceiling No Apparent Heat In Floor no apparent fire in the crawlspace or basement * * Crews should also evaluate conditions as they advance, since building construction may hide a condition from the exterior BST FOOTAGE 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 27

Size Up Size Up - Objective #1a Heat In Window shows possible fire conditions 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 28

Size Up Size Up - Objective #1b “RHI” Shows High Heat Level which would make it Hottest Spot most likely the seat of the fire 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 29

Size Up Size Up - Objective #2 No High Heat Levels In Attic roof should be sound Possible Heat In Foundation could indicate fire in the crawlspace or basement * crews should also evaluate conditions as they advance, since building construction may hide a condition from the exterior 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 30

Size Up Size Up - Real World Experience A working fire is reported in a large 20,000 plus sq. ft single story commercial building Firefighters arrive to find heavy smoke showing but no apparent fire conditions An attempt to locate the set of the fire from outside is unsuccessful due to concrete block walls and few doors or windows A thermal imager is sent up an aerial ladder to survey the roof, and an apparent area of heat is noted on the roof Interior crews are directed to the area below this point where they find the seat of the fire * Remember to check a structure from as many different angles as possible For the whole story, check out the “TI Newsletter” at 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 31

Search & Rescue Search & Rescue - Objectives 1. Identify most direct and safest path through structure 2. Identify significant landmarks such as egress points and shelter points 3. Identify fire, structural, and occupancy hazards 4. Identify victims 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 32

Search & Rescue Search & Rescue - Key Points Search & Rescue - Key Points Constantly scan and evaluate all areas using a “3 area” (high, middle, low) or a “6 sided” approach (ceiling, 4 walls, floor) Constantly scan and evaluate all areas using a “3 area” (high, middle, low) or a “6 sided” approach (ceiling, 4 walls, floor) Never rely on an imager 100 percent to identify your way out DO NOT forget to maintain a physical reference point, by using a rope, hoseline, or staying on an exterior wall. Never rely on an imager 100 percent to identify your way out 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 33

Search & Rescue Search & Rescue - Objective #1 Scan each room or area as you enter, identify the next point to move to, and identify landmarks to follow to that point Sling or lower imager and move to next point When necessary rescan during the move to regain bearings Repeat process moving from room to room or in short areas from landmark to landmark * Remember to look for hazards, landmarks, and victims * Remember to always have a physical reference point to follow 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 34

Search & Rescue Search & Rescue - Objective #2 Make a mental note and when possible identify a physical landmark for : Alternate egress points Possible ventilation points Possible locations to shelter in place Any other significant landmark or feature 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 35

Search & Rescue Search & Rescue - Objective #3 Identify all possible hazards : ID and benchmark heat and fire conditions, and constantly recheck areas with a high hazard ID structural hazards such as openings in the floor, entanglement hazards, and collapse hazards ID special occupancy hazards such as Haz Mat and energized or operating machinery 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 36

Search & Rescue Search & Rescue - Objective #4 Identify Victims by scanning each area and looking for : obvious form of victim unrecognizable form that could be a victim areas that could contain a victim such as a bed, closet, or debris field Light Shades Dark Shades * Remember not all victims will have a recognizable form or recognizable color * Clothing, bedding, or debris can all mask a victim’s heat / IR signature 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 37

Search & Rescue 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 38

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Objectives 1. Identify thermal layering and heat conditions 2. Identify fire conditions hidden by smoke or building construction features 3. Direct water application and observe impact of water application on heat & fire conditions 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 39

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Key Points High Heat DANGER ! Firefighter w/ TI directing F. F. w/ hose Dark Area indicating water is cooling Light Area indicating water is not cooling 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 40

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Key Points High Heat DANGER ! Firefighter w/ TI directing F. F. w/ hose Dark Area indicating water is cooling Light Area indicating water is not cooling 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 41

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Objective #1 Fire Attack - Objective #1 Identify convected heat which can indicate : Identify convected heat which can indicate : Extent of fire conditions Extent of fire conditions Location of the fire Location of the fire Potential for Rollover or Flashover exists Potential for Rollover or Flashover exists 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 42

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Objective #1 Identify convected heat which can indicate : Potential for Rollover or Flashover exists 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 43

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Objective #2 Identify fire conditions hidden by building construction The photo illustrates : studs and void spaces recognizable fire pattern Fire growth & extension * Remember certain types of heavier building construction or * Remember certain types of heavier building construction or multiple layers of materials can mask heat or fire conditions multiple layers of materials can mask heat or fire conditions 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 44

Fire Attack Fire Attack - Objective #3 Observe the impact of water application, if white areas (heat) do not darken with application (cool), application rate is inadequate or improperly placed Have one firefighter ID fire with the thermal imager, and direct the firefighter with the hoseline where to place the water 1/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 45

Review before Drill Thermal Contrast Definition - the difference in temperature of objects viewed, provides a visual image Heat flows from objects with higher heat to objects with less heat Objects differ in the amount of heat they absorb DG15-01 Thermal ImagerSlide 461/12/2015

Review before Drill Viewing the image: Black indicates an absence or lack of heat Glass appears black to the thermal imaging device White indicates the presence of heat More heat an object has the whiter that object appears in the image Slide 471/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal Imager

DRILL Slide 481/12/2015DG15-01 Thermal Imager