Firefighters acquire in-mask thermal intelligence system
Pincourt might not have the biggest fire department around, but it might be one of the best-equipped, thanks to the recent acquisition of eight state-of-the-art face masks.
Pincourt’s Emergency and Fire Protection Department unveiled its new Scott Sight Integrated Thermal Camera Masks this week, equipment that greatly enhance the work of the town’s small band of officers and dozens of volunteer firefighters.
Yanick Bernier, director of Pincourt’s fire department, said the new masks are a big improvement on previous models because they offer an in-mask thermal intelligence system.
The mask provides hands-free thermal imaging data on a small screen within the mask capsule so firefighters can assess various temperatures at the scene of a fire. It can also detect the presence of a human body behind a wall.
“The thermal imaging allows us to see a human that maybe we can’t see through smoke,” Bernier said.
The small camera is located on the side of the mask, unlike previous hand-held cameras that limited the dexterity of firefighters in the heat of battle.
“It’s a big improvement to have both our hands free now,” Bernier said. “And if we see on the camera screen that it’s too hot to enter a house, we know to back off.”
Bernier said a quick and efficient response is needed to douse the flames at a house fire.
“These days, new home construction burns very fast,” he said. “Now the floor collapses 10 minutes after the fire starts. And the smoke is not the same as 20 years ago. The (building) materials are different.
“And because the fire resistance is going down, by the time we get there, our guys will go through the floor.”
Bernier said the new mask can help assess a situation through smoke and fire. “Before we go in, we can actually see through the house. We can see for 10 feet.”
The mask can also isolate the main source of heat during a kitchen fire. “It helps us locate the problem quickly and tell us exactly where the problem is,” Bernier said.
Each mask costs about $1,700, compared to $1,100 for a regular mask. But Bernier was quick to note the citizens of Pincourt will get their money’s worth if property damage is minimized during an intervention by the fire department.
But the best reason for improving equipment is the safety of Pincourt’s citizens and its firefighters, Bernier said.
“We are mostly part-time volunteers firefighters here in Pincourt. So for us, it’s important to keep our employees safe,” he said.
“We want to bring back our men and women back home safe after their call.”
It’s a big improvement to have both our hands free now. And if we see on the camera screen that it’s too hot to enter a house, we know to back off.