YFD seeks return of missing thermal imaging camera
The Yuma Fire Department is asking for help finding a thermal imaging camera (TIC) that went missing last month while firefighters were at the scene of a residential fire.
According to spokesperson Mike Erfert, if the camera is located, it can be returned to any Yuma fire station or by calling Fire Administration at (928) 373-4850.
No questions will be asked, he added, and there just might even be a ride in a fire engine for whoever returns it.
The camera is a Bullard T3MAX. Firefighters use thermal imaging cameras to scan areas like walls and ceilings to determine whether there is fire or significant heat behind those surfaces.
Erfert said the camera is a relatively small handheld device that uses a special battery pack.
“It did not have the charger with it and may have been discarded when it stopped working,” Erfert said.
On Sept. 12, city of Yuma firefighters were on a residential fire response in the George Bell Avenue area. In the course of working on that fire scene, the thermal imaging camera became separated from a firefighter’s gear.
Erfert said firefighters searched the area afterward but were unable to find the camera, and no one has turned one in to authorities.
A report has been made with the Yuma Police Department.