Fire department in Volente earns grant to see through smoke

By Joseph M. de Leon Wednesday, 24 February 2010

LEANDER — Volente Volunteer Fire Department will soon be able to use the latest imaging technology to peer through clouds of smoke and into the darkness.

The Tejas General Agency and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company will award the fire department a $6,500 grant 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Volente Volunteer Fire Department, 15406 FM 2769 in Volente.

The money will help pay for a thermal imaging camera to enhance rescue efforts. The camera uses infrared detectors that convert heat signatures into an image.

Thermal imaging cameras can help rescuers find people trapped in a dark or smoky building during a fire. The camera can also help reduce property damage since fire fighters can more quickly find hot spots inside walls and extinguish them before they spread.