New device allows seeing through fire, smoke, haze
As emergency units rush to the scene of a disaster, they are often frustrated by the obscuring effects of fire, smoke, and haze — all making informed decision making more difficult; a Pennsylvania company is developing a device to help such first responders see through these obstacles
Through a glass darkly. Firefighters and emergency units will appreciate this new technology: Chester, Pennsylvania-based RL Associates says it has successfully tested a prototype device to allow firefighters and other first responders to see through fire, smoke, and other fire scene conditions such as water spray and haze. The device, patented under the name FireLidar, aims to augment firefighting tools such as thermal imagers using an active illumination system. The company says the product is eye-safe, and that it performs equally well in daylight or at night.”
Testing has taken place at Londonderry Greenhouses in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, and at the West Chester Fire Training Center in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The company plans research to miniaturize the device to handheld size, and is currently in negotiations with several large companies over manufacturing and distribution arrangements. Funding to support development of FireLidar was provided by direct congressional plus-up submitted by Pennsylvania legislators in both the House and Senate. Congressman Curt Weldon (R-Pennsylvania) is a strong and active booster of the system.
