The Rosston Volunteer Fire Department recently received a grant for the purchase of a new thermal imaging camera through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
A first for the department, the camera has heat sensing technology and can help when crossing rough terrain in low- or no-light, locating missing people during search and rescue. Thermal cameras are valuable tools when finding hot spots, faulty wiring and locating victims or downed fire fighters in heavy smoke; and when attempting to locate ejected victims of auto accidents.
“We were recently called out for a tree that was struck by lightning. The camera was able to detect if there was indeed heat inside the tree,” Rosston VFD Chief Steven Thomas said. “Otherwise it could have smoldered for days before it was noticed. The camera will help to increase the capacity of our department by detecting hot spots in a variety of scenarios.”
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural VFDs for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.
To learn more about fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit http://texasfd.com.