February 2006:
Number 502
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A newsletter for the students, faculty and staff of the Collin County Community College District. Published monthly. For information or submissions, call 972.758.3849. Cougar News welcomes student and faculty submissions. Next deadline: Feb. 7. All submissions are due by 5 p.m. on the due date. Photos cannot be returned. Text should be emailed to mrobinson@ccccd.edu or sent on disk. Please submit copy that is proofed, edited and saved in Word format. Cougar News staff: Lisa Vasquez, director; Mark Robinson, editor; Marcy Cadena-Smith, contributor; Sydney Portilla-Diggs, student correspondent; Stephanie Hall, student correspondent; Jennifer Baker, student correspondent; Nick Young, photographer; Layout by Publications
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Collin fire science students can now see in the dark
The program recently received a thermal imaging camera for use during live fire training.
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| David Kearney of L3 Communications (right) and Steve Barnett of Bullard (center) present a thermal imaging camera to Collin County Community College District Fire Science Program Director Pat McAuliff (left). |
“The infrared technology senses thermal heat and creates an electronic picture enabling firefighters to locate fire or hot spots not visible to the naked eye,” Fire Science Program Director Pat McAuliff said. “The camera can easily distinguish objects from victims in fires allowing firefighters to conduct faster and more effective searches.”
The camera was given to the program by David Kearney and Glen Francisco of L3 Communications in addition to a certificate recognizing the college for its support and contributions toward the development of thermal imaging technology. The college created live fire scenarios for infrared engineers to measure and calibrate thermal readings, McAuliff said.
“We are very pleased to receive this camera,” he said. “The thermal imager allows us to teach proper procedures when using the camera to find victims or hidden fires in structures. For firefighters, it’s like giving a blind person the gift of sight.”
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| The thermal imaging cameras allow firefighters to locate hot spots or hidden fires inside structures using infrared to sense thermal energy. |
The T3MAX model camera is assembled and distributed by Bullard, and it allows fire academy instructors to monitor student performance while working in dark, smoke filled rooms.
“Before thermal imaging technology, our instructors spent a lot of time leading students by the hand through the fire building. Now they can evaluate student performance more accurately and increase the level of safety during the live fire sessions,” McAuliff said. A number of area fire departments use thermal imaging cameras to find hidden fires and hot spots. The camera is effective when departments receive calls indicating a “smell of smoke.”
Firefighters can locate overheated electrical outlets or hot wires behind walls. The cameras can locate liquid levels in storage tanks and containers during hazardous materials calls. The cost range for a thermal imaging camera is $9,000-20,000. The Fire Science program at Collin College provides training to fire departments in Collin and surrounding counties. In addition, Collin offers basic firefighter certification courses for those interested in becoming a firefighter.
For information, contact the Fire Science office at 972.548.6836 or visit www.ccccd.edu/firescience.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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