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TIC--Food for Thought

We wont always see the correct temperature from the TIC from the upper floor.
I posted a couple of pictures a few days ago that showed a living room taped off. The room looked normal and unaffected by whatever had gone on there.

http://firefightersenemy.com/2010/01/things-arent-always-what-they-...

There is a great deal of information about using thermal imaging cameras to locate fires in basements. This is a good practice to get in when entering a house with a basement.

However, don't be solely reliant on the readings you get from the camera.

Here is an excerpt from an article detailing some of the tests and uses where a TIC could have or did make a difference. You can see the entire article at http://everyonegoeshome.com/newsletter/2009/january/floor.html

"It is interesting to see that the difference in the temperature reading of the TIC at the top assembly compared to the inferno below. In one test, after five minutes, the TIC temperature showed a comfortable 73 degrees on the floor level above the fire; meanwhile, the temperature below was 1,378 degrees. This was not because TIC was not working or reading inaccurate temperatures; but because the flooring and carpets do not transfer that temperature, so the TIC doesn't see it."

So, don't be totally reliant on the TIC, it has it's limitations. Situational awareness is paramount and a 360 is a must. Train frequently with your respective camera and learn it's abilities and limitations.

Stay safe and train hard.

http://firefightersenemy.com

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Permalink Reply by Ron Becknell on January 10, 2010 at 5:14pm

I think that with increased construction methods and energy savings that this "problem" will become more prevalent. Houses are better insulated and the insulation doing its job keeps the heat inside/outside of the different living spaces. We try to train our people on the art of using the TIC, because there is definitely an art to it. I think that when using the TIC it is more interpretation than simply reading/viewing it. Example: Here in SC it is not uncommon for attic temperatures to reach 150 degrees but if checking for extension after a fire in the winter this is an obvious problem. We use our TIC at almost every alarm and at some CO alarms just to allow our members to have more hands on practice in different structures and under different ambient conditions.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on January 10, 2010 at 5:29pm

That's a good idea. Thanks for replying.

Ron Becknell said:

I think that with increased construction methods and energy savings that this "problem" will become more prevalent. Houses are better insulated and the insulation doing its job keeps the heat inside/outside of the different living spaces. We try to train our people on the art of using the TIC, because there is definitely an art to it. I think that when using the TIC it is more interpretation than simply reading/viewing it. Example: Here in SC it is not uncommon for attic temperatures to reach 150 degrees but if checking for extension after a fire in the winter this is an obvious problem. We use our TIC at almost every alarm and at some CO alarms just to allow our members to have more hands on practice in different structures and under different ambient conditions.

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