Hamilton brigade recently took delivery of a thermal imaging camera (TIC), increasing CFA’s structure and bushfire response capability in the southern Grampians/Balmoral region.
CFA identified the need for a TIC in the southern Grampians area, and District 5 was able to buy the $18,000 unit following two generous donations after the Grampians fire earlier this year.
To date, 11 members of Hamilton brigade have been trained to use the unit by Structural Instructor Mark Gunning. The camera was presented to Brigade Captain Malcolm Anderson at the completion of the course.
“The inclusion of the camera as part of the district and brigade’s suite of tools to deal with incidents is invaluable," said Malcolm, "as it now gives us opportunity to rapidly locate people trapped in building fires and identify hot spots in bushfires, resulting in improved safety for firefighters, reduced losses to the community and it enhances our firefighting options."
Catchment Operations Officer Stephen Giddens said, “Further training is planned for CFA members in northern District 5 brigades. This training will expand the number of operators
able to use the thermal imaging camera and increase awareness of its capabilities. We greatly appreciate the support of the donors in funding this asset."
Author: Christopher Clugston