The County of Red Deer Fire Services purchased a Thermal Imaging Camera in the spring of 2001 with funds provided through a grant application to the Community Lottery Board Grant Program. This program, funded through the Alberta Lottery Fund, benefits project-based initiatives in communities throughout Alberta. Application for the grant was made to the Red Deer and District Community Lottery Board Society in February of 2001, and in May 2001, the County was advised that the grant had been approved by the Society, subject to approval by Alberta Gaming. In June 2001, the County was advised by Alberta Gaming confirming the grant in the amount of $28,500 dollars.

Thermal Imaging Cameras are a fairly new technology to the fire service. On arrival at a fire, crews have little time to think - lives may be at risk. The source and movement of fire is likely to be unknown. Additional equipment and manpower may be needed. The fire chief is under pressure to act swiftly. With the presence of dense smoke, the fire crews will be unable to see, movement is likely to be slow and the source of the fire may be difficult to pinpoint.

This scenario has remained unchanged since the first fire departments were formed, however, the quality of training of the firefighter has changed, and so has the equipment available to him. The Thermal Imaging Camera is a hand held device that allows the firefighter to see through smoke and darkness. The device measures temperature differentials to create a picture on the camera screen. It will create an image of unconscious or trapped victims, allowing for quicker recovery times. The camera can also locate hot spots, where fire or heat is located in walls or ceilings, thus allowing firefighters quick access to the seat of the fire, and preventing unnecessary damage to areas not affected by the fire.

The camera has a sensor that tells the operator the temperature in the area being scanned, and a remote wireless video transmitter that can send pictures of what is being scanned back to a video receiver and recorder located in the department's Command Vehicle. This provides a second pair of eyes in interpreting images being scanned, and is useful for legal matters, as well as fire fighter training purposes. The video transmitter has a range of up to one mile, depending on antenna gain and adequate antenna elevations. The camera is powered by two NiMH rechargeable battery packs, which gives the operator up to 3 hours operating time without changing batteries. The camera weighs 5.9 pounds and is installed in a protective enclosure to protect it from extreme heat or accidental dropping.

The County will make the camera and an operator available to any municipality with which it has a mutual aid agreement, or to the County's contract fire services.