Monroe Firefighters say they found the victim of Sunday's house fire much faster than they would have years ago, with the use of some newer technology.

When trying to save a life, using every possible resource is important. Thermal Imaging Cameras help firefighters see through smoke or fire-filled buildings.
*CG blu2 LT. LANCE LANGER
MADISON FIRE DEPT.

*CG blu2 LANE HEINS
MONROE DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
39-43

Thermal Imaging Cameras are a fairly new technology. "The biggest thing that it helps us with is that it helps us do our job faster," explained Lieutenant Lance Langer with the Madison Fire Department.

When there's a fire and someone is trapped inside, every second counts. "This helps us get a lot more information quicker," explained Lt. Langer.

The Madison Fire Department started using the cameras about three years ago. "So we can actually size it up faster, see where the most heat is in the building and try to get to an area where the most victims will be saved," said Lt. Langer.

Monroe firefighters say thermal imaging cameras made a difference when they responded to a house fire, Sunday. "Smoke conditions were very thick down in the basement. Smoke levels were about a foot off the ground," said Lane Heins, the Monroe Deputy Fire Chief.

Firefighters went into the Monroe home looking for a trapped victim. "From the time they entered the building until the time they found him it was probably less than two minutes," said Heins.

Although the victim later died at the hospital, firefighters say technology is helping them act faster. "Without the camera it would have made the rescue much more difficult," said Heins.

Firefighters say the cameras, combined with training and skills, can save time and possibly save lives. "It's the top tool for us to grab quick to get us a look at what's going on because we can't see through the smoke and this actually let's us see the building through the smoke," said Lt. Langer.

Madison firefighters tell us when the cameras first came out they cost about $20,000. They've come down to around $8,000 now. Some communities, like Madison, have gotten homeland security grants to help pay for the cameras. The Madison Fire Department has about fourteen of the cameras.