The Atlantic Steamer Fire Co. 1 and Chief Christian Mercadante of Oyster Bay haves recently taken delivery of and placed into service the new Scott Eagle Imager Thermal Camera.

This piece of equipment is the latest weapon in firefighting technology. The camera is a highly durable infrared imaging device that can provide vision enhancement in firefighting and similar emergency response activities.

"This will be an asset to the community because it will help save someone's life. It's an expensive piece of equipment, but it will be very useful.

"We have also made the fire departments in our surrounding areas aware of the camera and will make it available to them when needed," said Chief Mercadante.

The camera was sold to the company by Tom Murphy from Murphy Fire and Safety in Kearny, New Jersey.

The highly sensitive technology is capable of recognizing differences in temperature as small as 1/10th of a degree. Thermal images can be detected up to approximately 600 feet.

Various applications include the ability to locate trapped or unconscious victims in a fire or heavy smoke condition. It is also great for identifying potentially dangerous electrical problems hidden in walls, thus greatly reducing damage.

The equipment can also aid in the overhaul stage of a working fire in looking for small pockets of fire in walls and floors after initial knockdown of a house fire.

Another benefit of the camera is its ability to locate missing children in heavily wooded areas.