On October 17, 2020, FLIR TradeForce participant, Christopher (Chris) Keefer put his thermography training that he had undertaken during his time in the US Armed Services into unforeseen use. When a massive house fire broke out four doors down from his residence, Chris knew that the impact could be devastating.
While battling gushing winds of over speeds of 20 miles per hour (mph), firefighters began to attack the fire at the house, while Christopher stood by anxiously watching the hot embers blow across the street.
FLIR E8-XT camera with extended temperature range
Christopher grabbed his FLIR E8-XT camera to monitor the ashes as they floated onto the neighbouring homes
Using quick response skills that he had learned during his tenure in the U.S. Air Force, Christopher grabbed his FLIR E8-XT camera with extended temperature range, which he received as part of FLIR Systems’ TradeForce Program, to monitor the ashes as they floated onto the neighbouring homes, yards, and trees.
When the local first responders realised the lifesaving tool that Christopher was using, they saw the benefit it could lend to combat the blaze.
Key tool to help firefighters identify hotspots
Christopher Keefer, using his FLIR E8-XT camera, collaborated with the firefighters and neighbours to identify the embers and hotspots in nearby yards, tree lines, and houses, and pinpointed where to direct the water flow. Unfortunately, the fire spread quickly and resulted in complete destruction of his neighbours’ home.
An eyewitness present near the fire incident spot said, “Thankfully, Christopher was equipped with a unique tool to mitigate the spread of the fire. Thanks to him and the immediate response of local responders, they united as a team to keep the nearby community safe.”