Supplying K-Series to Clackamas Metropolitan Fire Department, USA
Compact, lightweight, easy to use, and even economical

FLIR Systems Korea (CEO: Andrew Carlton Tyke) announced that Clackamas Fire District 1 in Clackamas, Oregon, USA, has adopted FLIR K-series firefighting thermal imaging cameras and is utilizing them as essential equipment for saving lives at fire and disaster sites.

FLIR K-Series firefighting thermal imaging cameras provide 320 x 240 pixel thermal resolution and ultra-high definition image quality. Utilizing FLIR's innovative FSX (Flexible Scene Enhancement™) technology, they clearly display the surroundings, structures, object edges, and all other details in real-time, even in completely dark locations or smoke-filled spaces. This enables firefighters to secure the visibility necessary for fire suppression and rescue operations, allowing them to accurately assess the situation.

“At fire scenes where almost nothing can be seen with the naked eye, thermal imaging cameras provide an accurate view of the surroundings,” said Jason Ellison, Fire Chief of the Clacamess 1st Metropolitan Fire Brigade. “Every fire scene is filled with flames and smoke and is very dark, and firefighters do not know the internal structure of the building. In such situations, using a thermal imaging camera allows them to move quickly and safely, immediately locate the center of the fire, and easily and rapidly find people trapped inside the flames who have been unable to evacuate.” "In a word, it is like having the best roadmap in hand," he said.

He further explained, “Firefighters operating fire hose nozzles cannot use thermal imaging cameras because they are holding the nozzle with both hands. In such cases, another firefighter holds the thermal imaging camera and shows it to the firefighter operating the hose. This allows them to immediately assess the building and the progression of the fire, and spray water where it is most needed.”

The FLIR K-Series firefighting thermal imaging cameras feature a compact and lightweight design, and are also characterized by a simplified control system with just three buttons, allowing firefighters to operate them easily and accurately even while wearing fire-resistant gloves. By appropriately changing color modes, they can perform optimally in dangerous fire scenes.

Fire Chief Ellison explained, “The first thermal imaging cameras we used were the size of a computer and very inconvenient to use. For firefighters carrying about 25 kg of firefighting equipment each, a compact and lightweight product is an important characteristic. The FLIR K series features a simple, compact, and lightweight design, and because it can be carried on a shoulder strap, it can be easily attached to various equipment such as oxygen masks and moved around, and it is very convenient as it can be used immediately with one hand whenever needed.”

The affordable price range is also a significant advantage. Fire Chief Ellison stated, “The equipment must have excellent performance, but if the price is too high, we cannot purchase it due to a limited budget.” "FLIR's K-series thermal imaging cameras are economically priced, allowing us to provide equipment to more fire trucks and firefighters," he said.

In addition, the K-series thermal imaging camera is equipped with a video recording function, allowing for accurate recording of fire scenes as well as post-fire analysis and evaluation of firefighting operations, and its use as educational material. Up to 200 thermal images can be saved as JPEG files and viewed directly on the camera or included in reports via a USB port. Furthermore, it is specially designed for safe use in extreme environments; it does not malfunction even when dropped from a height of 2 meters onto a concrete floor, features an IP67 waterproof rating, and has a maximum operating temperature of +260℃.