What is the main purpose of using a thermal imager during a fire scene?

Using a thermal imager is primarily aimed at locating fire victims during emergency operations. This device works by detecting the heat emitted from objects and individuals, allowing firefighters to identify a person who may be trapped or unconscious in a smoke-filled environment where visibility is significantly reduced. The thermal imager can reveal body heat against cooler backgrounds, which is critical in search and rescue scenarios.

While identifying the source of the fire can also be a function of thermal imaging, it is not the primary focus of its use. Similarly, although measuring air quality and providing visual reports are valuable practices during firefighting operations, they do not align with the key mission of ensuring the safety and recovery of victims on the fire scene. The core purpose remains centered around the rapid identification and extraction of individuals in distress, making thermal imagers essential tools in such intense situations.