July 10, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2003-24) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE BURN EXERCISE The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department Training Academy will be burning a house on Chinqupin Street for the purpose of firefighter training as well as testing of new equipment. The house burn is scheduled to begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2003. The Academy staff will be testing several different types and brands of Thermal imaging cameras that are designed to detect the body heat of a possible trapped victim aiding firefighters in finding them despite smoky conditions. Thermal imaging cameras are revolutionizing the fire industry. These sophisticated devices enable firefighters to see heat rather than light. They can help find unconscious victims in smoke-filled rooms, pinpoint the sources of fires, and detect structural dangers before they cause injury and death. Mobile Fire-Rescue Department currently has 3 of the cameras using the old technology. The high-tech devices have been credited for saving at least a dozen lives over the past few years. ###