Charleston Getting High-Tech Thermal Imagers

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - The Charleston Fire Department is getting two of the latest, high-tech pieces of firefighting equipment.

The department will be presented on Thursday with two thermal-imaging cameras which allow firefighters to virtually see through smoke and darkness to find if anyone is trapped in a building.

The devices were purchased with an $18,000 grant from Wachovia Insurance Services and the Firemen’s Fund Insurance Company.

Nine Charleston firefighters died last year in a furniture store fire. A panel of experts concluded in a report last May that aging equipment contributed to the tragedy.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)