Night vision goggle technology tested for detection of forest fires
Fire staff with the Dryden Fire Management Headquarters in the West Fire Region took to the skies in the dark of night on August 16 and 17 to train on leading edge night vision goggle technology that was acquired in the past year for fire detection and fire management applications.
Reaction from the fire personnel training in the use of the night vision goggles on board an MNR helicopter is positive, noting that it is very easy to spot a fire amidst other sources of light because it has a bright, flickering characteristic.
Using military technology to assist with resource and emergency management in remote areas, night vision goggle (NVG) technology is offering the fire program the possibility of seeing better at night for a number of potential applications that will benefit the program including night detection of forest fires, precise mapping of active fires at night, and night extractions of firefighters in emergency situations. Since an initial test phase in 2007, the NVG technology has also resulted in successful completion of search and rescue missions and enforcement within the province.
Two helicopters in the MNR fleet have been modified for the night flying system, an Astar and an EC130. The aircraft are strategically located in Sudbury and Dryden in order to provide access to the technology across the province. Following test runs last year, aerial operations staff reported that crisp resolution and clear imagery allowed for the detection of even the smallest light source. Campfires were detected and a clear identification of the fire perimeter and interior fire hot spots on an active fire was possible. Staff confirmed that fires are much easier to detect at long distances using the night vision goggles.
