Check out the following Bullard resources to assist your department with training and education:
First check out this general overview of the Bullard QXT/NXT:
New Bullard QXT/NXT PRO Series Overview:
Bullard has produced the XT model series featuring the DXT, QXT PRO, and NXT PRO. The NXT PRO is NFPA 1801 certified. The QXT PRO and NXT PRO features 640×480 resolution which is 307,200 pixels. This is 4x greater than standard models. There are only two devices currently that meet this level of resolution:
https://youtu.be/UNynwil0WKY?list=PL5UcFj45HlgfFRXmecaUIX5GXYx93R2rN
- Understanding Temperature Modes:
High Sensitivity/Low Sensitivity Demonstration:
Notice in the video as the firefighter scans up and down the TIC will switch from High Sensitivity to Low Sensitivity. As the TIC switches to Low Sensitivity (indicated by a green triangle in the upper left-hand corner) the floor and door frame are harder to see. As the TIC switches back to High Sensitivity, as the TIC is pointed at the floor, you can see details in the floor previously unseen.
For reference, the Bullard QXT or NXT switches from high sensitivity to low sensitivity when 3% of the pixels reach 230 degrees Fahrenheit and it will switch back to high sensitivity when 97% of the pixels detect 158 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. These models were produced from 2018-2024.
Bullard QXT PRO High & Low Sensitivity Mode Demonstration:
Bullard released their XT PRO series models in April of 2024. These models have improved image quality than previous models and the QXT PRO/NXT PRO series features 640×480 resolution (307,200 pixels). Only two devices currently offer this level of image clarity. Check out the high and low sensitivity demonstration from an acquired structure fire training. Please note these devices are much faster than their previous models. However, they record at a slower frame rate. Therefore when viewing the videos they seem slower than the actual video display rate. This device switches between high and low sensitivity when 2% of the pixels in the field of view reach 302 degrees Fahrenheit/150 degrees Celsius. Bullard has dramatically improved their colorization allowing greater transparency. This device also features X-Factor 2.0 image enhancement which outlines objects in white. As the area increases in overall heat, these objects are outlined and increase in image detail. Bullard as also added HAD and CAD features which are Hot Area Detector and Cold Area Detector. HAD-A red box automatically moves around the display and locks on the hottest area within the field of view. CAD-Cold Area Detector consists of a blue box that automatically moves around the display and locks in on the coldest area within the field of view. Bullard has made a major improvement in their Electronic Thermal Throttle feature (videos are featured later in this article) with a safety-kick-out feature. If the end user enters an environment where 5% of the pixels are over 500 degrees within the field of view, the device will automatically disable Electronic Thermal Throttle and default back to TI Basic.
https://youtu.be/a2Obdd0gXLk?list=PL5UcFj45HlgfFRXmecaUIX5GXYx93R2rN
How High & Low Sensitivity Effects Victim Identification and Search Efforts?
Notice in the following video how when we scan with the Bullard NXT (2018-2024 models) that in Low Sensitivity the victim and lower areas are very difficult to see. However, when we scan the floor and force the TIC into high sensitivity the image clarity dramatically improves! A firefighter can stay low/scan low with the Bullard NXT which will provide amazing image clarity.
- Flow Path Identification & Stream Placement:
With the recent release of the UL Stream study, we thought it would be relevant to share a short education video on flow path identification and stream placement. In this video, (filmed in Ottawa Canada with a Bullard LDX TIC) one can easily identify convection heat currents and a bi-directional flow path at the door. The crew leader continually guides the stream, cools, confirms, and communicates where to move to next. Several valuable lessons are in this short video: Flow paths must be identified and controlled, Do not advance in an exhaust, do not stand up in these convective heat currents, control the air behind you, the area must be continually cooled and often too much water is applied to the ceiling instead of coating the walls and floor which allows moisture to move into the molecular air movement path which is often carried to the base of the fire.
- Why colorization AND Grayscale is important?
Many firefighters are unaware that all TIC’s have colors associated with specific temperatures that are displayed upon the screen. Within this problem lies another problem as many firefighters are reading the spot temperature instead of reading the color palette. The spot temperature is the number located in the lower right-hand corner of the view finder. It is as the word implies, “the temperature of a spot” and not the overall temperature of the environment. Firefighters who use the spot temperature will be misled as this measurement doesn’t account for the many variables in a fire. The temperature measurement can be hundreds of degrees off depending upon the distance to the target, the emissivity of the surface, the atmospheric attenuation, and the reflected apparent temperature of the surface. Thus, the fire service TIC is qualitative in nature and should not be used for exact measurements.
As shown in the following video, notice the fast-moving gray convection currents above the firefighter’s head. These appear as waves as the heat moves from one superheated space towards the cooler regions. These currents are HOT. Notice how the spot temperature doesn’t adequately reflect the overall severity of the environment.
It’s important to note that TIC’s do NOT read gas temperatures so the temperatures we are seeing are “apparent temperatures” otherwise known as an estimated temperature value. Therefore, those fast-moving convection currents are much hotter than we realize. A firefighter should NOT pass by them or stand up in them as they can superheat their gear, soften their Facepiece, and lead to the cumulative thermal insult.
Many facepieces begin to soften at 290 degrees and can fail between 356-600 degrees Fahrenheit. Bullard users need to be aware that their proprietary color palette does not show any colorization until 500 degrees.
In other words, firefighters should not wait until we see colors before we cool the environment. Gray scale convection currents are HOT!
Convection currents can assist firefighters with identifying the location and intensity of the fire. In short, Convection equals direction!
Bullard QXT PRO Flashover Video Demonstration:
https://youtu.be/xUHvjdYlCoc?list=PL5UcFj45HlgfFRXmecaUIX5GXYx93R2rN
Bullard QXT PRO High Heat Evaluation:
In this video, we note the improvements that Bullard has made in their details within colorization. NFPA 1801 Chapter 6 states that “details within colorization shall be resolvable up to the point of saturation.” Bullard has dramatically improved the ability of the end user to see objects and details through the colorized superheated areas.
https://youtu.be/YQH38zTSfgg?list=PL5UcFj45HlgfFRXmecaUIX5GXYx93R2rN
Bullard QXT PRO Arson Investigation Demonstration:
In this video provided by West Virginia Fire Service Extension, an arson investigation test burn is being conducted utilizing real modern day fuels. This video provide a rare opportunity to witness fire growth in this environment:
https://youtu.be/XgXEMWwBeGg?list=PL5UcFj45HlgfFRXmecaUIX5GXYx93R2rN
Bullard QXT PRO/NXT PRO Electronic Thermal Throttle Video Series:
Video 1: We demonstrate how this feature works and a brief demonstrations:
https://youtu.be/OHSoixnKQss?t=2
Video 2: 6 TIPS to use Electronic Thermal Throttle
TIC Limitations Video:
It’s important that firefighters understand the limitations, contraindications, and how to overcome limitations. The following video covers many of these factors.
- Bullard Transitional Fire Attack Demonstration:
In this video, a 2 ½ attack line is flowed from outside the structure into the second floor. Notice how quickly the heat in the room is knocked down. It is important to note the fire is not fully extinguished. The firefighters must “transition” into the interior fire room and fully extinguish the fire.
- Bullard Optical vs Thermal Video Demonstration: In this video, West Virginia Fire Service Extension demonstrates an arson research burn. The video demonstrates the power of viewing the environment through the thermal imaging camera.
Please let us know if you have any questions about these videos or resources.
Andy J. Starnes
Insight Fire Training
Owner/Founder
Level II Themologist