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NFPA 1010 New Firefighter Thermal Imaging Requirements

With the recent update from NFPA 1001 to NFPA 1010 now requiring all new firefighters to have thermal imaging training, we have posted the following information for firefighters to assist them with their training and education in this area.

First, what does the new standard state regarding thermal imaging training requirements:

NFPA 1010 7.3.3 A firefighter must…

Operate a thermal imager (TI), given a TI, SOPs, PPE, and an assignment, so that victims are in conditions of obscured visibility, hot spots are identified in a structure, overhaul is completed, and the liquid level in a container is determined.

  • Requisite Knowledge.

TI operating procedures and limitations of TIs.

  • Requisite Skills.

Demonstrate the use of a TI and accurately interpret TI data to locate victims, fire, hot spots, and liquid levels in containers.

“In order for a firefighter to perform the four areas of Chapter 7.3.3 it states that the firefighter shall have requisite knowledge and requisite skills.

How are those defined by NFPA? See below:”

3.3.57 Requisite Knowledge.

Fundamental knowledge one must have in order to perform a specific task. [1030, 2024]

3.3.58 Requisite Skills.

The essential skills one must have in order to perform a specific task. [1030, 2024]

Therefore, to fulfill these objectives, firefighters must be trained in the following areas prior to completing these four skill-based objectives required by NFPA 1010.

Understanding Thermal Imaging & Contraindications of Thermal Imaging Usage: We have completed numerous resources on this topic. Please see the following video-based trainings to assist in this area:

Proper Maintenance and Carrying Techniques: This is a critically needed area of education to ensure the TIC will be ready and operational in an emergency. Please see the following resources regarding these areas:

  • Thermal Imaging Camera Maintenance Recommendations: https://insighttrainingllc.com/news/thermal-imaging-camera-maintenance-recommendations/
  • Proper Carrying Techniques: This is a common question from firefighters and a recurring issue with firefighters. As much as 50% of the time, the TIC is not being deployed on the fireground per a nationwide survey with Firehouse magazine. To carry a TIC effectively, firefighters must prioritize a method that keeps it secure, easily accessible for scanning, and out of the way during firefighting tasks. Some common methods include webbing/straps/lanyards, SCBA mounted clips (we do not recommend clipping the TIC behind the SCBA), a flashlight/shoulder strap positioned near the firefighter side for ease of access, but it must allow for the TIC to slide up and down easily for scanning purposes. For any of these methods, firefighters must be aware of single point failures. These are areas of connection such as squeeze open carabiners, keyrings (not rated for heavy objects), and small pieces of fabric that tear over time. These areas are prone to fail which causes the device to become disconnected and or lost. Firefighters should always test their chosen method in a controlled environment and avoid any method that allows the TIC to hang loosely which can lead to damage, entanglement, or loss of the device. Please see this educational video on one method of carrying the device: https://youtu.be/ppb9qJHioPU
  • Powering up the device: Firefighters should be aware that for a thermal imaging camera to fully operational it must have met the following criteria. The thermal imaging camera must have a fully charged battery that has been stored in the proper environment (not below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 104 degrees Fahrenheit). The device will take a full 30 seconds to power on. This requires the firefighter to turn the device on while enroute to the call. A firefighter can then ensure the battery is fully charged and the device is set in the proper application mode prior to exiting the apparatus. During these 30 second times frames, the firefighter may notice a clicking sound and the display freezing periodically. This is known as Flat Field Correction. Flat field correction (FFC) is a process where irregularities in pixel values are corrected by multiplying each pixel value by a factor that uniformizes the brightness across the image. In layman’s terms, the device is warming up and calibrating itself for use.
  • Interpretation of Thermal Data: It is critically important that firefighters be trained to properly identify thermal data in the areas of object and hazard recognition. Firefighters should be trained in the following environments to demonstrate the differences of object and hazard recognition: ambient to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, 300-500 degrees Fahrenheit (ordinary to nearing emergency thermal classification), and over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Objects will appear differently based on the overall background temperature. Hazard recognition involves training firefighters to recognize and identify convection currents, thermal layering, and when their thermal imager colorizes. Firefighters must be proficient in understanding TI Basic before learning any additional advanced application modes that may be manufacturer specific. Please note that each manufacturer can choose when colorization engages based on their programming. The NFPA 1801/1930 standard states that the device must power on in TI Basic. TI Basic shall provide indications of colorization from black, gray, white, yellow, orange, to red with no more than 50% of the overall dynamic range being in gray scale. In other words, the manufacturer can colorize temperatures at different points as there is no specific set standardization.
  • Scanning Techniques: This is the most important skill acquisition a firefighter must learn after learning the aforementioned areas of education and training. Firefighters who learn to properly scan an environment prior to entering the space can complete their task faster, more efficiently, and are more situationally aware of changing conditions and hazards. This involves creating skill stations that allows each firefighter to practice scanning from a door and then from a window. We have created numerous resources on this topic. Please view our educational video series created in partnership with Fire Engineering and Seek Thermal below:

4 Principles of Scanning Techniques: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/training-minutes/tic-scans-four-elements-of-a-room-scan/

Communicating TIC Findings During Search: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/training-minutes/communicating-tic-findings-during-search/

TIC TIPS for Exterior Size-up: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/training-minutes/tic-tips-for-exterior-size-up/

TIC Use For Locating The Fire: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/training-minutes/tic-use-locating-the-fire/


Please see the following recommendations for training new firefighters in thermal imaging.

Lesson Plan: Introduction to Thermal Imaging for Firefighter Recruits (NFPA 1010 chapter 7).

Training Standard: NFPA 1010 (2024) – Where thermal imaging competencies are referenced under applicable fire inspection and firefighter training roles.

Related Standards:

  • NFPA 1403 (Live Fire Training)
  • NFPA 1408
  • NFPA 1801 (Thermal Imagers for Fire Service)
  • NFPA 1001 (Firefighter I & II) This standard has changed to NFPA 1010
  • NFPA 1700 (Guide for Structural Fire Fighting)

Lesson Title:

“Thermal Imaging for Entry Level Firefighters”

Lesson Duration:

4-8 Hours (2 hours classroom, 2-4 hours hands-on practical)

Target Audience:

Firefighter Recruits (Firefighter I level)

Instructor Qualifications:

  • Certified Fire Instructor I or II
  • Certified in TIC use (e.g., Insight Fire Training Certified TIC Instructor) based on guidelines found in NFPA 1801/1930
  • Experience in live fire TIC application.

Upon completion of the classroom portion. Students shall proceed to participate in a small-scale live fire demonstration such as Palmer Dollhouse or Max Fire Box. The concepts discussed in the classroom will be demonstrated where the students can observe them prior to entering a live fire environment.

General operational knowledge is known as requisite knowledge which is required by NFPA 1010 for all new firefighters. Therefore, first cover how to set up the TIC in either TI basic or another application mode prior to starting the burn.  Ensure they know how to switch back and forth. Also, ensure that they all understand that IR energy travels in straight lines. So, if they stand at an angle, they will not detect or see the full strength/energy of the fire.

Second, during the incipient stage, have 3-4 students kneel and view the fire compartment for the following concepts:

  • Gain Demonstration: Demonstration of high & low sensitivity & compare them to mixed gain mode. Notice how when the heat increases if it changes the firefighter’s ability to see objects in the cooler areas and if they can see details through the colorization.
  • Colorization: Place TICs side by side and compare colorization of temperatures. If you are using all the same brand/model of TICs, you may have them compare TI Basic vs other application modes.
  • Convection current identification: Have the students view the heat exhausting out of the first compartment and into the second compartment. Notice the thermal layer height and the differences in different models in how they display the thermal layer.
  • Thermal Layer Identification: Have the students identify the thermal layer in gray scale and in color in the first compartment and the second compartment. Then open the floor door to the second floor allowing heat to move to the second floor. Notice the thermal layer on the first floor (second room) lifts but the fire room intensifies.
  • Size-up Demonstration: After a few minutes, have them conduct a 360 and look for thermal bridging and non-uniform patterns. This is a great opportunity to show them different application modes and how they display colorization earlier vs later such as: Survey mode in the Seek, Search & Rescue Mode in the FLIR KXX/Search mode in the new FLIR K75/K85, Electronic Thermal Throttle in Bullard, Size-up Mode in Argus, etc. Areas to notice would be nails or screws in the Palmer Dollhouse as they heat up. Also note the heat transfer pattern in the areas of the flow path.
  • Distance & Target Demonstration: Have the students stand 8’ away and view the fire room. Then have them slowly back up until they can no longer see colorization. This should be done in TI Basic. You will note that the Seek Thermal TICs can detect heat and colorize at up to 900’ whereas many of the other models will switch back to high sensitivity or lose colorization at 15-30’. Any student with a TIC other than Seek have them drop to one knee when they lose color. The students with the Seek Thermal TIC will be able to walk back approximately 900′ and still see color.  Please note this demonstration is in ambient temperatures and in a fire environment, the ability of the TIC to colorize superheated surfaces will be based on the optical density of the smoke and moisture content.
  • Target recognition: Students should stand at 8-10’ away and then with a gloved hand, have the students view your gloved hand away from the heat source. Then slowly lower your hand in front of the heat source. Certain models will cause your hand to appear to wash out or disappear.
  • Scanning demonstration: Have the students start their scan from away from the Palmer Doll house and scan passing the doll house. The instructor should stand just slightly to the side of the doll house so that when the dollhouse and the instructor come into the field of view they see a difference in how the instructor is displayed with the heat source behind them. Also, note if the TIC freezes if they scan too fast or when it switches gains.

Phase II: Scanning Demonstrations

A small fire is needed within a Class A burn building for this demonstration. All NFPA 1403 requirements shall be met, and students shall be in full PPE and SCBA.

An instructor will be staged at a doorway and a separate instructor staged at a window. Each student shall be guided through the steps of a door scan and window scan. Please review the following videos for reference:

4 Principles of Scanning Techniques: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/training-minutes/tic-scans-four-elements-of-a-room-scan/

Window Scan Techniques: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=909305525135239

Phase III: Live Fire Orientation Drill

A growth stage fire is set within a Class A burn building for this demonstration. All NFPA 1403 requirements shall be met, and students shall be in full PPE and SCBA.

Students shall enter the training burn building escorted with an instructor. They shall enter from the furthest point or coldest area of the building and move towards the hottest area. Each space shall be observed, scanned, and communicate their findings.

Upon completion of the evolution, students shall be grouped together to discuss any questions and answers. It is recommended to use thermal imaging cameras that record and offer a playback option so that the training evolution can be immediately viewed and discussed.

We hope this information is useful in providing the basic infrastructure to build and develop a thermal imaging training plan for new firefighters based on the recommendations found in NFPA 1010.

Insight Fire Training

Thermography Certified Fire Service Professionals

 

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