A Dangerous Trend in the Fire Service
Many departments are putting thermal imaging cameras (TICs) into service… but providing little to no training for firefighters before or after they’re used.
⚠️ Why this matters
- NFPA standards require TIC training:
- NFPA 1010
- NFPA 1400
- NFPA 1930
- Yet, many firefighters we meet only have 1–3 hours total of thermal training in their careers.
- Thermographers require 32 hours of training to be considered a Level I Thermographer to work in this field. Yet, firefighters work in IDLH with little to no hands on training with their respective device(s).
That’s dangerous—and could be considered negligent in the event of a near miss, injury, or death.
Our Mission
To share this information with the fire service and help departments build sequential, basic training foundations with a FREE process.
✅ Important: These resources provide knowledge, but they do not replace hands-on training.
Each component of TIC training must be paired with practical, skills-based instruction.
📺 Training Resources (NFPA + Fundamentals)
- NFPA 1010 (Recruits/New Firefighters): https://youtu.be/buZU2q9gM5I?list=PL5UcFj45HlgePNlODGeVLPXXikQZ5x0G3
- NFPA 1400 (Operations Personnel): https://youtu.be/B8z5aqkQVJ4?list=PL5UcFj45HlgePNlODGeVLPXXikQZ5x0G3
- NFPA 1930 (Company Officers): https://youtu.be/K3EB-c7MqLY
- Thermal Imaging 101: https://youtu.be/Xtqi3iUew-4?list=PL5UcFj45HlgePNlODGeVLPXXikQZ5x0G3
- Thermal Imaging Tips for Success: https://youtu.be/ytEJxo1R2Wo
- Limitations & Common Mistakes:
https://youtu.be/Ksy6CN4E4Gc?list=PL5UcFj45HlgePNlODGeVLPXXikQZ5x0G3 & https://youtu.be/GFbkojTGZXc?list=PL5UcFj45HlgePNlODGeVLPXXikQZ5x0G3
Additional Resources:
NFPA 1010 Resource Document: https://insighttrainingllc.com/news/nfpa-1010-new-firefighter-thermal-imaging-requirements/
NFPA 1400 & 1930 Resource Document: https://insighttrainingllc.com/news/4042/
Thermal Imaging Camera Maintenance Recommendations: https://insighttrainingllc.com/latest-news/
Palmer Dollhouse Lesson Plan & Teaching Outline: https://insighttrainingllc.com/latest-news/
🧾 Notes / Responsibility
These videos are basic learning tools, not a complete solution.
Each organization is responsible for:
- research & literature review
- policy development
- ensuring regular hands-on training
Insight Fire Training is not liable for misuse or misinterpretation of this information.
🙏 Thank You
Thank you for supporting safer operations and better training.
God bless!
Insight Fire Training
Thermography Certified Fire Service Professionals