Brendan Simpkins

DALKEITH Country Fire Service is calling on the community’s help to raise funds to purchase a critical piece of infrastructure for the brigade.

The brigade is in need of a new thermal imaging camera (TIC), with its current piece of equipment more than 12-years-old and unable to be repaired due to the unavailability of parts.

A gofundme page has been set up by the brigade for members of the public to make donations.

Dalkeith has set a goal of $12,000 to reach and has raised $430, at the time of writing, in just over a fortnight.

Fundraising by the brigade is required because the purchase of a TIC is not covered by the Emergency Services Levy.

Dalkeith captain Michael Mutch said the use of a new TIC would increase the capabilities of the brigade when responding to fires and ensures safety for firefighters during a callout through more informed decision making.

A TIC is used to locate heat signatures in rooms and walls, determine the location of burning wires in appliances, to locate occupants in a house fire and locate victims that have been ejected from a vehicle during accidents.

Firefighter Peter Boraso said the TIC would play a crucial part in the aftermath of a fire, in both a residential scenario and a bushfire.

Fires can smoulder for days and weeks before re-igniting, highlighting the importance of mopping up a fire ground.

“It reduces the amount of time we are at a fire as well in the overhaul phase and mop it to ensure there is no hot spots and left and there is no re-ignitions,” Mr Boraso said.

“That’s one of the critical things, what used to happen is you used to get re-ignitions after about four or five hours because everything was done by eye, touch or feel.

“Now, using the latest technology and especially with thermal imaging cameras, you can see those hotspots behind walls, in roof cavities, and you can get in there and put those out.

“It’s not only a life-saving device, it’s also saving time and effort by MFS, CFS and volunteers.”

Recently a TIC was supplied to the Para Group, of which Dalkeith is a member, through funding by the State Government.

However, the brigade requires its own individual equipment due to the frequency of incidents it responds to.

Dalkeith responds to more than 450 incidents a year on average, making it one of the busiest brigades in South Australia.

The brigade’s response areas includes Andrews Farm, Angle Vale, Munno Para, Smithfield and surrounding suburbs.

For those interested in making a donation, head to (gofundme.com) and search for Dalkeith CFS.

Other fundraising avenues will also include barbeques at Bunnings and cooking breakfast at Angle Vale Super Sunday Get Togethers throughout the year.