By measuring differences in heat, the fire station's new thermal imaging device produces a detailed image of the fire, allowing firefighters to see when smoke would otherwise hinder normal eyesight.

The technology was adapted from military night vision equipment.

Station commander Simon McIntosh said the thermal imaging camera was received by the station just two months ago and had been invaluable in search and rescue and structural fires.

``In the old days we essentially had to search with our hands along the ground,'' he said. ``This device speeds up search and rescue operations, improving safety.''

The device accurately measures increasing temperatures of building supports in structural fires to provide firefighters with valuable information on a building's structural integrity.

``As beams heat up, the device can tell you when it's no longer safe to be in there,'' he said. ``In zero visibility conditions the camera's accurate measurements assist firefighters to locate where the fire is most intense. You can also see the hose streams.''

The information from the device will allow more precise extinguishing techniques.

Mr McIntosh said that before using this technology it was possible to do more damage with the water than the fire. ``This [device] reduces it greatly,'' he said.