How new thermal cameras will transform fire detection in Morro Bay

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFirefighting EquipmentThermal ImagingWildland Fire

SYTIS donates thermal cameras to Morro Bay Fire Department

Partnership supports early fire and marine incident detection

SYTIS, based in San Luis Obispo, California, has donated three pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) thermal cameras to the Morro Bay Fire Department.

The company said the technology aims to enhance both wildfire detection and port management across the coastal area.

SYTIS designs and manufactures thermal cameras paired with artificial intelligence (AI) software that can detect heat anomalies through clouds, rain, fog and smoke.

According to the company, the systems automatically send images and alerts to designated personnel, providing early warnings of electrical faults or potential wildfires.

Cameras deployed for wide-area monitoring

The Morro Bay Fire Department confirmed that each camera will be installed in a specific location to cover different operational needs.

A five-mile camera with a 150-millimetre lens will be mounted on the Nutmeg Street water tank to monitor vessel fires in the harbour and wildfire risks across a wide radius.

A two-mile camera with a 100-millimetre lens will be installed on a mobile trailer near the Water Resources Center.

This unit can detect a one-metre-square fire from up to five miles away.

A smaller 25-millimetre camera will be permanently fixed to a fire truck, offering real-time thermal vision and heat alerts for crews in the field.

Local fire chief welcomes new technology

Morro Bay Fire Chief Daniel McCrain said: “The Morro Bay Fire Department is excited to partner with SYTIS to enhance the safety of our citizens and visitors.

“It also adds a method for early fire detection and notification in our open space and harbour.”

SYTIS said the deployment builds on the company’s record of installations in wildfire detection zones, where its PTZ cameras have already demonstrated early warning benefits.

Industry recognition for thermal imaging innovation

In September, Ryan Severe of Puget Sound Energy received the National Safety Council’s Green Cross for Safety Innovation Award for his use of SYTIS infrared systems in wind turbine maintenance.

The company said this application enabled remote diagnostics and improved operational safety standards across the renewable energy sector.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Thermal imaging technology such as SYTIS’s PTZ cameras is relevant to fire departments, marine safety authorities and emergency response coordinators.

For municipal fire services, the integration of fixed and mobile infrared units can improve situational awareness in both urban–wildland interfaces and industrial zones.

For port and harbour managers, the same systems offer continuous visual monitoring for vessel fires and other heat-related anomalies, especially in poor visibility.

The deployment in Morro Bay demonstrates how AI-enabled imaging tools can support early detection strategies while expanding use cases into marine environments.

New HIKMICRO thermal cameras enhance visibility in smoke, heat and darkness

by Featured NewsProductsThermal Imaging

HIKMICRO launches new generation of thermal cameras

New FP21 imager adds portability and performance

HIKMICRO has announced the launch of a new pocket-sized thermal imager for firefighting and industrial operations.

The FP21 joins the company’s expanding range of thermal cameras designed for reliability in high-stress environments.

According to the company, the FP21 was engineered to deliver high-quality imaging in extreme conditions where accuracy and speed are essential.

The device features a 3.2-inch LCD screen and compact build for rapid deployment, giving users immediate visual feedback during operations.

It uses SuperIR technology to enhance visibility through smoke, dust and darkness by revealing hotspots and fine detail.

Designed to endure harsh operating conditions

HIKMICRO stated that the FP21 is housed in an impact-resistant PPSU polymer shell and rated IP67 for water and dust protection.

It is capable of operating in radiant heat up to 260°C, allowing it to function in conditions that would damage standard imaging tools.

The company added that the unit’s scene-adaptive Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and Optimised Detail Enhancement (ODE) features automatically adjust imaging across diverse settings.

This functionality removes the need for manual calibration while maintaining visual precision.

HIKMICRO said the FP21’s resilience and clarity make it suitable for mission-critical applications across firefighting and emergency response.

FP31, FB21 and FT31 extend the product line

The FP21 complements the FP31, another compact HIKMICRO model designed for advanced field use.

The FP31 features a visual lens, higher resolution and wider field of view, along with expanded storage capacity.

It includes two laser modules – a visible laser pointer for target marking and a laser distance meter to measure objects within view.

These capabilities allow operators to mark and measure targets quickly during rescue or inspection work.

HIKMICRO’s broader range includes the FB21 handheld thermal camera, equipped with a highly sensitive <40 mK Vox detector and IP65 protection rating.

The FB21 is designed for firefighters and volunteers operating in low-visibility or smoke-filled areas.

The FT31 serves as the company’s top-tier handheld device for incident commanders, fire chiefs and investigators.

It incorporates a <35 mK Vox detector, ODE imaging and IP67 rating, with a 60 Hz refresh rate for fluid video when scanning scenes or moving objects.

Statement from HIKMICRO

Shadow Zhang, Overseas Brand Manager at HIKMICRO, said: “In the heart of an inferno, where pressure is crushing, heat is intense, and visibility is zero, a thermal imager must do more than just work – it must endure.”

“It also allows us to coordinate better with neighbouring services.”

“Our firefighting range was engineered for this reality and embodies our commitment to creating tools that professionals can bet their lives on.”

Zhang added: “We didn’t just want to create another thermal imager with the FP21 we wanted to build a symbol of reliability.”

“‘Born for Fire. Built for More’ isn’t just a tagline, it’s our promise that this dynamic new model, along with the established FP31, FB21 and FT31 will always deliver clarity and performance when and where it matters most.”

Extended use beyond firefighting applications

HIKMICRO said its range of thermal cameras has been designed for broader use across industrial, technical and security settings.

The company explained that the devices can be used to identify overheating electrical components, mechanical faults and insulation leaks to reduce downtime and prevent workplace accidents.

They can also assist in technical or people searches during rescue missions in both urban and remote environments.

According to HIKMICRO, the same imaging capability supports patrols in dark or confined areas and helps detect concealed threats or intrusions in maritime and security operations.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

HIKMICRO’s expanded thermal imaging range offers direct operational benefits for fire and rescue services, incident commanders and post-fire investigators.

The FP21 and FP31 provide rapid visual feedback in smoke and heat, supporting safe navigation, hazard identification and victim search during live incidents.

The FB21 and FT31 extend those capabilities for inspection, command oversight and evidence gathering in post-incident environments.

Procurement teams and training officers may also find relevance in the devices’ durability and IP-rated protection, which enable repeated field use without compromising image quality.

The same features hold value for electrical safety engineers, maintenance teams and facility managers who monitor overheating components or insulation faults.

Industrial safety officers, maritime patrols and urban rescue coordinators can use the same imaging systems to identify risks and locate people or hazards under low visibility conditions.