Insurers Grant Buys High-Tech Firefighting Imagers for South Carolina

The Charleston, South Carolina Fire Department has received two of the latest, high-tech pieces of firefighting equipment.

The department was presented with two thermal-imaging cameras which allow firefighters to virtually see through smoke and darkness to find if anyone is trapped in a building.

The devices were purchased with an $18,000 grant from Wachovia Insurance Services and the Firemen’s Fund Insurance Co.

Nine Charleston firefighters died last year in a furniture store fire. A panel of experts concluded in a report last May that aging equipment contributed to the tragedy.