New Thermal Imaging Cameras Help OC Firefighters Rescue Sleeping Man From Apartment Fire

Firefighters rescued a sleeping man who was found with help from new thermal imaging devices after they knocked down a fire Monday morning at a two-story apartment in Laguna Niguel.

People called 911 at about 2 a.m. to report smoke coming from the building, according to the OCFA.

Firefighters used new, hand-held personal thermal imaging cameras to locate the sleeping man in a room that was not burning, the OCFA said. The device resembles a cellphone and is worn on each firefighter's turnout coat.

We are proud to have recently assigned each FF position one of these cameras that is worn on our turnout coats so each FF is equipped with the latest search & survival tool. A great addition that is already benefiting the community! Check out what they look like in the pics here. pic.twitter.com/W2yyGc2YPX

— OCFA (@OCFireAuthority) November 22, 2021

Paramedics took the man to a hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries, fire officials said. Firefighters quickly put out the flames.

Investigators determined the cause was unintentional, an OCFA statement said.

"Unable to eliminate improper disposal of smoking material as a cause,'' an OCFA statement said. Smoke alarms were present and working.''

FF’s rescued one adult male from a fire in a 2-story residential complex at the corner of Pearl/Crystal Cay in Laguna Niguel after 911 calls reported smoke seen at approx 2:15 a.m. this morning. FF’s quickly knocked down the fire & found the victim asleep in another room. pic.twitter.com/o8zek7PgNC

— OCFA (@OCFireAuthority) November 22, 2021