Date: Fri 16-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Cairns-Iris-Lois-Barber

Full Text:

Device Would Bring Vision To Firefighters Lifesaving Efforts

(with photos)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

One Newtown resident is working to help the town's volunteer firefighters

conduct search and rescue missions in a whole new light - literally.

Lois Barber of 33 Zoar Road has kicked off a drive to raise some $25,000 for

the latest in firefighting technology. It's called the Cairns Iris device, an

infrared sensor that allows its wearer to read the heat temperature of every

object in a room. That can be a lifesaver in the case of a structure fire

where people are trapped inside. In short, Cairns Iris allows firefighters to

see through smoke.

The new device would be carried at all times on the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire

Department's new rescue truck, which responds to all confirmed fire calls in

Newtown.

Mrs Barber, who only moved to Newtown this past summer, recently offered to

head a citizens campaign to raise the money after learning that none of the

departments were able to afford the device. She has no ties to any fire

department. She is just a citizen who wants to help.

"I just thought that this is Newtown, the largest town in Fairfield County and

there's no reason why we shouldn't have the Cairns Iris," said Mrs Barber, who

recently learned of the device while watching television. "I know other towns

have been taking up collections for them, too."

Chief Bill Halstead said having the Cairns Iris could be the difference

between life and death in certain rescue situations. He said most fire

departments struggle just to give their members beepers, coats and helmets.

Without the help of a fundraiser like Mrs Barber's, the Cairns Iris would

simply be out of their reach. The military has been using devices similar to

the Cairns Iris for years, but due to the tremendous cost, they have only

recently become available to fire departments.

Earlier this week, the Newtown highway department's union made a contribution

to the fund. Union president Mike Hennigan called it a very worthy cause and

hoped other residents and groups would follow their lead.

Mrs Barber, noting the recent announcement of a $1 million budget surplus,

suggested that the town kick in some money for the device.

"It would also be nice if people from Newtown who are using the school system

pay for the bulk of this now. There are a lot of taxpayers who don't have

children in the school system, but still pay to maintain the schools," she

said.

Mrs Barber tells of how firefighters are not only able to see through the

smoke, but also follow a person's footprints. So, if a child is trapped and

opts to hide in the closet or under a bed, a firefighter would know where to

look. Heck, he could even spot the fingerprints on the door knob.

Firefighter Bill McCallister said the Cairns Iris is an essential tool in

fighting fires.

"I had a fire about two weeks ago and used it. It worked very well," he said.

"It also helps you locate the fire. It pinpoints the fire in walls within 15

seconds. Also, if someone falls through the ice in a pond you can see hot

spots. You can also use it out in a field searching for a lost child at

night."

Donations can be mailed to: The Newtown Iris Fund, c/o Sandy Hook Fire

Company, PO Box 783, Sandy Hook 06482.