Technology Boosts The Power Of Lighting To Ensure Visibility At A Fire Scene

Technology has transformed the role of lighting in the realm of firefighting. The rise of USB-rechargeable flashlights and headlamps now enable firefighters to recharge on-the-go. New, multi-fuel flashlight ‘systems’ use a rechargeable battery, but also can accept disposable batteries for alternate sources of power. New scene lights are waterproof and offer powerful brightness in situations involving smoke or water. Work lights that fit in tight spaces can be used hands-free or hanging, and rotate on their bodies for light wherever it’s needed.

Whether for fighting fires, investigating fire scenes, signaling others in emergencies, or conducting rescues, Streamlight, a global provider of high-performance lighting, works to meet the needs of the fire market.

Checking functionality of various LED beams

Dawn Dalldorf-Jackson, Streamlight’s Director of Sales – Industrial and Fire/EMS Division, said “When determining how to meet lighting needs, fire agencies should take into account the functionality of various LED beams, such as spot beams for highlighting specific areas or flood beams for illuminating wide areas.”

She says that lights mounted higher up – on the body, on a pole or a light tower configuration – can help reduce glare, enabling fire professionals to operate without light shining at eye level, possibly obscuring their vision.

Portable Scene Light EXT

Streamlight’s Portable Scene Light EXT, for example, features a pole and rotating head that extend 84 inches high

Streamlight’s Portable Scene Light EXT, for example, features a pole and rotating head that extend 84 inches high. Another model uses a frame that can be stacked for up to three units, creating a bright light tower to further improve worker visibility.  

As a provider of high-performance lighting, Streamlight has a reputation for making tough, ultra-bright flashlights that serve the specialized needs of fire professionals.

Advanced lighting technology

The company’s advances in lighting technology have resulted in many specialized products for the fire market, such as the Survivor, a right-angle flashlight, portable scene lights, lanterns, such as the Vulcan 180 with blue taillights, so firefighters can be spotted in thick smoke, and versatile helmet lights.

Dawn Dalldorf-Jackson said, “Choosing the right flashlight can make all the difference in combating dense smoke or other conditions.”

Flexible helmet lights

Flexible helmet lights like the Vantage 180 X USB can be mounted to full-brim fire helmets, or by means of a ‘quick release’ helmet bracket, detached for use as a handheld light, or hooked to turnout gear to become a 90-degree light.

‘Multi-fuel’ lights allow users to conveniently recharge a Streamlight SL-B26 Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery pack or switch to disposable batteries, when the need arises. Other lights feature both spot and flood beams that also can be used together to optimize navigation and eliminate blind spots.

Dawn Dalldorf-Jackson adds, “Costs can be a concern and rechargeable lighting products can help provide the solution. While disposable flashlight batteries are cheaper, agencies should consider the number of personnel in their organization, and how many types of lighting products they use over their careers.”

Rechargeable flashlights are tough and durable

Lights with both spot and flood beams give users two lights in one, increasing the value of lighting purchases

Rechargeable flashlights are tough and durable, feature extremely low operating costs, and offer convenient recharging options. Streamlight’s Li-Ion Bank charger, for example, can power eight SL-B26 USB rechargeable batteries at a time.

Lights with both spot and flood beams give users two lights in one, increasing the value of lighting purchases. And versatile scene lights can be used in a variety of situations, from large-scale to confined space scenes.

Informing on the latest technology innovations in lighting

Spreading the word about the importance of light at a fire scene, Streamlight works directly with fire training facilities to educate them on the latest technology innovations in lighting, while also providing products for use in their training sessions. Streamlight also offers an extensive video showcase on its website, which offers product information and training information for fire personnel. 

Streamlight is a major sponsor of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), helping to fund the organization’s National Memorial Weekend tribute to fallen heroes, scholarships for children of fallen firefighters, and counseling programs. The company donates a portion of its yearly sales of the specially marked NFFF Red Nano Light, NFFF Red Vantage Light and the NFFF 2AA Red Siege Lantern to the foundation.