THERMAL cameras are the latest investment made by the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

The new high-tech thermal imaging cameras will allow firefighters to search for people trapped in smoke-filled rooms, and to track hot-spots which could be hidden behind a wall or in a roof space.

The service has accepted 80 cameras from Scott Safety, which will be distributed to all frontline crews.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Adam Eckley said: “These thermal imaging cameras are the best on the market. They are the latest investment we have made in frontline crews’ safety and ensuring that we provide a robust response to all emergency incidents.

“This is part of the ongoing work we are doing in improving our operational capacity, investing in the safety of our crews and ensuring they have the best equipment available.”

This investment follows more than £1million worth of breathing apparatus and radio sets and ahead of an investment of £8million in new fire engines.