LibGuides: Technology in the Fire Service: Emerging Technology

Emerging Technology

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Firefighting technology is constantly evolving. The video below provides a glimpse into the challenges currently facing the fire service and new technology that can help.

Digital technology, such as communication systems and firefighting drones, is a newer type of technology that is on the rise. This technology poses additional challenges for fire departments, as digital literacy is required to use this technology to its full potential. You can learn more about these emerging technologies using the links below.

Nine Technologies That Will Help Transform the Fire Service
This article describes nine new digital technologies that have the power to change the future of firefighting, including artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
From Supercomputers to Fire-Starting Drones, These Tools Help Fight Wildfires
This article from the Smithsonian Magazine discusses computer technologies that may help firefighters control wildfires as climate change worsens. It includes informational videos.
New Technology to Fight Wildfires
In addition to summarizing several new technologies, this article, published online by the Western Fire Chiefs Association in 2023, contains a list of references for more in-depth reading.
Feature Article: Picturing the Future of Firefighting
"The C-THRU system will deliver a hands-free, augmented reality visual overlay, powered by a micro-computer safely housed inside an easily wearable device that attaches to a standard firefighter helmet. C-THRU consists of two components: the Navigator (worn on the helmet) and the Visual Command (a tablet used by incident commanders to see what their crew members are seeing). The display is meant to minimize confusion and disorientation, using advanced thermal imaging to identify surfaces and objects in the vicinity, such as stairs and people." 2023 article from the Department of Homeland Security Department of Science and Technology.
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2023 article with video from the Department of Homeland Security Department of Science and Technology
Modernizing the U.S. Fire Data System: An Introduction to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS)
▪ Premier source of all-hazards information and innovative analytics
▪ Provide near real-time information on the overall scope of fire and emergency incidents across the U.S.
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▪ Provide capabilities for documenting and introducing community risk reduction efforts
▪ Provide greater insights into vulnerability gaps where resources can be used to harden communities and minimize future emergency and disaster events.

There are many ways to learn more about emerging firefighting technology at the IFSI Library!

1. You can always visit the IFSI Library either in person or online to discover new materials. You can browse our virtual bookshelf to find resources grouped together by subject, or search our catalog for specific materials.

2. If you are looking for materials about new technology, it will be helpful to sort your results from newest to oldest. By doing this, you will ensure that the most updated materials are at the top of the list! You can learn more about search strategies here.

3. If you are visiting the IFSI Library in person, you will also be able to access full-text journals/articles and newspapers through the University of Illinois. You can learn more about that here.

4. As always, you can call or email the IFSI Library if you are looking for more materials! The librarians will be happy to assist you. Contact information can be found on the left hand side of this page. When contacting the Library, please be sure to include as much information about your project as possible, as well as the types of materials you are hoping to find.

Technology in the Fire Service

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IFSI Library Information

Emerging Technology

There are many ways to learn more about emerging firefighting technology at the IFSI Library!