2 79t h A n n u a l F i r e D e p a r t m e n t I n f o r m a t i o n C o n f e r e n c e
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2026 REGISTRATION OPEN
CLASSROOM WORKShOP
CLASSROOM WORKShOP
" Introduction to Tactical Thermal Imaging"
" Introduction to Tactical Thermal Imaging"
Andrew Starnes
Andrew Starnes
Saturday Afternoon13:00 - 14:30
Saturday Afternoon15:00 - 16:30
Synopsis
This session provides a practical overview of thermal imaging camera (TIC) use for fire service personnel. Participants will learn:
Understanding Heat Transfer from Three Perspectives: The Victim, Their Property, and The Firefighter.
Understanding the rule of twos: Two types of thermography, two types of thermal imaging cameras, and two ways they can be operated.
Basic TIC operation and common features.
How to effectively use TICs on the fireground: end-user information (powering the device, maintenance, carrying techniques), proper scanning techniques, and proper interpretation.
Key pitfalls and mistakes to avoid: Eliminating the issue of white-out, understanding the device is not meant to measure temperature accurately, and is not designed to detect gases.
Real-world examples and scenarios: Examples of size-up, fire attack, search, and other uses are used throughout the presentation.
Time for Q&A/discussion.
Bio
Andy Starnes is a lifelong student of the fire service and has been involved with the fire service as a volunteer since 1991, a career firefighter 1998, and retired as a Battalion Chief after 25 years of service in 2023. He graduated from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor of in Fire Science Administration.
Andy has published numerous works in various fire service publications and textbooks. He is a fire service website contributor on the topics of thermal imaging, fire behavior, leadership, behavioral health, and faith-based devotions. His work has been featured in numerous fire service publications, Euro Firefighter 2, and other fire service textbooks such as the recent “Book of Search” by Firehouse Vigilance.
Andy currently serves as the owner/operator/instructor of Insight Fire Training and is Level II Thermography Certified. Insight Training’s Thermal Imaging Curriculum is in use in Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, across South America, and Poland.
His work has assisted in developing numerous fire service products including several thermal imaging cameras from various manufacturers. Insight Training LLC developed the first Thermography based firefighter certification credentialed through Western Kentucky University and peer reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute.
Andy is passionate about Fire Behavior and assisting in instructing others on understanding the complex terminology of modern fire behavior on a regular basis. He serves as a board member on the non-profit organization 5-Alarm Task Force which raises funds to support first responders, is a Master Craftsman with Project Kill the Flashover, and supports numerous first responder charities through Insight Training. He has been featured on numerous podcasts and presented tactical thermal imaging courses at numerous fire service conferences across the globe. Andy Starnes was inducted into the Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders by the National Fire Heritage Center at FDIC in 2023. Andy was most recently nominated as one of the top 20 influencers in the fire service for Fire Safety Journal Americas in January of 2025.
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