CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx \u2014 When a building fills with thick, black smoke, visibility drops to zero. For firefighters, every second counts. But that reality is starting to change for the Corpus Christi Fire Department.<\/p>\n
I got a chance to try on this helmet, part of a new QWAKE technology system designed to help firefighters see through smoke and complete darkness.<\/p>\n
“Built in infrared camera that’s into the helmet. That really kind of sees through smoke,” said David Zarate, assistant fire chief.<\/p>\n
The technology gives firefighters an advantage in times where the naked eye can’t keep up. And it doesn’t just help the firefighters inside.<\/p>\n
Firefighters in the truck can monitor exactly what the firefighter wearing the helmet is seeing, giving staff real-time visuals during a fire.<\/p>\n
Fire Captain Loosemore says before this, searches were often done without being able to see what was right in front of them.<\/p>\n
“We’re literally going blind through our searches, through the heavy smoke and fire,” Loosemore said.<\/p>\n
This is what firefighters see when they’re wearing the helmet. And I’m told this isn’t just about better tools \u2014 it’s about saving lives.<\/p>\n
“Helps protect the firefighters. Which as long as we’re protected, we’re able to protect the citizens better,” Loosemore said.<\/p>\n
Zarate tells me only about 20 fire departments in the world have this technology and is proud to say Corpus Christi is one of them.<\/p>\n
“And we just happen to be on the forefront,” Zarate said.<\/p>\n
A position he says sets a new bar for fire safety.<\/p>\n
“For firefighters that’s really a golden standard,” Zarate said.<\/p>\n
And a new way for crews to see when it matters most.<\/p>\n
Fire officials say they have plans to eventually equip every station with the goggles.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App. <\/a><\/p>\n