Cell phone cameras helping to fight fires

SANTA BARBARA, CA (KTRK) -- Santa Barbara County firefighters are using a new tool in the fight against the Scherpa Wildfire.

An infrared device attached to an iPhone allows them to see up to 100 yards in front of them in the dark.

"When it's pitch black outside and you can't see more than 20 feet, if you hold that up and see a thermal image of a person or hidden embers, it's immeasurable how easy it is to pick up on those hot heat sources," said Mike Eliason of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

KEYT reports that the Santa Barbara firefighters alliance purchased 20 devices for crews, which are made by FLIR Systems.

"They said it's working great out there and the crews seem to enjoy using them," said Eliason.