A thermal imaging camera (colloquially known as a TIC) is a type of thermo graphic camera used in firefighting. By rendering infrared radiation as visible light, such cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness, or heat-permeable barriers. Thermal imaging cameras are typically handheld, but may be helmet-mounted. They are constructed using heat- and water-resistant housings, and ruggedized to withstand the hazards of foreground operations.

A thermal imaging camera consists of five components: an optic system, detector, amplifier, signal processing, and display.

1. Fire-service specific thermal imaging cameras incorporate these components in a heat-resistant,
2. Ruggedized, and waterproof housing.
3. These parts work together to render infrared radiation, such as that given off by warm objects or flames, into a visible light representation in real time.
4. The camera display shows infrared output differentials; so two objects with the same temperature will appear to be the same “color”. [4] Many thermal imaging cameras use gray scale to represent normal temperature objects, but highlight dangerously hot surfaces in different colors.
5. Cameras may be handheld or helmet-mounted.
6. A handheld camera requires one hand to position and operate; leaving only one free hand for other tasks, but can be easily transferred between firefighters. The majority of thermal imaging cameras in use in the fire service are handheld models.