Albury brigades have been rescuing dummies from a smoke filled training area this week, with a new thermal imaging camera assisting the firefighters.
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The new device is better able to detect people in burning homes and can be used to locate missing people and assess gas leaks.
Video and still images can be captured, enabling fire scenes to be better examined.
The devices can pick up heat from those who are missing.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Stewart Alexander said firefighters were honing their skills on the device inside a truck filled with fake smoke and limited visibility.
This is the latest technology, with firefighters well trained and prepared for anything
- Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Stewart Alexander
"This is the latest technology, with firefighters well trained and prepared for anything," he said.
"This will improve our capabilities and the safety of the community.
"It gives real time images and can improve our decision making capabilities."
The new camera will be used by the central Albury brigade, while other brigades have access to older imaging cameras which will eventually be upgraded.
The simulations have been a good way for firefighters to hone their skills, Superintendent Alexander said, with all Fire and Rescue NSW members in the area undergoing the training.
The use of breathing apparatus and gas detection has also been a part of the program, which ran on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will continue on Thursday.
Those involved must first locate the dummies before safely removing them.
"We try to make it as realistic as possible," Superintendent Alexander said.
"It's an excellent environment for using and testing the cameras in a smoke logged situation.
"All firefighters in the region will undergo the training in the next few weeks.
"It's been really well received by those who have been involved."
