06/08/2026
Training Spotlight: VEIS & Thermal Imaging Searches
Following each training evolution, we’ll be highlighting a key fireground skill that Manchester firefighters train on to maintain readiness and improve firefighter and civilian safety.
This spotlight is VEIS (Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search).
VEIS is a specialized search technique used when firefighters suspect occupants may be trapped in a room, particularly a bedroom. Firefighters gain access through a window, quickly enter the room, immediately isolate the space by closing the door if possible, and then conduct a rapid search for victims. By isolating the room, firefighters can limit the spread of heat, smoke, and fire, creating a safer environment for both victims and rescuers while increasing the chances of a successful rescue.
The second photo demonstrates another critical skill—conducting searches in zero-visibility conditions. During a fire, smoke can make it impossible to see even a few inches in front of you. Firefighters rely on training, search techniques, and thermal imaging cameras (TICs) to locate victims and identify hazards. Thermal imaging cameras detect heat signatures, allowing firefighters to quickly identify potential victims, navigate through smoke-filled environments, and improve the effectiveness of rescue operations.
These skills require regular training and repetition to ensure firefighters can perform them quickly, efficiently, and safely when lives are on the line. As the saying goes, we don't train until we get it right—we train until we can't get it wrong.
