About two years ago, fire staff in Dryden tested night-vision technology and how these goggles could help detect forest fires. Reaction was positive, especially with the bright flickering characteristics of fire.

Two of the MNR’s helicopters have been equipped to accommodate the night flying system. Since then, 91ÑÇÉ« and the National Research Council, as part of an Ontario Centres of Excellence project, tested out the night-vision goggles on a June 16, 2009 flight.

The test project is entering into its third and final year, said Don Filliter, chief helicopter pilot.

The group will continue to assess the effectiveness of the night-vision goggles on early detection of lightning fires throughout the season. It’s expected the group will publish a paper on the test after this year’s fire season.

Republished courtesy of YFile– 91ÑÇɫ’s daily e-bulletin.

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Several related to the centre.

"It is exactly what is needed in virtually every community across Canada," MPP Donna Cansfield, the honourary patron for the World Green Building Council and a parliamentary assistant in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, told the . "It's where you're going to assimilate and distribute information, gather best practices, allow people to look at their ecological footprint, do carbon deduction, and pulling in the community to give them the tools to have a better life. Not a bad idea, when you think about it."

The project also received on and by the .

Posted by Elizabeth Monier-Williams, research communications officer.

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