Planck Vision Systems: Rochester Commercial Building Fire, $2.5 Million Loss, 150 Firefighters Respond

Planck Vision Systems manufactures thermal imaging solutions for portable inspection and 24/7 monitoring of commercial applications including: Early Fire Detection, Manufacturing, Substations and Tunnels, Electrical Panel/Cabinets, Storage Facilities, Data Centers and Elevated Body Temperature Screening. Our company is headquartered in Santa Barbara CA, the capital of infrared sensing technologies in the United States.

A four-alarm fire broke out in Rochester, New York, on November 17, 2024, around 7:15 p.m., at a commercial building on Canal Street. The blaze caused part of the building to collapse, and several nearby businesses and homes were evacuated as a precaution. Over 150 firefighters responded to the scene, taking more than three hours to control the fire. The estimated damage is around $2 million. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

NEWS

On Monday, November 17, 2024, at approximately 7:15 p.m., a four-alarm fire broke out at a commercial building on Canal Street, just off West Main Street in Rochester, New York. Firefighters quickly responded, but the fire spread rapidly and caused part of the building to collapse. Fortunately, no one was inside at the time of the fire, but nearby residents and business owners were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

The fire, which took more than three hours to get under control, required the response of over 150 firefighters from more than 14 fire companies. Due to the risk of further collapse, firefighters had to conduct defensive operations, staying outside the building and using aerial water streams to control the blaze from a distance. According to Rochester Fire Department (RFD) Public Information Officer Lt. Jackie Sierra, firefighters were unable to enter the building initially because of the imminent risk of collapse, which extended the firefighting efforts.

Despite the challenges, crews were able to contain the fire after extensive work. Cranes were seen on-site the following morning as teams continued efforts to extinguish any remaining hotspots. Early estimates put the total damage at around $2 million, with the building’s structural integrity severely compromised.

One firefighter sustained an ankle injury during the operation and is now recovering at home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet confirmed the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, the owner of a nearby business, The Style Council salon, expressed his sadness at the loss of the building, noting that it would leave a visible gap in the community.

For early fire detection, Planck Vision TNC thermal imaging cameras can significantly enhance fire response times. Unlike traditional systems that detect fire only after visible smoke or flames appear, TNC cameras can identify abnormal heat conditions long before the fire escalates.

This proactive surveillance can prevent significant property loss and save lives by detecting and addressing fire risks in their earliest stages, helping to avoid disasters like the one that affected the commercial building in Rochester.

_{ource: whec.com}

Scalable Solutions for Early Fire Detection
For early fire detection, Planck Vision TNC thermal imaging cameras are far superior to traditional systems that can alert to fire only after the visible consequences of smoke and flame are present. TNC cameras can help to prevent the destruction of goods and loss of life by surveilling for abnormal heat conditions before fires erupt.

Top 6 Advantages of Planck Vision Thermal Cameras:
Industry-Leading Sensitivity: Our cameras easily identify dangerous pre-flame conditions and post-flame hotspots, providing early warnings to prevent extensive damage.
Customizable Options: With a wide selection of sensor resolution and lens optics, we tailor our cameras to suit specific surveillance needs, ensuring optimal performance for every application.
Dual Thermal/Visible Cameras: Combining thermal and visible cameras in one unit enhances situational awareness, allowing for comprehensive monitoring and swift response to potential threats.
Easy Installation and Operation: Our IP cameras are designed for seamless integration into your local network, simplifying installation and operation for enhanced efficiency.
User-Programmed Analytics: With analytics running on Edge, our systems offer the best reliability, empowering users to customize monitoring parameters for precise threat detection.
On-Camera Head Relays: Control is placed where it’s needed most with on-camera head relays, facilitating quick adjustments and interventions in critical situations.