For the past century, the Aviation &Forest Fire Management branch of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has kept watch over the province’s forests, trying to keep them safe, wrote The Sault Star Aug. 21:

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, York University 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– York University’s daily e-bulletin.