Calgary Fire Department launching 360-degree camera pilot program

Aug. 15, 2024, Calgary — The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) is launching a pilot program outfitting one of their engines with traffic safety cameras providing them with audio and a 360-degree view.

The purpose of the cameras is to capture footage in the event the engine is involved in an incident while driving, or if motorists are driving unsafely around the engine, putting CFD crews and bystanders at risk, the CFD reported in a press release.

“This pilot program is an example of our ongoing commitment to the safety of our firefighters and the public,” Pete Steenaerts, deputy fire chief for CFD, said in a media release. “By installing traffic safety cameras, we can provide clear evidence in the event a crew is involved in an incident while driving and promote transparency for the CFD.”

Steenaerts said similar systems have already proven beneficial for the Calgary Police Service and Calgary Transit.

The department could potentially outfit eight fire engines with similar technology at the cost of $10,000 per vehicle, if the pilot program proves successful.

The footage collected will be securely encrypted and accessed only in the event of the incident, maintaining data privacy and integrity, CFD said in a press release.