Pubdate: Thu, 13 Sep 2001 Source: Surrey Now (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc., A Canwest Company Contact: http://www.thenownewspaper.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1462 Author: Marisa Babic POT SEARCHES SET TO HEAT UP White Rock firefighters will be getting a thermal imaging camera, the latest high-tech device designed to discover hot spots. The city was planning to purchase the camera as part of its 2001 capital budget and had allotted $15,000 for it. But since that time, more sophisticated models have come onto the market which cost more money. Fire chief Brian McMurdo asked for an extra $15,000 so the department can have the top-notch model. Council approved the request for additional funding at a meeting on Tuesday. The extra funds will come from the city's contingency fund, which was established to cover unforeseen costs that crop up throughout the year. According to staff, the thermal imaging camera can also detect marijuana grow operations. Some councillors believe the device will also come in handy during searches for missing boaters in Semiahmoo Bay. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens