The low visibility inside a smoke-filled building poses one of the worst hazards firefighters must face. But a new device called LiteLine is providing a real lifeline in some deadly situations. The LiteLine , made by Flexlite Inc., is a rope-like plastic tube filled with miniature incandescent bulbs. It is visible even through the thickest smoke.
Firefighters can use it to search smoke-filled buildings more quickly and get out of danger faster.
Dan Sarna of the Vallejo, California, fire department demonstrated the lighted rope by standing in a darkened room filled with simulated smoke. He was barely visible, but the LiteLine in his hands could be seen clearly. The device, which plugs into an auxiliary power source outside, is designed to keep working even if some sections are damaged. While most of the lights are white, red and green lights are interspersed. The pattern works like an arrow, pointing toward the exit.