Why was the transition of thermal technology to fire departments challenging?

Answer

High cost and durability requirements

Transitioning thermal imaging from laboratory and military environments to the chaotic, high-stress setting of a fireground required more than just the imaging principle itself. It necessitated a focus on robust, waterproof, and durable packaging, as well as significant reductions in manufacturing costs to fit municipal budgets. This democratization of technology was a massive engineering and logistical challenge that took decades to overcome before it became a standard tool.

Why was the transition of thermal technology to fire departments challenging?
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