DAPHNE, Ala. — Daphne firefighters can breathe easier in life-or-death situations with the help of a new thermal-imaging camera donated by a local business.

The device — donated by Firehouse Subs — measures heat-energy release off an object. Basically, it can find the people trapped in burning buildings, Fire Chief Bo White said. The tool offers considerable help since smoke-filled areas are hard to search.

“It will aid in the search and rescue of any trapped victim in a smoke-filled environment,” he said. “It will also help us find fires behind Sheetr-ock that are hidden from sight.”

Restaurant administrators said giving back to the community was a main goal in providing this equipment to the fire department.

“We appreciate the tremendous support our restaurant has received from the residents of Daphne,” Scott Allday, a franchise owner, said.

“The thermal-imaging camera for the fire department provided us with the privileged opportunity to show our gratitude by supporting our local fire department, which will in turn, help save lives and protect the community.”

“It’s something that stays in the community; they (residents) can actually see it and touch it. It will have a great impact on the community,” Don Baird, the restaurant’s district leader, said.

He explained that aiding the local area is one of the business’ core values. Helping rescuers helps Daphne, he said.

“Firefighters are already challenged in life; this tool will help them do their job,” he said.

The camera — which cost about $12,000 — will certainly come in handy, White said.

“We have one already — on one truck that covers one side of the city. We needed another one to adequately cover both sides of the city,” he said.

Baird said the eatery and other local businesses chipped in after residents raised about $2,000 for the device.

“It was a dollar-by-dollar thing, a grassroots community effort,” he said.

The fire department received the tool at an awards ceremony Monday at Fire Station 2.