Irmo, August 2, 2025

News Summary

The Irmo Fire District is leveraging advanced AI camera technology to improve driver safety for its firefighters. This system captures multiple angles of driving behavior and alerts fire chiefs of any traffic violations, thereby enhancing public safety. In addition, the district has introduced the HASS Alert system to notify drivers of nearby emergency vehicles, promoting safer roadways. With plans for further upgrades, these initiatives showcase Irmo’s commitment to protecting both firefighters and the community.

Irmo

The Irmo Fire District has recently implemented advanced AI camera technology to enhance driver safety for its firefighters, aiming to reduce traffic violations and ensure proper conduct on the roads. This innovative system captures video footage of the vehicles from multiple angles, including the front, back, and sides, providing comprehensive oversight of the firefighters’ driving behavior.

Upon detection of traffic law violations, the system sends alerts directly to the fire chiefs, detailing the nature of the infraction. These dashboard notifications can indicate violations such as speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, and disobedience to traffic lights and signs, all supported by video evidence. The integration of this technology serves as a key validation tool for the training effectiveness of firefighters and highlights areas in need of further instruction.

Assistant Fire Chief Sloan Valentino noted that the technology also aids in measuring safe distances between fire trucks and other vehicles, thereby improving overall safety for firefighters during operations. Specific concerns regarding parking, particularly for tiller trucks that require unique maneuvering tactics—including blocking multiple lanes of traffic—have also been addressed through this technology.

Historically, common driving violations found among firefighters include rolling stops at stop signs and instances of speeding. Valentino pointed out that these issues often stem from inadequate training rather than intentional disregard for safety protocols. Firefighters are trained to operate with “due regard” for public safety while navigating unique and challenging situations on the road.

In addition to the AI camera technology, the Irmo Fire Department has rolled out the “HASS Alert” system, which provides real-time alerts to drivers using navigation apps like Apple Maps and Waze when emergency vehicles are nearby or blocking lanes. Currently, there are three fire trucks equipped with the “HASS Alert” system, with plans to retrofit more vehicles within the fleet in the future. New trucks come with a complimentary five-year membership for the system, while retrofitting existing vehicles entails an annual fee of $600.

In an effort to further enhance safety and security, the Irmo Fire Department is also looking to upgrade their current camera systems and add new devices to bolster protective measures for their personnel while on duty.

Background Context

The introduction of AI technology and the HASS Alert system represents a significant step forward in the Irmo Fire District’s commitment to prioritizing safety not only for firefighters but also for the general public. With traffic incidents being a critical concern, the district is taking proactive measures to ensure adherence to traffic laws and promote efficient operations during emergencies. These advancements illustrate a forward-thinking approach to public safety and operational effectiveness in fire services.

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Additional Resources

• WIS TV: Irmo Fire District Aims to Reduce Traffic Violations Through AI
• Firehouse: Motorola Solutions New Radio Combines Mission-Critical Voice Communications
• WIS TV: Irmo Fire Department Rolls Out New Technology
• GovTech: S.C. First Responders Learn New Vehicle Extrication Tricks
• Columbia Metro: A Fallen Hero
• Wikipedia: Firefighter
• Google Search: Firefighter Traffic Safety
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting
• Google News: Firefighter Safety

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.