On the development of a transparent enclosure for 360° video cameras to observe severe fires in situ

360-degree video recorded in fires provides a unique perspective that allows the viewer to change the viewing direction as regions of interest change during a fire. Use of 360-degree and traditional cameras at some locations in intense fires for extended durations has been hampered in the past by the high levels of radiant heat flux that will damage the camera's imaging sensor. This paper describes how a thin layer of moving water can be used to significantly reduce unwanted infrared radiation generated by a fire while allowing visual imaging using a simple and inexpensive enclosure. Essential details to replicate this system are provided and three illustrative example deployments are discussed. •A simple and inexpensive way to significantly improve the tenability of video cameras in severe fire environments is described.•Fabrication details required to replicate the system are provided.•Three application cases that illustrate video footage acquired using the system are shown to illustrate its strengths and weaknesses.