VIDEO: When firefighters enter a burning structure, they're faced with low visibility in a place where they don't know the layout.
So in a dark, smoke-filled room, thermal imaging is a life saver.
And now, the department has 1,000 thermal imaging cameras, each the size of an iPhone.
"We now have the opportunity for every firefighter on duty today to use this tool to ensure the safety and lives of the people who serve. This is a game changer in the fire service," said LAFD Battalion Chief Dean Zipperman.
The new thermal imaging cameras cost $750 each.
Before the department got these cameras, each fire engine was equipped with bigger cameras that can cost up to $15,000 each.
In addition to measuring heat indexes, the devices include a camera and a flashlight.