POT SEARCHES SET TO HEAT UP

White Rock firefighters will be getting a thermal imaging camera, the
latest high-tech device designed to discover hot spots.

The city was planning to purchase the camera as part of its 2001 capital
budget and had allotted $15,000 for it.

But since that time, more sophisticated models have come onto the market
which cost more money.

Fire chief Brian McMurdo asked for an extra $15,000 so the department can
have the top-notch model.

Council approved the request for additional funding at a meeting on
Tuesday. The extra funds will come from the city's contingency fund, which
was established to cover unforeseen costs that crop up throughout the year.

According to staff, the thermal imaging camera can also detect marijuana
grow operations.

Some councillors believe the device will also come in handy during searches
for missing boaters in Semiahmoo Bay.