An area man has invented a device that will help firefighters in low-visibility conditions.

Jeff Dykes, an Eau Claire Firefighter for 20 years, invented the Northern Star, which is an eight-directional electronic compass firefighters can place inside masks to orientate themselves in low-visibility conditions. A Kickstarter campaign is underway for the Northern Star with a pledge goal of $75,000.

Dykes says the Kickstarter funds will be used to shrink prototypes of the Northern Star down and will eventually help them mass produce the product.

"We think it's really going to help them navigate inside the fires making themselves safer, but then in return making citizens safer so we can get inside, find people faster and making everyone safer," said Dykes.

Dykes says each Northern Star device costs $99.