In the fire that broke out in Lower Parel’s Avighna Park on Friday, the Mumbai Fire Brigade launched a search operation after the fire spread, deploying drones for the first time in the city.
With the proliferation of skyscrapers in Mumbai, the Mumbai Fire Brigade is going for advanced technology and equipment, including the possibility of deploying drones for actual firefighting.
Officials said that keeping in view the skyscrapers in the city, the fire brigade has already procured three snorkels (ladders and platform vans) of 70 meters, 80 meters and 90 meters long which can go up to 30 floors. The fire department has also roped in robots to douse the flames in areas where the high heat and smoke make it difficult for fighters to enter.
“We recently got the water tower van and will be commissioned soon. Another flagship device will be the ‘High-Rise Firefighting Vehicle’ which is likely to be inducted by next month. Mumbai Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Engineer (Technical) RS Choudhary said that according to the changing demographics and needs of the city, we are upgrading our fire brigade. Indian Express.
Officials said the drones can be used for assessment, search, rescue and fire fighting. For tall buildings, larger drones can be fitted with water pipes and used to spray water close to the fire site. Besides, it can help in assessing the situation as at times the scorching heat and smoke make it difficult for firefighters to see inside, he said. He said that these drones can be used for other purposes to save people from drowning.
“To move the jet water pipes up, we need bigger drones. These can be operated to throw water at the site of a fire and also check if anyone is trapped. Drones can be used to provide floating tubes immediately if someone is drowning in the sea or water bodies. We are working on a plan to introduce such drones for Mumbai,” Choudhury said.
Where a water tower van can help combat flames in tall buildings on narrow streets, and in spacious chawls that are difficult to reach, the “Special Purpose Vehicle” has an in-built pump that pumps water up to the 50th floor. can push.
This will help in cases where the building’s internal fire fighting system – the dedicated pipe that carries water to each floor – is not working.
Officials expressed concern over the skyscrapers as many buildings are now touching 300 meters while the tallest snorkel they have is 90 meters.
“To deal with fire in tall buildings, internal fire fighting system is the most important thing. It should be well maintained and in working condition. If the fire spreads beyond 30 storeys, it becomes very challenging for the fire brigade personnel,” said a fire brigade official.
.