14 April,2009 09:16 AM IST | | MiD DAY Correspondent
Fire fighters on new fire-extinguishing bikes to be stationed inside stadia
Delhi firemen will literally ride on hot wheels to avert any disaster during the Commonwealth Games.
Riding new, hi-tech bikes equipped with modern fire-fighting equipment, the firemen will be stationed inside venues. The bikes will carry 50 litres of treated water for dousing fire, and foam to stop the flames from spreading.
Costing Rs 7.5 lakh each, 10 bikes, which have been imported from Finland, were launched to save precious time whenever there is a disaster at a congested area where a regular fire truck cannot reach. A similar fire-fighting squad is in service in Malaysia.
"These motorbikes will help in increasing our operational capabilities. Apart from the Games' venues, they will be deployed in crowded areas like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, the Walled City and Trans-Yamuna," said Delhi Fire Service chief R C Sharma.
"These hi-tech motorcycles use Water Mist Technology which prevents wastage of water unlike in traditional fire extinguishers," Sharma said.
Two firemen will be attached to each bike.
Apart from the red bikes, the Delhi Fire Service has also launched a German Arial Ladder Platform (ALP) and a Rope Rescue System based on French technology.
The new technologies will help fire officials to reach beyond 60 metres,u00a0which is the limit of the existing ladders and platforms.
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Fire wheels |
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The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department was the first to use bikes as fire tenders. The Honda bikes work in teams of three, each performing a specific function. Usually, one acts as the rescue vehicle while two engage in extinguishing the fire. |
