New equipment to make G20 fireproof in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Mindful that the city cannot be found wanting should fires break out when the G20 summit brings international delegates to the capital in September, Delhi Fire Service is preparing to renovate fire stations, purchase the latest firefighting equipment and boost fire safety at the meeting venues and lodgings of the guests.
DFS wants to make sure that there is a minimum possibility of fire-related tragedies during the summit. "We will provide extra fire safety coverage to places where the events will be held and where guests will stay, ensuring several fire tenders are deployed at vulnerable locations," said a fire officer.

Another officer revealed plans to purchase state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, among them rescue tripods, mini robotic firefighters, smoke ejectors, telescopic rescue poles, modified skylifts and snake towers.
"Using a rescue tripod, a firefighter can enter an enclosed space and perform his work more easily. He can be later pulled up with a chain attached to the tripod," the officer explained. Similarly, with the help of smoke ejectors, firefighters can remove the heat and smoke from a confined area. "When the fire fighters enter the building, smoke is a hindrance. They are unable to see anything in front of them and they often take time to reach the spot they need to focus on. The smoke also affects the health of firefighters. Smoke ejectors will help the firefighters in this situation," the officer said.
More than half of the city's fire stations will be renovated. "The focus is on the fire stations that are located in areas where the international delegates will stay, the venue of meetings and events and the places they are likely to visit," the officer said.
While the old fire tenders will be modified and repainted, mini robots are being acquired to fight blazes in narrow, difficult spaces. "Last year, we inducted two big robots into the city's firefighting fleet. This year, we plan to purchase smaller ones that can easily enter the affected area and extinguish the flames. The firefighting robot enables rescue teams to reach the fire source directly," the officer said.
DFS will also acquire three modified skylifts to assist in tackling fires in multistorey buildings. In addition, two snake towers, which is a water tower that can move in a zigzag manner and rotate 360 degrees, is being purchased. The fire officer said, "It has articulated arms, and it moves like a snake. We can use it to navigate the congested and narrow lanes."