New Delhi:Now the fire department is going to get a new impetus to deal with fires and emergency situations in the capital Delhi. From narrow streets to densely populated areas, where big fire vehicles take time to reach, special fire response motorbikes will now take immediate lead. Under ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated Gitanjali Fire Station in Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday. On the same occasion, 20 fire response motorbikes and 26 quick response vehicles included in the fleet of Delhi Fire Service were flagged off.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that it is the government’s resolve to provide fast, effective and professional fire and rescue services to every citizen of Delhi in case of emergency. He said that with the increasing population of Delhi and the changing urban form, it is necessary to equip the fire protection system with modern technology, better resources and faster response capability. In this direction, the capabilities of Delhi Fire Service are being strengthened in a phased manner. On this occasion, MP Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi Government Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, MLA Satish Upadhyay, senior officers of Delhi Fire Service, firefighters and other dignitaries were present.
Safety is at the forefront of ‘Service Resolution’
The Chief Minister said that the basic objective of ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ is to make the lives of Delhiites more safe, convenient and reliable. Strengthening the fire service is an important part of this broader resolution. The government is continuously strengthening emergency services through better infrastructure, faster response capacity, strategic deployment and modern equipment. He said that modern fire service is not limited to extinguishing fires only. The role of fire fighters is also very important in accidents, rescue and various types of emergency situations. The government’s effort is to ensure that if a crisis situation arises in any part of Delhi, help can reach the spot in the shortest possible time.
Now bike will become ‘first fire brigade’ in narrow streets
Access to big fire engines in Delhi’s crowded markets, narrow streets and densely populated areas sometimes becomes a challenge. Keeping this problem in mind, 20 special fire response motorbikes have been deployed. These motorbikes are equipped with features like compressed air foam and water mist backpack system, two 2-litre high-pressure air cylinders, portable fire extinguisher system and dual-mode nozzle. Trained fire personnel will quickly reach the spot using these bikes and will make a preliminary assessment of the fire situation and will be able to immediately start fire fighting and rescue operations. These bikes will play an important role in handling the initial front until the arrival of big fire engines.
26 new QRVs, total number now 50
26 new quick response vehicles have been included in the fleet of Delhi Fire Service. After this the total number of QRVs in the department has increased to 50. These will be deployed at strategic locations, so that minimum time is taken to reach the spot after receiving an emergency call. These vehicles are equipped with ultra high pressure pump fire fighting system of 125 liter capacity, minimum 100 liter water and 25 liter foam, high pressure pump with 180 bar pressure, 60 meter long high pressure hose and five mode multi-system nozzle. The government aims to expand the QRV network to 100 in a phased manner.
The number reached 71 with Gitanjali Fire Station
With the operationalization of Gitanjali Fire Station, the number of active fire stations in Delhi has increased to 71. A small fire tender with 16 fire personnel, a quick response vehicle and necessary fire fighting and rescue equipment will be available here. This fire station will cover Malviya Nagar, Geetanjali, Shivalik, Khirki, Press Enclave, Deoli, Nai Basti, Adarsh Enclave, Dera Gaon and surrounding areas. Availability of nearby fire stations is expected to reduce the time to reach the spot in case of fire or other emergency.
The government has set a target of setting up 120 fire stations in Delhi. Under this, work is being done in a phased manner on the development of eight new fire stations, vehicle workshop and training facilities including the state-of-the-art Fire Service Training Center at Budhanpur Majra. There is also a plan to develop land and infrastructure for 23 more new fire stations as per future requirement.
Modernization of fire fighting system amid the challenge of urbanization
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that rapid urbanization, dense population, narrow roads and increasing traffic are creating new challenges for the fire services. In such a situation, it is necessary to deploy resources according to local needs. He said that along with big fire tenders, arrangements for quick response vehicles and fire response motorbikes are being strengthened for narrow streets and crowded areas. Emphasis is being laid on increasing the response capacity of Delhi Fire Service through modern wireless networks, command centres, new vehicles and state-of-the-art equipment.
Delhi’s fire service will be equipped with new machines
Along with the expansion of fire stations, emphasis is also being laid on purchasing modern fire fighting and rescue equipment. Under this, provision has been made for the purchase of 9 hydraulic platforms, 4 urban search and rescue vehicles, 4 lighting and respiratory equipment vehicles, 44 multi-purpose vehicles, 17 command and control vehicles and 18 small rescue vehicles and other special equipment. Overall, steps are being taken towards expanding the fire fighting system in Delhi as well as making it faster, modern and more efficient as per the need. The government’s aim is that Delhiites do not have to wait long for help in emergency situations.