Fire force to turn modern; 'Panther' vehicle instead of fire engines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The old fire engines of the fire department are being replaced with state-of-the-art 'Panther' vehicles used at airports. The fire engines that are currently in use are ten to fifteen years old. All of these will be replaced. Modern vehicles that can store more than ten thousand liters of water, more than 250 kg of dry chemical powder and 2000 liters of foam are being purchased. These can spray water and chemicals over a longer distance to put out fires. A committee comprising the Additional Chief Secretaries of Home and Finance and Fire Force Chief Yogesh Gupta has been formed for the purchase.

The decision to purchase fire engines like those used at airports and skylifts used to put out fires in buildings up to 60 meters high was taken during an inspection led by DGP Yogesh Gupta in the wake of the fire at the Kozhikode garment factory. There is currently no system to spray water upwards at high pressure if a fire breaks out in buildings over 20 meters high. This limitation can be overcome by using Panthers. The Fire Force has about 700 vehicles. Replacements for about 200 vehicles that were scrapped 15 years ago will also be purchased. Fiber boats will also be purchased to deal with flood damage.

Volunteer force of 5000 people

• A civil defense force of 5000 people will be formed to deal with natural disasters including war and floods. This will include ex-servicemen and retired central army and police officers. More than half will be volunteers.

• The central government has proposed to form such a force and provide information, including their phone numbers, on the central portal to deal with any emergency. They will be trained under the leadership of the Fire Force.

Warning in districts

• Warning sirens will be installed in all districts to warn in emergency situations including war.

• The capital will be on high alert as the Southern Air Command, defense and research institutions, and Vizhinjam port is in Thiruvananthapuram.

"With the modernisation of the force, rescue operations will be faster and more efficient."

-DGP Yogesh Gupta,

Fire Force Chief