KOCHI: Fire force is facing challenges in tackling fires in upper floors of flats is set to acquire aerial platforms (sky lifts) for efficient rescue operations. A budget of 15 crores has been allocated for this initiative.

Kerala Fire Rescue Service relies on ladders limiting their reach to three floors. In contrast, Jharkhand and Kashmir possess sky lifts capable of handling rescues up to 20-25 floors. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka boast sky lifts with a remarkable reach of 50-60 floors.

To address this gap, the fire brigade is eyeing a sky lift capable of operating at a height of up to 60 meters, equivalent to 20 floors. The central government has sanctioned funds from the disaster management fund, amounting to 15 crores. Despite multiple tender invitations, internal issues within the army have caused delays. To expedite the process, a global tender is now in the works with efforts underway to finalize procedures by March 31.

If successful, the acquisition will bring the sky lift to Kochi though the delivery timeline extends to a year even after placing the order.

Key Features of Sky Lift:

- Only foreign companies provide sky lifts.

- It will be installed in trucks from Benz and Volvo.

- The upper deck can accommodate five people.

- Water and gas jets are equipped for emergency situations.

- The sky lift can reach heights in two or three minutes.

- Computerized automatic systems enhance efficiency.

- Currently, the BPCL Kochi Refinery's fire brigade owns a 44-meter capacity sky lift purchased in 2019 from Brondo Sky Lift in Finland for eight crores.