A summer robot, which carries out fire fighting operations on its own, may soon be in the armoury of Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). With the help of the robot, the firemen need not battle blazes by entering the flames and they can control the blaze by using the remote control.
Though the MFB is yet to decide on buying this machine, its demonstration was done on Monday during the annual fire drills at Byculla headquarters. Mayor Snehal Ambekar and municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta, who were present for the drills, expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the robot.
According to the fire officials, the robot can control the fire even on the 30th floor, as it can jet water up to the height of 55 metres. The French-made machine also has a camera, which can provide live pictures of fire situation from inside. The robot has been made up of aluminum sheets — which are used in aeroplanes — that can withstand temperatures of up to 700 centigrade. The cost of the robot is about Rs 1 crore.
“There has been rise in fire incidents in the city, due to which the MFB has to be always on its toes to fight them. On this backdrop, the robot can be of immense help for the fire fighters,” said Ms Ambekar.
For the MFB, the procurement of summer robot assumes greater significance in the wake of death of top fire officials in the Kalbadevi fire this year. Four fire officials, including the chief fire officer Sunil Nesrikar, had lost their lives while carrying out fire fighting in a major fire at Gokul Nivas building at Kalbadevi on May 9.
The robot can be used in desperate situations where there is a threat to fire fighters or in incidents like radiation, emission of poisonous gas etc, said fire officials.
“We have seen demonstration of the robot and decision about its procurement will be taken later,” said Mr Mehta.
