Mlore:Fire Department To Go Hi-Tech

Well-equipped fire dept to go hi-tech
Gururaj A Paniyadi TNN
Mangalore: The fire department, which is set for upgradation, is expecting an Advance Rescue Van (ARV) shortly. Six ARVs will be procured by the state fire and emergency services department. One of them will serve in Mangalore region. With several major industries coming up in the region, and a number of buildings mushrooming all over, the fire department has concentrated on improving its services. Speaking to ‘The Times of India’, fire and emergency services department deputy inspector general B Dayananda said ARV, a multi-purpose vehicle having various features, is expected to be here in a month’s time. According to chief fire officer D Rasheed, ARV comprises 148 different kinds of equipment needed to douze fire and handle other disasters. It will have instruments like hydraulic cutters, hydraulic spreaders, combo tools, in addition to fire tending machines. This apart, it will have advanced tools like thermal imaging camera and floodlights. It is generally difficult for firemen to spot people caught in fire and thick smoke. The thermal imaging camera will help firemen locate the people by focussing on them. Another common problem encountered during fire or other accident is the lack of light. ARV’s floodlight can be rotated 360 degrees. Another floodlight, a portable one connected to power source in the van, can be taken into the buildings. Hi-tech fire station Fire stations will also get a facelift. Within 15 days, the work on the new fire station will commence at Kuntikana. The work has been handed over to the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. At present, the department has a temporary structure with three vehicles. The department plans to have a four-bay station with a capacity of eight vehicles. The station will be converted into a hi-tech station with two floors. The first floor will comprise pantry, gym, reading/ recreation room and a class room where the staff will be trained to impart awareness among the public. After the work on Kuntikana station is completed, the department will renovate Pandeshwar fire station. The Pandeshwar station, built during pre-Independence period, will have a new look at its new premises on the grounds. According to Rasheed, the old building will be razed to make way for grounds. The station will be built on the lines of the Kuntikana station. The department has already constructed a new station at Belthangady near Guruvainkere. The station at Karkala is also ready. The department is planning to upgrade the station at Puttur. There are proposals to have stations, one at Sullia and another on BC Road. Training programme Mangalore is likely to host a training programme for fire personnel for the first time in a few month’s time. The temporary training centre of the fire department is likely to be started at the headquarters of the department at Mangalore. Around 120 personnel will undergo training.