In a first, firemen use robot to douse blaze, search for victims
Times of India | 27 February 2024
Kolkata: A multi-dimensional ‘robot’ fitted with thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden fires and trapped people and can also douse fire from a distance of 100m was used by the fire department for the first time in Anandapur on Sunday.
It can withstand high temperatures, navigate uneven surfaces and relay images through cameras fitted inside to help firemen steer rescue operations, minimizing damage to life and property.
On Sunday, the robot went into the inaccessible pockets of the blaze relaying images through its thermal imaging cameras. The robot also detected if there was anybody trapped deep inside the blaze.
The department acquired four multi-dimensional robots a couple of years ago. “We used this robot for the first time on Sunday during the rescue operation in Anandapur,” said an official of the fire department. “The outer body is built to withstand high temperature and wheels are designed like a tank, which helps to navigate on uneven surfaces. The two cameras fitted inside detect fire from a distance and alert the operator. They can also detect if humans are trapped inside the blaze. In a nutshell, they can access pockets of fire where firemen cannot enter due to smoke and heat,” said the official.
“The fire engulfed a wide area and it was difficult for our firemen to go deep inside. This is where the robot came in handy. It identified areas where fire was raging, making us focus more in those pockets,” said an official.
Along with the multidimensional robots, technology and modern equipment are coming in handy for the firefighters to minimize damage to life and property and safeguard the lives of common citizens while dousing big fires. A few years ago, the department procured breathing apparatus that firemen can wear inside big fires. It also procured motorbikes that can carry water to pockets inaccessible to big fire trucks.
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