The Fire and Rescue Services Department is on the path of modernisation with several new projects on the cards to make its operations more effective.
Recently, the department has given training to its officials in under-water diving to conduct rescue operations in sea, rivers and backwaters. These officers were later deployed in various fire stations across the state.
According to officials of the Fire and Rescue Department, the divers were given scuba containing cylinders through which they can do under-water operation effectively. The department is also planning to train more officials by providing them with scuba kits.
At present, two divers each with scuba kit are deployed in various fire stations in the city. The department will also equip its officers with modern gadgets so that they can even conduct rescue and search operations during night time.
“The department will soon purchase under-water search lights and under water cameras, through which the rescue operations can be conducted during the night. At present, if someone drowns, we can operate only till sunset. The search lights would be of HID metal halide bulb giving more brightness. In the first phase, the department will purchase 100 search lights and cameras. Cameras which can be operated in the dark would be carried by the divers and the officers can get under water images sitting at the land. With the images from under water, officer can give directions to the divers accordingly,” an officer said.
The department will also bring in modern aluminium extension ladders to replace the conventional ladders for the medium size fire and rescue operations. These ladders can be used to climb a distance of 11 metres and for the medium size fire operations. However, the department is yet to have a sky ladder to carry out operations above 15 metres. The proposal in this regard has been submitted to Finance Department and due to shortage of fund this could not be purchased.
