Odisha fire service gets 39 specialised fire-fighting bikes
Bhubaneswar: Odisha fire and emergency service enhanced its operational capabilities by acquiring 39 specialised fire-fighting motorcycles under its modernisation initiative. These first-ever fire bikes in the force are designed to serve as first response units and navigate efficiently through narrow streets during emergencies.
The bikes are equipped with 45-litre water tanks, fire extinguishers, sirens, first-aid supplies, and hose equipment. These units can dispense water at 10 litres per minute using high-pressure pumps. Each bike was bought for Rs 9.52 lakh. The fire bikes have been stationed at key fire stations across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Rourkela, and Berhampur.
“In densely populated Bhubaneswar, emergency response times during peak traffic hours typically range from 20 to 25 minutes. Besides, there are many lanes and by-lanes where heavy fire tenders cannot move. These motorcycles will help reduce response times significantly and can swiftly reach incident sites by manoeuvring through traffic congestion and inaccessible areas,” a senior fire service official said. The bikes were showcased at the recently concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Janata Maidan.
Senior officials stated that both central and state govts are supporting the modernisation of Odisha fire and emergency service, the primary disaster response unit in the state. The fire service force recently strengthened its capabilities by introducing 10 dogs for search and rescue operations, a first-of-its-kind in the country. The K9 team comprises seven Labradors and three Belgian Shepherds, acquired from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Alwar, Rajasthan.
The fire service also deployed a remote-controlled firefighting robot in Bhubaneswar, purchased at Rs 1.71 crore. The robot proved valuable during its first deployment at a major fire in Satya Nagar recently, where conventional fire-fighting methods were ineffective. Recently, the Centre allocated Rs 201.1 crore for service expansion and modernisation, while the state govt committed Rs 394 crore for upgrades.
The 1999 super cyclone, which resulted in over 10,000 casualties in the state, led to the integration of disaster management into fire service training. The fire service supported various inter-state operations, including the Oct 2014 Hudhud cyclone in Andhra Pradesh, Aug 2018 Kerala floods, Dec 2018 Meghalaya mine rescue, and May 2020 cyclone Amphan response in West Bengal.
The bikes are equipped with 45-litre water tanks, fire extinguishers, sirens, first-aid supplies, and hose equipment. These units can dispense water at 10 litres per minute using high-pressure pumps. Each bike was bought for Rs 9.52 lakh. The fire bikes have been stationed at key fire stations across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Rourkela, and Berhampur.
“In densely populated Bhubaneswar, emergency response times during peak traffic hours typically range from 20 to 25 minutes. Besides, there are many lanes and by-lanes where heavy fire tenders cannot move. These motorcycles will help reduce response times significantly and can swiftly reach incident sites by manoeuvring through traffic congestion and inaccessible areas,” a senior fire service official said. The bikes were showcased at the recently concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Janata Maidan.
Senior officials stated that both central and state govts are supporting the modernisation of Odisha fire and emergency service, the primary disaster response unit in the state. The fire service force recently strengthened its capabilities by introducing 10 dogs for search and rescue operations, a first-of-its-kind in the country. The K9 team comprises seven Labradors and three Belgian Shepherds, acquired from Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Alwar, Rajasthan.
The fire service also deployed a remote-controlled firefighting robot in Bhubaneswar, purchased at Rs 1.71 crore. The robot proved valuable during its first deployment at a major fire in Satya Nagar recently, where conventional fire-fighting methods were ineffective. Recently, the Centre allocated Rs 201.1 crore for service expansion and modernisation, while the state govt committed Rs 394 crore for upgrades.
The 1999 super cyclone, which resulted in over 10,000 casualties in the state, led to the integration of disaster management into fire service training. The fire service supported various inter-state operations, including the Oct 2014 Hudhud cyclone in Andhra Pradesh, Aug 2018 Kerala floods, Dec 2018 Meghalaya mine rescue, and May 2020 cyclone Amphan response in West Bengal.
