Bhubaneswar: In a first for Odisha, the state fire and emergency service will procure advanced turntable ladders and articulated water towers to strengthen its firefighting capabilities in high-rises. “Tenders have been floated to procure two articulated water tower monitors and a turntable ladder. These are equipment help during evacuation from high-rise buildings,” director general (fire service) Sudhansu Sarangi said during the fire service week, which commenced on Monday.
The turntable ladder extends to 70m, reaching at least the 20th floor of high-rise structures for rescue operations. The multi-articulated water towers, with a minimum height of 36m, are specialised aerial firefighting vehicles designed for high-rise buildings and industrial areas. “This state-of-the-art equipment will greatly enhance our ability to tackle fire emergencies in high-rises, improve victim rescue efforts and support effective fire mitigation strategies,” Sarangi said.
The turntable ladders incorporate an advanced jacking system and computerised stabilisation technology, ensuring stability during rapid movements and strong winds, making them essential for emergencies. A rescue cage with a 270kg capacity will be attached to the turntable ladder’s tip. The cage maintains horizontal positioning regardless of boom position.
The 360-degree rotation capability proves beneficial in congested streets and crowded areas. It serves multiple purposes – delivering water to elevated positions, providing observation platforms for incident assessment and facilitating height rescues – sources in the fire department said. The ladder includes an internal pump and requires a fire engine companion to ensure immediate water availability for firefighting operations.
The equipment features an observation camera system at the ladder’s peak, providing aerial views to incident commanders and includes a lift system for mass evacuations when conditions permit. The ladders incorporate advanced systems for efficient rescue operations, benefiting both firefighters and civilians through accelerated evacuation mechanisms. “The turntable ladder’s telescopic design specifically supports firefighting and rescue operations, enabling vertical movement for firefighters,” another official said.
A wind sensor at the ladder tip transmits warning signals to the main control stand, with digital wind speed displays providing visual information. “The AWTs incorporate video and thermal imaging systems. These modern aerial firefighting vehicles feature a minimum of four articulated boom assemblies, waterways, and water monitors for managing various fire types,” the official stated, adding that the water towers’ snake-like movement through narrow passages, 360-degree rotation, and remote-control capabilities enhance firefighting effectiveness.