Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Jun 27: The might of the city's fire fighting service has just gone several notches higher, literally, if one may add.
The Pandeshwar fire service, which comes under Karnataka Fire Service and Emergency Services, has procured a high-end fire engine that is equipped with aerial ladder platform (ALP) to reach tall buildings of 10-12 storeys. With the city's real estate growing as it is, a fire engine that could reach the top floors of high rise buildings had become a necessity.
The Bronto Skylift F 32 RLX, mounted on a Volvo chassis, and said to be costing around Rs 5 crore, arrived at the premises of the chief fire officer of Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Service, Pandeshwar on Wednesday June 25.
The RLX range is one among the four ranges of Bronto Skylift rescue and fire fighting applications. The letters stand for Rescue Ladder eXtra versatile, symbolizing the enhanced qualities of this particular range.
The RLX models represent the most advanced features of aerial ladder platforms. The aerial ladder can reach a height of 32 m with a maximum outreach of 23 m, making it capable of covering the topmost floors of most buildings in the city. The fire engine has a water capacity of 3,800 litres/min. Moreover, the cabin, where all the controls are located, is air conditioned, computerized and spacious enough to accomodate at least three persons.
The fire engine, which was earlier stationed in Bangalore, will be formally launched by deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim next week, after which it will begin operating whenever required.