To handle fire mishaps in narrow lanes of Mumbai, MFB inducts compact turntable ladder mounted fire engines

However, in these kinds of situations firefighters would depend on manual ladders or climb up stairs of a building to carry out firefighting operations. This whole process would be time consuming that may contribute towards increased loss of lives and properties.

The new fire engines are compact trucks which are equipped with a mounted turntable ladder. These ladders can reach a maximum height of 30 meters which is equivalent to a 10 storied building.

The MFB officials said that the capacity of the ladder is around 600 KG. Besides this, the rescue cage is also equipped with a ramp like feature that will allow safe rescue of the specially abled and senior citizens.

“Even though this ladder is compact in size, its functionality is almost similar to the conventional fire trucks that we have. The rescue cage is also designed in a way that we will be able to accommodate stretchers and wheelchairs as well,” said a fire official.

“The biggest advantage of this van is the reduction in response time. Now we don’t need to look out for safe passage and access points if there’s a fire reported in a building that is located inside a congested area. We can easily reach the window with the help of these ladders and make our own entry point. Earlier, we used to look out for alternative measures which would cost us more time,” said the official.

The new fire engine is manufactured by a German company and is marketed through Austrian firm Rosenbauer. The fire engine will be sent to RTO for registration and will be deployed in service from next month.

At present, the fire brigade has firefighting robots and hydraulic platforms that can rise up to 90 meters of height. Last year, the MFB had acquired Quick Response Vehicles (QRV) for firefighting operations and prior to that, eight firefighting motorcycles were inducted into the MFB fleet.