New Delhi: The city’s fire infrastructure got a boost after CM Rekha Gupta flagged off 20 fire response motorcycles and 26 more Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) Wednesday, and inaugurated a fire station in Malviya Nagar. The total number of operational fire stations in Delhi is now 71 against a target of 120.Geetanjali Fire Station in Malviya Nagar has 16 firefighters, a small fire tender, a QRV and firefighting and rescue equipment. It will cater to Malviya Nagar, Geetanjali, Shivalik, Khirki, Press Enclave, Deoli, Nai Basti, Adarsh Enclave, Dera village and surrounding areas.The govt has set a target of 120 fire stations, including a state-of-the-art fire service training centre at Budhanpur Majra. Work is underway in phases on eight new fire stations, a vehicle workshop and training facilities. Land and basic infrastructure are also being developed for 23 additional stations to meet future requirements.Twenty specialised fire response motorcycles have been deployed for use in narrow roads, crowded markets and densely populated areas where large fire tenders may face difficulty reaching incident sites. Equipped with compressed-air foam and water-mist backpack systems, two 2-litre high-pressure air cylinders, portable fire-extinguisher systems and dual-mode nozzles, the motorcycles will allow trained firefighters to reach emergencies quickly, assess the situation and begin initial firefighting and rescue operations until additional resources arrive.Delhi now has 50 QRVs against a target of 100. The vehicles are equipped with a 125-litre ultra-high-pressure pump firefighting system, with a minimum capacity of 100 litres of water and 25 litres of foam. They have a high-pressure pump capable of generating at least 180 bar pressure, a 60-metre high-pressure hose and a multi-system nozzle with five modes.“Delhi’s emergency services are being continuously strengthened through better infrastructure, faster response capabilities, strategic deployment and modern equipment. With changing times and Delhi’s growing population, the fire safety system must also be equipped with moSSSSdern technology, better resources and faster response capabilities. The capacity of the Delhi Fire Service is being strengthened in phases,” said Gupta.Home minister Ashish Sood said the fire service was being modernised through upgraded wireless networks, command centres, new vehicles and advanced equipment. “Strengthening modern infrastructure, faster response systems and a capable firefighting force is a priority for making Delhi safer,” he said.
