![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131628364,imgsize-116674,width-400,height-225,resizemode-72\/delhi-fire-service.jpg\" "\\"Delhi")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: The capital\u2019s highrise fire woes may finally find a resolution, as the fire department plans to procure tenders and ladders to strengthen its response to blazes in tall buildings with 50-plus floors.Two specialised fire tenders designed for firefighting in highrises and skyscrapers, equipped with long-range systems capable of reaching heights of up to 200 metres, are likely to be procured. \u201cThe tenders will be fitted with compressors and foam-based systems, enabling firefighters to effectively tackle blazes in buildings of up to 50 floors,\u201d a fire official said.<\/p>\n The department also plans to procure six multipurpose water tenders fitted with turntable ladders that can reach 1522 metres, carrying water along with a full range of firefighting and rescue equipment. Apart from this, one 55metre and two 42-metre turntable ladders will be procured. With 360-degree rotation, these vehicles are specifically designed for highrise emergencies, improving access to upper floors and enabling faster rescue and more effective firefighting in multi-storey structures where conventional equipment has limited reach.Last month, a building collapsed in south Delhi\u2019s Said-ulAjaib, claiming six lives. During the rescue operation, a major challenge was inadequate lighting, as the incident occurred at night. Keeping this in mind, the department plans to acquire four lighting-cumbreathing apparatus vans that support rescue teams in lowvisibility and hazardous conditions. The vehicles will carry cascades of breathing air cylinders to ensure continuous supply of breathable air to firefighters operating in smoke-filled environments.The fire department will also procure 50 quick-response vehicles capable of navigating narrow lanes to reach emergency sites faster. Additionally, four urban searchand rescue tenders, carrying a comprehensive range of rescue tools, will be added to respond to building collapses, gas leaks and major fires.<\/p>\n Delhi Fire Service chief fire officer Abhilash Kumar Malik said the department will try its best to complete the procurement in 2026, which would significantly strengthen the city\u2019s firefighting and emergency response capabilities.At present, the department uses a range of specialised tools. TOI<\/span> visited the Bhikaji Cama Place fire station, where firefighters demonstrated equipment currently in use, including a percussive rescue tool used during the Hauz Rani fire. Designed for forcible entry, rescue operations and rapid response, it can breach brickand concrete block walls within minutes using a sliding impact mechanism. It comes with interchangeable attachments, such as a bull point, chisels, a lock breaker and ametal-cutting claw.Another key equipment is the Bronto aerial platform used for highrise firefighting. A 42-metre lift that is currently used can reach 10-11 floors. Officials said plans are underway for 90-metre lifts, which would extend access to buildings of up to 30 floors.By contrast, conventional manual ladders are limited to about three floors, which makes aerial platforms critical for highrise emergencies.Firefighters also showed equipment such as the fireman\u2019s axe, a portable rescue tool used for forcible entry, cutting electrical wires carrying up to 2,200 volts, and breaking toughened glass. Breathing apparatus sets, with a 6kg oxygen cylinder and chrome body, provide 45 minutes of breathable air in hazardous environments.<\/p>\n To improve response in congested areas, first responders on motorcycles are deployed to reach narrow lanes. \u201cThey carry water and foam cylinders for immediate firefighting and rapid response,\u201d an officer said. The bikes also have hydraulic tools, including cutters, which can be operated using portable generators.Another tool, the UK branch, connected to the hose system, can project water up to 100 feet. The manual branch is used for targeted fire suppression and can switch between a concentrated jet and a spray mode that acts as a protective water curtain against flames.An officer said the department uses portable pumps that can draw water from nearby sources in case tankers are empty, operating on petrol engines and capable of supplying water at 850 litres per minute.<\/div>\n![\"Vertical](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131628200\/vertical-limit-firemen-set-to-expand-reach.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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