Mist bullets prove effective in tackling minor fire mishaps

Srikakulam: Mist bullets (two-wheeler) are proving immensely useful in tackling small fire mishaps in busy localities. These are the new fire extinguisher vehicles introduced in fire department under disaster mitigation and management wing.

Of the two mist bullets allotted to Srikakulam district, one is being used in Srikakulam city and the other is deployed at Amudalavalasa town. Without the need for additional staff, fire mishaps can be prevented with a single fireman.

These are also useful to prevent major fire damage. In most of occasions, these mist bullet vehicles are being used to put out fires in a timely manner so that there would not be no need to bring heavy fire fighting vehicles and equipment.

With one mist bullet, a fireman can carry two firefighting cylinders with pipes. Each cylinder contains 9.30 litre water and 0.70 litre foam. Both are mixed and sprayed on a concentrated spot to prevent fire from spreading and extinguish it. These vehicle are being used in VVIP convoys also for security purpose.

“The mist bullets are being used to prevent fire accidents in water bodies like small tanks, etc., and narrow localities primarily with single fireman,” district fire officer (DFO), Ch Krupavaram told The Hans India.

The cost of the bullet is about Rs 2 lakh, including cylinders, pipes and other equipment. “We are attending emergency calls with the vehicles. Two such calls were received recently in Srikakulam city,” said firemen T Rambabu and A Manmadha Rao.

The mist bullet were displayed during Republic Day celebrations along with other fire fighting vehicles at the Government Degree College grounds in Srikakulam on Friday.

By Chowdari Lakshmana Rao