Mumbai, May 29, 2024 — A landmark event dedicated to advancing fire safety standards was held at Acres Club, Mumbai, on May 29, 2024. The event attracted Safety Heads of Departments (HODs) and Fire Safety Heads from various industries, factories, and plants, spotlighting cutting-edge firefighting solutions, including the ATV Fire Tender, drone-based firefighting using Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS), and various innovative solutions from Forteza Safety Integration Pvt. Ltd.
ATV Fire Tender: A New Era in Firefighting
The centerpiece of the event was the demonstration of the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Fire Tender. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in firefighting technology, particularly for industries and plants with complex layouts or remote locations where traditional fire engines may struggle to access.
Key Features of the ATV Fire Tender:
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Enhanced Maneuverability: The ATV Fire Tender is designed to navigate through narrow pathways, rugged terrains, and confined spaces, ensuring rapid response times even in challenging environments. - Compact and Powerful: Despite its smaller size compared to conventional fire engines, the ATV Fire Tender is equipped with a high-capacity pump and water tank, capable of delivering a powerful stream of water or foam to combat fires effectively.
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Versatility: The vehicle can be fitted with various firefighting equipment, including hoses, nozzles, and foam systems, making it adaptable to different fire scenarios.
Forteza Safety Integration Pvt. Ltd.: Pioneers in CAFS Firefighting Systems
Forteza Safety Integration Pvt. Ltd., led by Dr. Prabhat Rahangdale, former CFO of the Mumbai Fire Brigade and Director of the Maharashtra Fire Services, showcased their innovative CAFS firefighting systems. The company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive fire and safety solutions was evident through their product offerings.
Firebull: The Future of Firefighting
The flagship product, Firebull, represents the future of firefighting with its fluorine-free foam concentrates. Not only does it meet industry standards like UL 162 for foam liquid concentrates, but it also holds the prestigious Greenscreen certification, guaranteeing its environmental safety by avoiding harmful chemicals such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Firebull’s versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of fires, providing rapid cooling and significantly reducing re-ignition risks.
Innovative Integration of CAFS
The incorporation of CAFS into Forteza’s ATV represents a groundbreaking advancement in firefighting technology. By combining air, water, and foam concentrate, CAFS generates a highly effective foam solution that surpasses the capabilities of water alone. This innovative technology enables the foam to expand, covering surfaces for longer periods and penetrating deeper into the fire’s base. In addition to enhancing fire suppression capabilities, CAFS minimizes water damage and optimizes water usage, making it invaluable in regions with limited water resources or during large-scale firefighting operations.
Comprehensive Firefighting and Rescue Solutions
Forteza’s integration solutions encompass various firefighting and rescue appliances:
ATVs: Their Electric All Wheel Drive ATV is designed for rapid response and maneuverability in challenging terrains. Equipped with a CAFS system delivering either 760 or 2280 liters of foam, along with various rescue tools, it ensures effective firefighting and rescue operations.
Compact Multi-Response Appliances: From small pick-up vehicles to mid-sized fire and rescue appliances, Forteza’s integrated CAFS firefighting technology enhances their capabilities beyond standard large water tenders. These appliances are customizable with a range of firefighting and rescue equipment.
Disaster Response Ambulances: Designed to handle medical emergencies during disasters, these ambulances feature essential life-saving equipment and an integrated CAFS firefighting system.
Aerial Mounted Platforms: Elevating firefighting capabilities, these aerial platforms utilize integrated CAFS systems instead of traditional fire pumps, enhancing reach and efficiency in extinguishing fires from above.
Drone Firefighting with CAFS Extinguishers
Another highlight was the live demonstration of drone-based firefighting, utilizing CAFS extinguishers. This innovative approach leverages the agility and accessibility of drones to combat fires in hard-to-reach areas, such as high-rise buildings and large industrial complexes.
Advantages of Drone Firefighting:
- Rapid Deployment: Drones can be quickly deployed to the fire scene, providing an immediate response that can contain and control fires before they escalate.
- Precision Targeting: Equipped with advanced imaging and navigation systems, drones can accurately locate and target the fire source, minimizing collateral damage.
- Safety: By reducing the need for human intervention in hazardous environments, drones enhance the safety of firefighting operations.
Comprehensive Firefighting Solutions for Various Fire Classes
The event also featured demonstrations of the best-in-class firefighting solutions for different types of fires, categorized into Class A, B, C, and K:
- Class A Fires: Involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth, these fires were shown to be effectively tackled using water and foam-based extinguishers.
- Class B Fires: Comprising flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease, these fires require specialized foam or dry chemical extinguishers to smother the flames.
- Class C Fires: Electrical fires necessitate non-conductive extinguishing agents, such as dry chemicals or carbon dioxide, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Class K Fires: Common in kitchens, involving cooking oils and fats, these fires are best handled with wet chemical extinguishers that prevent re-ignition.
Specialized Demonstrations
The event included several specialized demonstrations:
Tire Fires: Notoriously difficult to extinguish, tire fires produce toxic smoke and are resistant to traditional water-based methods. The effectiveness of a handheld CAFS unit was showcased, demonstrating its superiority in such scenarios.- Gasoline Fires: Prabhat Rahangdale showcased the power of Firebull’s fluorine-free foam in extinguishing a gasoline fire. This eco-conscious method not only rapidly doused the flames but also minimized environmental impact.
Conclusion
The event at Acres Club underscored the importance of adopting advanced firefighting technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in industrial and plant environments. The ATV Fire Tender, drone-based firefighting with CAFS extinguishers, and Forteza Safety Integration’s comprehensive solutions represent significant advancements in this field. These innovations offer versatile and effective solutions for various fire scenarios, ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for lives and property.
Safety HODs and Fire Safety Heads are encouraged to explore these technologies further to enhance their fire response capabilities and ensure the highest standards of safety in their respective facilities.
