Small cars and jeeps as fire tenders in Delhi for 2010 Games

NEW DELHI: Come Commonwealth Games, the national capital will witness small cars and jeeps rushing to fight fire in the city as the Delhi Fire
Department is mulling such services to add more teeth to its operations.

"The plan to use small cars or jeeps for fire fighting during Commonwealth Games is under positive discussion," a senior fire official told media.

The official pointed out that the introduction of small vehicles will increase the operational capabilities of the fire department.

The department is of the view that this along with using bikes will save "precious time whenever there is a disaster in a congested area" where a regular fire tender could not reach, the official said.

The fire department has earlier taken a decision to use water mist technologies like firemen carrying backpack fire-extinguishers on motorbikes.

The fire fighters on motorcycles will be deployed inside the stadia. "As far as fire fighting is concerned with less water, this is effective. A small fire can be tackled more efficiently," the official said.

"About 20 backpacks have been bought so far and we will get more in the coming days," Chief Fire Officer R C Sharma said.