- First-ever squad of women airport firefighters in Asia showcase ability in mock fire drill
Bengaluru. 03 March 2020: Bangalore International Airport Limited – operator of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR Airport) marked International Women’s Day by celebrating its women firefighters. The 14 women, who underwent a rigorous four-month training at the Airports Authority of India Fire Service Training Centre in Kolkata, are now part of the larger ARFF team that monitors both North and South Runways. One year after their training and induction into the ARFF squad, the women firefighters demonstrated their readiness for emergency rescue service in a mock fire drill.
Recruited from across Karnataka in March 2019, the formidable 14 pioneers, who refused to be deterred by their gender and went on to ace the conventionally male-dominated jobs, demonstrated their strength, leadership and resilience during a live fire drill on Tuesday. The exercise was also an opportunity for the women firefighters to showcase their capabilities in an area that has traditionally been all-male.
“BIAL has set an example by creating a path for women to break into what has traditionally been a male bastion. What is heartening is the fact that all the girls have displayed immense resolve during the rigorous training to emerge as proficient firefighters. Their passion for work, excellence and their trailblazing demeanour will inspire many.Their success is now spurring a legion of determined girls,” said Thomas Hoff Andersson, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL.
A proponent of diversity and inclusion, BIAL is actively working towards increasing the ratio of women in the organisation, which today stands at 15%.
ROSENBAUER PANTHER 6×6 ACFT
The Austrian-made Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 is one of the most successful, efficient Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles worldwide. Its design and powerful performance makes it the most modern fire fighting vehicle. Designed exclusively for airport emergency operations, the Aircraft Crash Fire Tenders trucks are managed and maintained by BIAL’s ARFF team, a group of highly skilled fire fighters.
Propelled by an 18,000 cc Caterpillar engine, the Panther churns out an impressive 705 BHP and can touch a maximum speed of 120 kmph. Weighing nearly 40 tonnes, the trucks can cruise from 0 to 80 kmph in just 25 seconds. The pumps in this CFT have a discharge rate of 7000 lpm, with a water tank capacity of 12,500 litres and foam tank capacity of 1,500 litres. The vehicle also has a roof turret with a discharge of 6,000 lpm and bumper turret discharge rate of 1,500 lpm.
The most unique feature of this vehicle is its Low Visibility Enhanced Vision system, which is guided by a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera mounted on the cabin roof. It has ground spray nozzles for self-protection while driving over burning fuel. Speed and all-terrain ability are key features of the Panther, as if an aircraft overshoots the runway, the truck would need to get quickly to the end of the runway and traverse off it. It can also maintain high cornering speeds as a result of its low centre of gravity. The Panther is packed with rescue and personal protective equipment such as breathing apparatus sets, fire proximity suits, hydraulic rescue tools, power saws and a 14-meter extendable ladder.
