NOIDA: The fire department is enhancing its firefighting resources by procuring high-pressure foam extinguishers, capable of extinguishing fires in buildings up to 100 storeys high.
The technology, which was recently demonstrated at the fire safety expo in Greater Noida, was effectively tested by the fire department at the city’s tallest edifice — the 74-storey Supertech Supernova tower located in Sector 94.
The Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology utilizes a high-pressure foam delivery mechanism that can sustain pressure even at great heights. Fire officials indicate that high-rise fires present significant challenges, as water pressure diminishes drastically at elevated levels, complicating firefighting efforts.
During a trial run at the Supernova tower last month, the equipment successfully reached the upper floors of the building with ease, leading the fire department to initiate the procurement process.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Pradeep Chaubey informed TOI that the department is finalizing arrangements to acquire the equipment along with a compatible fire tender, which together are estimated to cost around Rs 3 crore.
“Noida hosts the highest number of high-rise residential buildings in the state, and managing firefighting operations at these heights is a considerable challenge. Although our fire hoses can reach up to the 40th floor, pressure drops significantly as altitude increases, rendering the hoses less effective,” the CFO stated.
The Supernova tower stands at 307 metres, nearly quadrupling the maximum reach of a fire tender hose in the city (80 metres). Considering the standard floor height of approximately 3m, the hose effectively reaches up to the 26th floor.
As developers in the city are planning even taller structures, the fire department recognizes the urgent need to upgrade its equipment and technology.
An official from a CAFS manufacturing company explained that the system uses compressed air to produce and deliver foam under high pressure. “This allows pressure to remain stable even at elevated floors. Foam is often more effective than water, as it spreads to cover the fire while cutting off the oxygen supply,” the official noted, adding that foam is significantly lighter than water and safe in environments where occupants might still be present.
“The system integrates with a fire tender, utilizing water stored in the vehicle to create foam through air compression. This foam is then propelled at high speed through a hose, covering the fire, suffocating it, and facilitating quicker extinguishing. It also minimizes water usage, which reduces subsequent damage and runoff,” the official elaborated.
On Thursday, UP cabinet minister for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) Rakesh Sachan inaugurated the two-day Uttar Pradesh Fire Safety Exhibition and Conference in Greater Noida.
Additional noteworthy innovations showcased at the exhibition included a firefighting suit designed to withstand temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Celsius, and specially engineered air-purifying helmets that assist firefighters in smoke-dense environments.
According to an official at the expo, the suit is crafted from fibreglass fabric, making it suitable for proximity to industrial fires involving radiant heat up to 1000 degrees Celsius. “With these suits, firefighters can enter hazardous environments to save lives,” the official confirmed.
Regarding the air-purifying helmets, a manufacturer’s representative shared, “Traditionally, firefighters use bulky breathing apparatus paired with oxygen cylinders. However, this innovative helmet is battery-operated, portable, and weighs only 1.5kg, making it suitable for high-heat scenarios as well as chemical leaks.”
Cabinet minister Sachan remarked at the expo, “The UP government prioritizes fire and industrial safety to prevent accidents in industrial and residential areas. Our focus includes establishing disaster management units in each district, providing information through e-portals, raising awareness among MSME workers, ensuring adherence to fire safety regulations, and conducting regular inspections of fire safety equipment.”
