AP fire brigade first in country to install GPS and cameras on tenders

HYDERABAD: The fire brigade in Andhra Pradesh will have Global Positioning System (GPS) and cameras installed in tenders to help them reach a destination quickly and also take prompt action.

Authorities said the move was the first in the country which would help fire fighters pinpoint a location better and save enough time to reach a blaze site.

"The GPS-based system enabled with video cameras will be launched in about a month's time. In the first phase, GPS system and cameras will be installed in 150 fire engines across the state," the official said.

Officials said a main control room in Hyderabad will be connected with the system, and will help in keeping a track of fire tenders; determine the fire accident site and guide fighters to reach the scene quickly.

At the moment, there are 252 fire stations with over 300 fire vehicles in Andhra Pradesh and officials said they need more vehicles to make an impact in terms of quick response.

"The fire fighters will reach the emergency scene quickly, while the officials at the control room will simultaneously keep track of the vehicles," a fire department official said.

Looking at the camera images, senior officials can also guide the fighters in tackling a tricky fire accident carefully.

"Fire spreads too fast and if the fire fighters do not reach the scene in time, not only the property will be totally burned, but several lives will also be lost," the official added.