New device soon to rescue trapped birds

To rescue birds that trapped in electric wire or kites thread, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has decided to buy telescopic pole for all its fire station. The Mumbai Fire Brigade believes that the telescopic pole will not easily rescue birds but also prevent fireman falling from electric pole or getting electrocuted. 

As per the plan, the MBF will buy 35 telescopic poles for 34 fire stations. According to MFB, they receive around 4500 calls annually about birds caught in kites thread in any building or electricity wire. 

However, the fire department does not have specialised equipment to rescue these birds. “There were occasions, when fireman injured while rescuing birds,” said an official from the MFB. 

Even, three firemen had sustained severe burn injuries while rescuing a bird that was trapped in high voltage wires, near the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in December last year. The three had to be admitted in Airoli burnt centre, owing to seriousness of their injures. 

There are various incidents when firemen themselves received injuries while rescuing bird. “After telescopic pole will be made of carbon fibre or fibre glass which will light in weight and can be easily used,” said the official. A proposal regarding to buy 35 telescopic poles for 34 fire stations will come for discussion during the standing committee meeting on December 4. And, each telescopic pole will be cost Rs 1.66 lakh while the total cost of the proposal will be Rs 99 lakh.