Mumbai fire brigade tests fire-fighting equipped Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Mumbai fire brigade recently demonstrated its firefighting equipped Royal Enfield Himalayan. The demonstration was held at the city's fire brigade’s headquarters in Byculla.

Modified by a company called Brijbasi, these bikes are already being used in cities like Ujjain and Bhopal. Each of these firefighting equipped Himalayans reportedly cost around Rs 9-10 lakh. Fire fighters tested the motorcycle which is armed with an inbuilt high pressure firefighting pump of 60 litres capacity. They reportedly said that while they are yet to decide on whether or not to procure this bike, the plan was to use these along with the mini fire engines. The source suggests that the mini fire engines are expected to be used by the force by December and have around 450 litres of water capacity. A normal fire engine meanwhile is known to have around 4,500 litres of water capacity.

Chief fire officer P. Rahangdale was quoted saying, "A bike would always be able to move much faster as compared to a fire engine in a congested lane. Therefore it could reach and using the 60 litres of water which it is equipped with, it could begin dousing the flames. However, these kinds of bikes are heavy and one needs sufficient practice before using the same." 

Even though it is a great initiative from the Mumbai fire brigade, the price of each motorcycle seems astronomical. In addition, why not just carry a pipe and pump since we have fire hydrants placed around the city. That would also make the motorcycle lighter and more manoeuvrable.

Source - TOI