Bhubaneswar: A major fire erupted at a pressure cooker company godown at Satyanagar in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening.
According to sources, locals initially spotted the fire but were unable to douse the flames as the godown was closed. A total of 15 fire tenders were deployed to the spot. Electricity to the area was also disconnected.
Sources further stated that a newly acquired remote-controlled robot was later deployed to spray water as the heat made it difficult for the firefighters to enter the godown.
The miniature tank-like robotic fire-fighter can gain access to areas where fire brigade personnel cannot get through. It is equipped with thermal imaging cameras along with a wireless control system and can easily detect the source of fire. The robotic machine can also spray water through pipes, which will be connected with water tankers.
Its sensor, camera, and water spray system, capable of releasing high water pressure at the rate of 2,500 litres per minute, helped to douse the flames, while helping firefighters to ascertain whether anybody was trapped inside, the TOI reported.
The fire, which destroyed properties worth several lakhs, is suspected to have originated due to an electric short circuit.
