A newly designed steel cart carrying 10 A-hoses, equivalent to 200 meters, aims to tackle fires deep within Hanoi's alleyways. The bright red cart is easily visible even in smoke-filled environments.
The four-wheeled, non-motorized cart uses puncture-proof tires to navigate obstacles. Its front axle allows for easy maneuvering. Besides the main hose compartment, a secondary tray holds essential tools like nozzles, connectors, and a spare hose. A mesh compartment allows for quick retrieval of equipment.
During a simulated fire drill in a nearly 200-meter-deep alley, three firefighters deployed the cart and hose in just 3 minutes. This is a significant improvement over the 10 minutes typically required for manual hose deployment, allowing for faster rescues and reduced fire damage.
Major Duong Van Thu, deputy head of Fire and Rescue Team 16, Hanoi Police Department, explained that the cart was developed after months of searching for ways to improve response times, especially in narrow alleys inaccessible to fire trucks.
According to Major Thu, the cart significantly reduces hose deployment time in all situations. It requires minimal manpower, involves simple training, and is inexpensive to replicate city-wide.
Over the past 5 years, Hanoi has experienced numerous fires in narrow alleys, resulting in significant loss of life and property. In 9/2023, a mini-apartment fire in Khuong Dinh ward (formerly Thanh Xuan district) killed 56 people and injured 37. In 5/2024, another fire on Trung Kinh street (formerly Cau Giay district) killed 14 and injured 6. Both fires originated in buildings deep within narrow alleys, hindering firefighters' access.
Hanoi's People's Committee reports over 4,500 streets, alleys, and lanes longer than 200 meters that are inaccessible to fire trucks. In 2023, the committee mandated that all alleys deeper than 50 meters must have designated public fire points.
