A firefighting motorbike, which is a 1,255cc scooter, is equipped with a 2.5 kilogram powder extinguisher, a spray nozzle, a water hose, a portable ladder pipe nozzle, an air cylinder and a drug tank for a fire extinguisher. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoul is introducing firefighting motorbikes for fire stations to quickly dispatch firefighters to the scene even with jammed streets and small alleys.
Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters said that such motorbikes will be used at fire stations in the Jongno and Eunpyeong Districts over a two month trial period from June 18.
A firefighting motorbike, which is a 1,255cc scooter, is equipped with a 2.5 kilogram powder extinguisher, a spray nozzle, a water hose, a portable ladder pipe nozzle, an air cylinder and a drug tank for a fire extinguisher. The bike even has a siren. Up to two fire fighters can ride the bike.
From now on, motorbike firefighters will be ready to be dispatched 24 hours a day, and they will be sent along with conventional firetrucks. They will be of particular use to stations near areas with small alleys, such as Bukchon Hanok Village.
The headquarters will also give courses on operating such motorbikes and run a special performance-evaluating team. An individual from the headquarters said that the firefighting bikes would help Seoul firefighters to effectively suppress early fire.
By J. W. Choi (summerchoi@koreabizwire.com)
