Kathmandu-Kathmandu Metropolitan City has started using technology to quickly control potential fire incidents. On Sunday, a training and practice session was conducted at the National Assembly Hall for 40 participants, including municipal police, firefighters, and officials from the administration, disaster management, and IT departments.

Photo: Kathmandu Metro news

Training Focused on Theory and Practical Use

The training was held in two phases:

1. Theoretical Session: Participants learned about drone technology, pre-flight propeller checks, drone registration, regulations, operating procedures, communication requirements, and emergency management. The session also covered how to attach fire extinguisher balls to drones for fire control.
2. Practical Session: A drone equipped with a fire extinguisher ball was flown to a fire site and dropped the ball to put out the flames. For practice, a fire was set in a drum in the hall’s courtyard, and the drone successfully extinguished it.
   

   photo: Kathmandu Metro news

Why This Training Matters

Kathmandu’s dense urban areas are at high risk of fire and other disasters. Disaster Management Chief Jagadish Aryal stated that technology is essential to tackling growing challenges, which is why this training was organized.

Currently, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has:

• 4 fire trucks in full operation (1 under maintenance)
• 1 van and 1 jeep for personnel transport
• 8 fire motorcycles
• 1 water tanker to refill fire trucks
• 4 water pumps for flood situations

To tackle fires in narrow alleys where fire trucks cannot enter, dry risers (firefighting pipes) have been installed, with plans for more installations in coordination with local wards.

By adopting drone technology and modern equipment, Kathmandu is taking steps towards more efficient and effective fire disaster management.