Ingenious fire protection and alarm

A news report reveals that a brilliant schoolboy from Pirojpur has developed a fire safety device. This boy deserves honour and recognition. The device has two functions-- it can douse the initial fire; and if that does not stop the fire, it sets up alarm and sends a mobile phone call to the nearest fire brigade. It is indeed a very ingenious device; and some enterprising factory or industrial organisation  should sit with this genius young boy; and develop, patent and market this useful and potentially a safety gadget. It is possibly a combination of optical sensors, and automatic circuit breakers that triggers the flame retardant chemical spray; and after some time; if it senses more heat, it sends mobile phone message to the nearest fire brigade.

In the event of a fire incident, the problem usually is the time taken by the fire engines in reaching the fire site. The problem at the fire station boils down to the time lag between getting the mobile call or any signal from the fire site; then mobilising and reaching the place of fire. It is actually a difficult mental and physical state of body and mind to be potentially keep alert and remaining totally ready, to react swiftly at all time, while on stand-by. This waiting for a fire signal; with nothing to do during this stand-by time; is a tremendous mental and psychological load. One wonders if our fire department has done any studies on this important matter; or has got access to such information and practices, that may have been developed by fire brigades of developed and advanced countries.

Engr S A Mansoor

Dhaka