China will finish assembling a fire engine capable of extinguishing fires in high-rises up to 400 meters tall by the end of this month, China National Radio reported.

A drill on how to operate a high-rise fire engine is held in Chongqing on Saturday, December 18, 2010.  The fire engine made in the U.S. is the only one in the country capable of putting out fires in buildings 300-meters tall and higher.

With the support of fire standpipes, the fire engine will be able to deliver water to the top floor of skyscrapers 400 meters high within 6-7 minutes, the report said.

As of now, the highest aerial ladder apparatus in the world reaches only 101 meters, and the pressure from fire pumps is inadequate for fires more than 160 meters above ground level.

The fire truck made in Beijing will make putting out fires in super high-rise buildings feasible.

It was jointly developed by the Beijing fire department and Sany Group, according to the report.

Difficulty battling fires in high-rises has been an issue of public concern since a blaze broke out in a 28-story building in downtown Shanghai on November 15, leaving 53 people dead and more than 70 injured.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments