Fire train: operating principle.
Fire train: operating principle
The article will cover several points: a brief history of the emergence of fire trains in Russia, the technical equipment of modern trains and their staff.
The History of the Fire Train
The First Fire Trainswere created in Russia in 1921. They were equipped with steam pumps and other fire-fighting equipment. To fight fire, the train had a motor pump, 2 water tanks, and fire hoses. The need to create fire trains was due to the increasing frequency of fires on railway transport. Over time, categories of such fire-fighting transport began to be distinguished. Thus, there are two categories: the first includes specialized fire trainswith increased tactical and technical capabilities. They must prevent leakage and pump flammable and combustible liquids, perform fire extinguishing tasks and conduct related emergency rescue operations. Category 2 fire trains are used when it is necessary to eliminate emergency fire situations. Subsequently, the production of such «heavy» transport fire-fighting equipment is gradually being established in Russia. Development is taking place: trains of both categories are equipped with two stationary and one portable motor pump and one portable power station. A modern fire train has fire hoses up to 1.5 km long, 5-10 tons of foaming agent and 100-150 cubic meters of water.
Fire train today
In order to replenish reserves in a timely manner, a specific fire train is assignedsection has a special water filling point. Today, most of these trains have gas and water protection service units. They operate with the help of compressed air devices.
The fire train tanks are similar in appearance to similar tanks for transporting petroleum products, but differ in the presence of shut-off and control devices. The extinguishing agent is supplied from the tanks to the pump through a large-diameter pipeline. Collectors for connecting fire hoses are arranged in the lower part of the service car. A modern fire train can also have stationary water cannons installed on the cars.
The tasks of extinguishing fires that are set for fire trains today are quite broad. This includes stopping fires on railway tracks, on rolling stock, at neighboring facilities, and eliminating large forest fires, and providing assistance in the event of accidents and other natural disasters.
Fire train staffing
The responsibility for the functioning of the fire train lies with the personnel. The train master and the heads of the duty guards monitor the training of the workers and the organization of the work. The technical condition is monitored by the head of the railway departments, branches and departmental security detachments. The guard consists of 6 employees of the duty shift. The staffing level of the fire train can vary — from 20 to 50 people. The signal about the fire that has started is sent from the duty officer at the nearest station to the train dispatcher, and then to the departmental security service of railway transport.
The basing of the fire train is established and regulated by the railway management. A specific service area is assigned to each specific train. The train's movement may be adjusted depending on changes in the fire hazard situation, requests from the Ministry of Emergency Situations or representatives of the authorities of the subjects.