The Surat Fire Department is set to create a national benchmark by developing a ‘Smart Integrated Management System’, a technology-based emergency response system that has not been implemented by any fire department in India so far.
Once operational, the system will enable instant action after receiving emergency calls and provide live monitoring from the control room to the incident site.
High-tech system planned for growing high-rise buildings, industries
With the rapid growth of high-rise buildings, commercial complexes and industrial areas in Surat, the Surat Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department is being upgraded into a fully technology-driven force.
Surat will become the first city in India to adopt this integrated system, allowing real-time tracking of incidents, vehicles and rescue operations.
104-metre hydraulic platform to boost high-rise rescue operations
To strengthen firefighting and rescue operations in tall buildings, the department plans to purchase an advanced 104-metre hydraulic platform.
The equipment will help firefighters reach greater heights during emergencies and carry out rescue operations more effectively.
GIS-GPS technology to track incidents like Ola-Uber
Under the new system, GIS and GPS technology will help identify the exact location of fire incidents and accidents.
Similar to cab tracking platforms like Ola and Uber, IoT-based monitoring systems will be installed in fire vehicles, helping teams reach the spot quickly through the nearest available route.
ICCC to monitor entire emergency network 24×7
All fire vehicles, locations and emergency operations will be monitored round the clock from the ICCC (Incident Command and Control Centre), which will function as the central Fire Control Room. The system will provide officials with real-time updates during emergencies.
AI-based body cameras for firefighters
The new system will also include Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring. Fire personnel responding to incidents will be equipped with body cameras on their uniforms.
Senior officials sitting in the control room will be able to view live visuals from the site, assess the situation and take faster decisions.
Special alert system for textile markets, malls and high-rise buildings
Large textile markets, commercial complexes and residential high-rise buildings will be connected with a special emergency alert system.
With a single alarm activation, the Fire Control Room will receive an immediate alert, allowing fire teams to reach the location within minutes and minimise damage.
System expected to become operational within one year
The proposal related to the cost and implementation of the Smart Integrated Management System is currently under process.
After completion of administrative procedures, the AI-based system is expected to become fully operational in Surat within around one year.
Entire fire operations to shift to digital platform
At present, Surat has 25 operational fire stations, and with the city’s expansion, the demand for more stations and advanced equipment is increasing.
After procuring modern vehicles and machinery in recent years, the Fire Department has now decided to integrate its entire operation with technology.
Single-screen monitoring of city’s fire network
The Smart Integrated Management System will include an advanced Central Fire Control System, where emergency calls, fire alarms, live videos, vehicle status, incident management, call records, data analytics and coordination between departments will be monitored on a single screen.
Every emergency call to get digital record
GPS tracking systems and cameras will be installed in fire tenders, water tankers and hydraulic platforms. The control room will continuously monitor vehicle locations and operations. The nearest available vehicle will be automatically dispatched to reduce response time.
The system will also use speech-to-text technology to convert every emergency call into a digital record, helping authorities with future investigations, data analysis and improving firefighting operations.
