The Collins Fire Department recently acquired a Thermite RS3 robotic firefighting vehicle, the department said in a Facebook post.
The Thermite RS3 is a super-high volume, low center of gravity, wide chassis, industrial firefighting robot which is remotely operated via a controller pack that provides high-definition video feedback for ultimate maneuverability in difficult conditions, the department said.
“This thermite robot vehicle is not only the first of its kind this side of the Mississippi River but a game-changer for first responders,” said the Mississippi Department of Public Safety on its Facebook page.
The RS3’s modular design and wider stance allows additional equipment to be incorporated to its platform, including a plow assembly, high volume water/foam monitor, air monitoring/sampling, ventilation unit, winch, and other customized options. Powered by a compact but powerful diesel engine, and rugged hydraulic system, and fabricated using high strength components, and industrial-grade steel reinforced rubber tracks, the RS3 can navigate rugged terrain and withstand exposure to very extreme conditions and elements which may be encountered on industrial and other emergency incidents.
The robot is designed for hazardous situations such as industrial fires or emergencies too dangerous for direct human involvement. It was bought with a $260,000 grant from the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, this vehicle can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of our emergency response, MDPS said.
“Our collaboration with local agencies and first responders is more than just a working relationship; it’s a shared commitment to making Mississippi safer and stronger.”
The Collins Fire Department has the daily responsibility of protecting many of the largest petroleum/petrochemical storage and transportation sites in the southeastern U.S., which include numerous pipelines, bulk fuel storage tank farms, loading and offloading terminals, and production locations.
“The addition of the Thermite RS3 unit will further enhance our response capabilities to mitigate fuel related and other industrial fire hazards, as well as adapting its use in other hazardous material and high hazard response situations,” the Collins Fire Department said in the Facebook post. “The unit is truly a force-multiplying tool, which will not only keep our firefighters safer as they respond to these critical events, but also ensuring the highest level of life safety and property protection to our citizens and our business/industry partners as well.”
