UK firefighters pioneer world's first power jet

The jet uses a highly pressurized water which has graphite cutting material injected into it

Northampton Chronicle & Echo

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, England — Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is leading the world with a new technology which will help save more lives.

The county's service is pioneering a new cutting device, known as Cobra.

The technique involves using a jet of water at a high pressure which then has a graphite cutting material injected into it, which can break through reinforced concrete and steel.

Chief fire officer at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue service, Martyn Emberson, said: "Cobra cuts through steel and reinforced concrete like it's butter.

"We are the leading fire service in the world with the implementation of this technique. Fire services all over the world are coming to our county to see how we have implemented this technique here."

The system means that if there is no-one in a building, firefighters can put out a blaze without having to go inside and put themselves in danger.

Mr Emberson said: "The technique also uses very little water to extinguish very large fires so it is environmentally friendly.

"It's very good for the environment and for firefighter safety. There is also very little water damage which is good for ourselves and the occupants of the properties.

"Cobra is quicker than other techniques. It puts fires out much faster."

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have had visitors from firefighters from countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Sweden, so they can watch demonstrations of the new technique.

Mr Emberson said: "New York City fire fighters are even using Cobra on high rise buildings.

"I am really pleased that Northamptonshire is leading in this.

"It came about as a result of the fire fighter fatalities in 2005, 2007 and 2010."

Northamptonshire's fire fighters started to use Cobra around five years ago and now the service use it in every incident they attend in the county.

Mr Emberson said: "This just shows how much technology has advanced in the service over the years. We are a high-tech county wuth high-tech solutions.

The county's service recently represented the UK as part of a two-year European-wide project to deliver training for the Cobra system.