Protecting Against Fires (NAPSA)—Recent innovations may help save lives and cut costs related to fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, last year alone nearly 4,000 Americans lost their lives to fire. In addition, direct property loss from fire was about $9.8 billon. Perhaps surprisingly, much of this damage occurred during fires on or near water— that’s why new types of fireboats have cometo the rescue. Fire departments across the country now use the boats to protect waterways, harbors and waterfront property. The boats are even being used in landlocked areas to patrol lakes and reservoirs. Some of America’s busiest ports are patrolled in part by a vessel like one called Fireboat2, a 105-foot-long ship that can shoot a stream of water 600 feet. It can apply water or foam at waterline level or under docks and wharves. The boat delivers enough to fill a 20 by 50 foot swimmingpool to a depth of five feet—38,000 gallons of water a minute. Of Fireboats play an importantrole in saving lives across the country. The key to all this maneuverability is the use of two special propellers that handle propulsion and control at the same time (other boats handle those two functions separately). That makes the boat equally effective from any position. The propellers were created by a companycalled Voith, long knownfor setting standards in paper technology, power transMission, engineering, power gener- ation and industrial service. As the fireboat continues to protect important waterways, it’s delivered to the right spot. That’s why the fireboat was designed with 360 degree maneuverability. believed that similar systemswill help communities all over the country guard against fire, whereverit may occur. sideways or at almost any angle with relative ease. http://www.voithturbo.com/fire fighting/. course, that water needs to be It can go forward, backward, For more information, go to
