Firefighting robot tackles blazes in Kent

A firefighting robot is being trialled at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).

The technology has been introduced to the service for an initial 12 months in a bid to protect fighters and free up resources, the service said.

The robot, which will be introduced in coming weeks, can be operated from 600m away and can spray 2,000 litres of water per minute.

KFRS's group manager Mark Gosling said: "We want to protect our people - they do a risky job."

The technology, which resembles a bomb disposal robot, can be remote controlled with a monitor, detect fire hotspots and climb stairs.

Mr Gosling said: "We also see the robot itself being able to reduce the amount of time we spend at incidents and also reduce the number of resources which we have at incidents."

"It allows us to restore normality for the community as quickly as possible," he added.

KFRS adopted drones in their operations in 2015 which have been used in rescue missions.

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