Reply #19: NHKNews: Tokyo Fire Dept. sends units to Fukushima plant

[jannyk]

The Tokyo Fire Department has sent 30 emergency units and special fire engines to the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The 139 fire-fighters, including elite rescue teams, left for Fukushima in northeastern Japan shortly after 3 AM on Friday. The dispatch order was given by Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara after a request from the Japanese government at 1 AM Friday.

The Tokyo Fire Department says one of the fire engines has a 22-meter-high water discharging tower, used to put out flames in high places or sites that are difficult to get close to.

Also among the vehicles is a truck usually used for airplane disasters, which can discharge 5 tons of water per minute. Another one can supply large amounts of water from the sea or rivers.

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/18_11.html