Rescue workers in Poltava have developed a unique firefighting device

In the Poltava region, SES rescuers have embraced technical innovation, transforming outdated equipment into new engineering solutions that are already being used to extinguish complex fires, particularly at oil and gas facilities, where every mistake can be extremely costly. According to management, such facilities require a special approach, as firefighting conditions vary drastically depending on the type of fire, pressure, and access to the source of the fire.

Major General Andriy Khizhnyak, Head of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service in the Poltava region, explains that special foam concentrates are used to fight fires; these create a protective foam that blocks oxygen from reaching the source of the fire, however, even such technologies require adaptation to specific situations, especially when it comes to gas wells or flares, where standard methods are not always effective. That is why rescuers are forced to constantly improve their equipment and approaches to work faster and safer.

One of the key developments was a device called “Kraken,” which was created by combining two different older systems, resulting in a new tool for firefighting in challenging conditions. Khyzhnyak emphasizes: “We patent our inventions and share our experience with colleagues across Ukraine,” noting that such solutions are already extending beyond the regional level and attracting interest from international partners.

The “Kraken” device has two versions, allowing it to be used in various tactical conditions: a handheld version, operated directly by a rescuer at the fire scene, and a remote version mounted on a vehicle that is controlled from a distance to minimize risks to personnel. This flexibility allows for a more effective response to emergencies and reduces danger when working in high-temperature zones or near explosive facilities.

According to the leadership of the State Emergency Service, such developments have already attracted the interest not only of Ukrainian specialists but also of foreign partners, who are studying the Poltava region’s experience as an example of practical engineering adaptation of old equipment to modern challenges. Rescuers emphasize that this is only the beginning of a systematic effort to modernize equipment, which should help improve the effectiveness of firefighting across the country.