"Beep, beep!"
The sound of car horns approached as Wang Yu drove over in the multi-functional fire truck he had personally developed and built.
"Is that a fire truck?"
Zhou Wei exclaimed in surprise, looking at the strangely shaped vehicle.
The bizarre, unfamiliar vehicle before him was undeniably a fire truck. The water tank and the water cannon on it were clearly visible, making its purpose obvious at a glance.
But in Jiangyang County, besides their fire extinguishing team, where else would there be a fire truck?
Furthermore, why did this thing come with a folding ladder and a large fan?
Was it trying to make the fire even bigger by fanning the flames?
While Zhou Wei was still pondering, Wang Yu had already driven the vehicle up to him and jumped out of the driver's seat.
"This is our young factory director, Wang Yu," Han Jun introduced from the side.
"Hello!"
With the fire spreading and time of the utmost urgency, neither Wang Yu nor Zhou Wei could afford pleasantries. They shook hands briefly as a form of introduction.
Then, Wang Yu spoke directly.
"Captain Zhou, this is the new multi-functional fire truck developed by our automobile factory."
As he spoke, Wang Yu gestured towards the fire truck beside him.
"The folding aerial ladder on the vehicle can transport people to elevated positions remotely. Its effective range and safety zone are 10 meters. Additionally, the high-power fan at the rear of the vehicle can be used for forced ventilation to expel smoke and dust from the fire scene!"
Upon hearing Wang Yu's explanation, Zhou Wei's face lit up with immense joy.
"Really? It has these capabilities?"
He couldn't believe that such a strangely shaped vehicle could achieve such results.
If this young man wasn't deceiving him, then he would be a great hero in this fire. This was exactly what was needed to solve their current difficulties and predicament!
So, that was an exhaust fan, not a regular fan, used to expel smoke and dust? This kid was a genius! Why had no one ever thought of such an idea before?
This would make it much easier for the firefighters to enter the fire scene without their vision being obstructed by thick smoke.
And this folding ladder was truly a godsend!
He had been worried because the narrow location made it impossible to bring in their usual fire ladders.
Well, at a height of 10 meters, extending horizontally from the outside, it could reach approximately the third floor. With enough skill, they might even be able to reach the fourth floor!
Zhou Wei was quickly calculating in his mind. Meanwhile, Wang Yu had already driven the vehicle to the edge of the fire scene, the intense heat waves searing his body.
Even at a distance, the smoke and heat were unbearable. It would be even more arduous and life-threatening to venture into the heart of the fire.
This was not merely hard work; it was a matter of risking their lives!
Wang Yu sighed inwardly. It was precisely because of these noble individuals that the nation could be prosperous, strong, and peaceful!
It was worth his rebirth and his struggle!
"We can test the vehicle's capabilities right now!"
As Wang Yu spoke, he parked the vehicle and began operating the folding ladder and the fan.
Other members of the fire extinguishing team had already come forward to take over the water tank's faucet. They were professionals at that, but they had no idea how to operate the fan or the folding ladder. It could only be Wang Yu himself.
"Vroom—vroomm—"
The large blades of the fan began to rotate, the sound gradually increasing as the blades spun faster and faster. Under the power of the industrial motor, it quickly generated an incredible gust of wind!
A large amount of smoke and dust was forcefully drawn out from the fire scene, much like a kitchen's range hood, but on a scale magnified thousands of times!
The fan spun faster and faster, the sound reaching a rumbling crescendo. The powerful suction generated caused his clothes to flap wildly, and it was difficult to stand without planting his feet firmly.
The effect was undeniably significant. The dense smoke was funneled together and expelled, resembling a long, thick, black, and ferocious dragon, clawing and flailing in all directions. The scene was remarkably awe-inspiring!
For a moment, everyone around was dumbfounded. They had never imagined that firefighting could involve such a maneuver!
"Captain Zhou, please arrange for your men to use the ladder. I'll get them there!"
Wang Yu, however, did not hesitate. He braved the dense smoke and fierce winds, walking to the side of the folding ladder's control panel, ready to use it to transport the firefighters to the high-rise to fight the fire!
The intense smoke caused him to cough repeatedly, and the skin around his eyes felt a burning sensation.
"Factory Director Wang, leave this to us. Your provision of such excellent equipment is already a huge help. We'll handle the rest!"
Zhou Wei recovered his senses, took a gas mask from one of his subordinates, and intended to give it to Wang Yu so he could rest.
However, Wang Yu pushed away the gas mask he offered. Amidst the deafening roar of the exhaust fan, he shouted at the top of his lungs,
"Captain Zhou, you hurry up and fight the fire; don't worry about me. I designed and built the vehicle, and I know how to operate the ladder. Your men don't. Isn't it best for me to handle this?"
As he spoke, Wang Yu manipulated the joystick, lowering the ladder to the ground. Wearing a gas mask would obstruct his vision and hearing, making it unsuitable for operation at this moment, so Wang Yu directly refused.
"So that's how it is... Thank you for your hard work! Men, follow me!"
Time was critical, and Zhou Wei couldn't afford to be polite. He nodded to Wang Yu and then, leading several team members, prepared to move forward.
"Captain Zhou, you're going yourself?"
Wang Yu looked at Zhou Wei. This was high-altitude work without any protection, in the harsh environment of a fire. A single mistake could lead to a fatal fall. The consequences were unimaginable!
He was surprised that Zhou Wei, the captain of the fire extinguishing team, would personally take the risk!
"There are elderly people and children trapped on the fourth floor. Time is of the essence; we're racing against death to save lives!"
Zhou Wei said without hesitation, simultaneously putting on the gas mask that Wang Yu had refused.
"The current environment is too harsh. Even with your help, Factory Director Wang's folding ladder, extending from the periphery, can probably only reach the third floor at most. We'll have to climb the rest of the way with our bare hands...
My men aren't skilled enough. I have to go myself! Otherwise, it would be irresponsible to both the trapped civilians and their own safety. So, I'll take the credit for this rescue.
After I receive recognition, remember to remind me to buy you a drink. Of course... I don't know if I'll be able to attend."
With that, Zhou Wei snapped the gas mask shut and stood directly on the ladder!
These words, though seemingly boastful, carried an air of absolute determination!
In this era, due to backward conditions and facilities, the casualty rate among fire extinguishing teams was quite high... Even in later, technologically advanced times, this profession remained the one with the most casualties in peacetime!
"I understand now!" Wang Yu nodded. Watching Zhou Wei step onto the ladder, he pulled the joystick and slowly extended the ladder towards the fire scene!