Robot Took Aim at Flames at Lumberyard Blaze in Kansas City, MO

Not all those battling a massive blaze at a local lumberyard in Kansas City Tuesday donned turnout gear. And, there was no danger of exposure to toxins.

That's because a robot was aiming a stream at the fire that was difficult to reach in some areas, Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins told WDAF.

“They can turn on the thermals or be in normal daylight operations,” Hopkins said, adding that the operator monitors the robot's four cameras. 

The $350,000 tracked vehicle can put 2,500 gallons of water a minute on the fire.

“In reality, that number is more like about 1,200 based on hydrant pressures and hydrant locations. But it takes a lot of workload off during these types of operations.”

The lumber was stored in stacks which had to be taken apart so crews could reach the seat of the fire.

The robot that has been deployed a few times this year has already proven its worth as it's preventing injuries to firefighters, who typically pull lines off rigs.

“That’s 500 pounds you have to drag around through the mud. That’s where we get our knee injuries, our lower back injuries, things like that. This just prevents that, keeps them up and operational and providing service.”

Three pumpers were placed in service to respond to other calls in the city. 

The cause of the fire that caused at least $5 million damage remains under investigation.