New drill extinguisher

Fire department takes next step towards the future

The DRILL-X drills through the roof within a few seconds and then extinguishes the areas below quickly and in a targeted manner.

(Bild: Hermann Kollinger)

After a two-year research and development phase, DRILL-X is now becoming a permanent fixture for firefighters throughout Upper Austria. All fire brigades are to be equipped with it by the end of 2025, at a cost of around two million euros.

"An invention from Upper Austria for the local fire departments": The state fire service command and the state of Upper Austria are proud that the DRILL-X will now become an integral part of fire department equipment. The drilling extinguisher was invented by firefighter Lukas Traxl from Ebensee and developed by the special machine construction company Synex Tech in Bad Goisern.

Drills through the roof
After two years of research and development work - five fire departments put prototypes through their paces - the new system is now ready to be rolled out across the board. The ultra-modern device will be used for roof fires. The extinguishing device drills through the roof in just a few seconds, helping to fight fires that are difficult to access efficiently and quickly.

The fact that the entire value chain, from the idea to production, has remained in Upper Austria is a source of pride.

Robert Mayer, Präsident des Bundesfeuerwehrverbandes

In use 17 times
In the past two years, the DRILL-X has already been used 17 times, successfully extinguishing fires in 15 cases. "Safety for the firefighters, firefighting with little water and the associated low water damage are of great benefit to everyone involved," says a delighted Michael Hutterer, Deputy Provincial Fire Service Commander.

By the end of 2025, the technology should be an integral part of the equipment in Upper Austria. The cost of the 53 drill extinguishers amounts to around two million euros - one unit costs 36,000 euros. The state is providing 55 percent of the funding, with the remainder coming from the state fire service association.