It has been well documented that the Hà Nội firefighting force has a really tough job on its hands when fires break out in lanes and alleys that their big trucks have no way of entering.

They have come up with a simple, customised, innovative solution that, in hindsight, should have been obvious, like Newton’s discovery of gravity. Several firefighting stations in the capital city now have developed the ubiquitous motorbike into firefighting vehicles that can access the narrowest of lanes.

To those wondering how this can be done, the answer is elementary, Watson. In the front, the motorbike is fitted with a windshield on which big, painted digits proclaim the  number of the firefighting unit. A large horn is also mounted in front, ready to sound the siren as the motorbike speeds to its destination. A bracket mounted on the rear seat can hold fire-extinguishers, blankets, sledge hammers, pliers and other common firefighting tools, not to mention oxygen cylinders, masks, flashlights… in short, a full firefighting kit.

It is no exaggeration to say that the firefighting motorbike is at the vanguard of the force now, reaching areas first, given their small size and maneuverability. Anyone with ideas on improving on this design can contact the firefighting department. For, as you can see in the attached photo, filling petrol in the bikes can pose a problem, given the heavy load on the backseat. For now, we know that firefighters are strong people and can manage to lift the loaded rear seat.

One paraphrased adage remains true of Viet Nam: Where there’s a bike, there is a way. -- VNS