Preserving the Potala Palace

Firefighting measures

Enriched with an abundant collection of historical relics, it is of utmost importance to prevent damage from disasters, as well as theft.

A fire rescue brigade has been stationed in the place since 2005, and the buildings of the palace are equipped with alarms, smoke detectors, temperature sensors and imaging.

The Potala Palace has 889 electrical circuits in a smart electrical system. The brigade has 36 firefighters — commanders and combatants.

Sonam Tenzin, a firefighter, says they have fire extinguishers appropriate for the ancient buildings, include knapsack type, trolley type and water-mist devices.

"They may use dry powder, water, carbon dioxide, chemicals or other suppressants," says Sonam Tenzin.