The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has become the first in the US to employ a robot firefighter, putting it to work on a fire in two textiles buildings in the city.

The Thermite Robotics Systems 3 (RS3) made by Textron: Howe & Howe Technologies was initially on its way to a demonstration at an LAFD training facility but was redirected to fight the unexpected fire.

When human colleagues were ordered to retreat from the ferocious flames, the Thermite RS3, which is approximately the size of a Smart car, was able to fight the fire from within the blazing structure.

With its ability to blast 2500 gallons of foam or water per minute, it can be operated for up to 20 hours without refuelling and is protected from the soaring temperatures with the help of a heat-shielding apparatus. In addition, it can tow weights of up to 1750 pounds.

Furthermore, it has a top speed of 8mph and a blade that has the ability to push obstructions out of its way in firefighting situations, such as debris.

Despite a convincing debut, it is yet to be decided whether more robots like the RS3 will be available for the LAFD to deploy in the future. Currently, this model is the only one of its kind in the whole of the city. Despite this, more operators for the robot are currently being developed and trained throughout the LAFD.