A strategy is a collection of actions that if implemented together, can reduce the risk of damage during a weather event or crisis.
Water may come from the mains water supply or from property water supplies, for example, tanks or dams. A static water supply should be big enough for the combination of all possible uses in a bushfire and full to this level through a bushfire season. The tank and pipework should operate throughout the bushfire. Pumping systems should be designed to continue to provide adequate water pressure for all uses, assuming that both main water pressure and main power are lost. Systems that can automatically switch over are preferred.
A sprinkler system may be used to wet down your home in advance of a fire. A sprinkler specialist familiar with the Australian Standard should be consulted when designing this system. The Australian Standard is AS5414:2012 Bushfire water spray systems.
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Actions
This Action focusses on fire suppression. It is possible to have active fire suppression systems such as sprinklers that can be activated and left running while people evacuate. The sprinklers can extinguish embers that land on or close to the house. By wetting building surfaces it can lessen the impact of radiant heat.
Sprinkler systems inside your house can help control the spread of fire. They can also increase the duration of time your house can survive a bushfire. In some cases they may prevent the total loss of the building. However, water damage to floor coverings, internal linings, furniture, and belongings will occur.
Sprinkler systems installed on your roof that can keep the roof and walls wet. This can help prevent embers from igniting the external cladding. A sprinkler system may be used to wet down your home in advance of a fire.
You should consider using additional sprinkler heads in the roof cavity and under-floor spaces.
A sprinkler specialist should be used when designing this system. Check they are familiar with Australian Standard AS5414:2012 Bushfire water spray systems .
Most systems are placed on the roof, while some systems can be placed around the home to dampen surrounding landscaping and vegetation as well as the building.
A spray system has finer droplet sizes than a drenching system. Fine droplets can be carried by the wind associated with a bushfire, rendering it less effective. A drenching system has heavier droplets but can use more water, and has to be targeted specifically to the building element being protected.
You will need to carefully assess how a sprinkler system would be used, and how well it suits your circumstances.
Sprinkler systems often require activation not too long before the fire reaches your home. If you need to be in place to activate it, this may prevent you from leaving early. Some more modern systems may allow activation remotely by phone.
You will also need to consider power supplies, as mains power can often fail during a bushfire and so water pumps may not work. Sprinkler systems use large amounts of water and will need very regular testing and maintenance.
A water supply dedicated to fire fighting from the main water supply to your house. Alternatively, a second outlet used for fire fighting purposes with suitable fittings to your State or Territory emergency services can be installed into your water supply tank.
Water is a valuable resource, especially during bushfire season. Installing an appropriate system of water storage tanks, pumps, hoses, pipes, plumbing, fittings, and sprinklers using non-combustible materials may enable the defence of your home in a bushfire event.
When designing a system, consider:
- water storage tanks that are rated for bushfires
- pumps that have sufficient flow capacity (400 litres per minute)
- shielding pumps from radiant heat, ember attack, and flames
- location - will you be able to access the system when you need to
If you have a system in place:
- consider if your system is suitable for your needs
- do you have sufficient water storage capacity?
- is your pump protected from radiant heat, ember attack, and flames?
- does your fire fighting pump have a sufficient flow rate?
- are your storage tanks bushfire rated?
- maintain the installation in good working order
Ensure sufficient water is stored before and during bushfire season