Image Credit: CFJC Today / Chad Klassen

By Chad Klassen

FIRE PROTECTION

Kamloops Fire Rescue purchases new sprinklers to help fight interface fires

Jul 25, 2019 | 2:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire Rescue is now equipped with a new firefighting tool it says will help protect homes in the event of an interface fire.

KFR recently bought four sprinklers, each of which have a 200-metre radius. The sprinklers cost $3,800 each and are meant to moisten fuels in interface neighbourhoods where wildfires may be approaching.

“These sprinklers have their origins in the agricultural, irrigation field. They’ve been adapted for firefighter capabilities as well,” said Kamloops Fire Rescue captain Robb Schoular. “It gives us the ability to use these sprinklers feeding them off a hydrant service. We can also use portable pumps out of a pond, river or lake.”

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Chad Klassen

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The sprinklers can be utilized during a structure fire, but Kamloops Fire Rescue bought them mainly for wildfire fighting. The purchases were made in response to the last two wildfire seasons, the worst in B.C. history, and KFR wanted to be prepared following active years in 2017 and 2018.

“Based on predictions and modelling for this year, we thought it would be as bad or worse as the previous two years,” noted Schoular. “We thought we’d enhance our capabilities by adding these sprinkler systems to our abilities.”

The next step for KFR is to train all its firefighters on how the use the system. The plan is also to buy more sprinklers next year.