Bushfire Protection Systems and Roof Sprinklers

Learn how bushfire protection systems can help you in the event of a fire. Nearly all structural damage caused by a bushfire is due to ember attack.

Embers

Any change in wind direction or speed can rapidly increase the rate and spread of the direction of the fire. Burning embers can be carried by strong winds from several kilometres away. Even if the fire front does not reach your home it can still be damaged by ember attack.

Embers can get into your home through gaps in roofs, walls, evaporative air conditioners, windows and doors. They can land on materials that burn easily and this can start a fire. Research has shown that ember attack is the main reason that houses catch fire during a bushfire. Installing one of our affordable, quality, custom-built bushfire protection systems can reduce the possibility of sparks entering your home.

Purpose of bushfire sprinkler systems

Our roof-mounted sprinkler system is a proven and effective way of reducing the risk of an ember attack on the home. The sprinklers produce large droplets, which minimises the chance of wind dispersing the water.

Our system can be installed on tin or tile roofs and are built using quality materials including copper pipe and brass fittings, with a range of sprinklers available to suit any application required for your property. We also design and install sprinkler systems for boundary fences, decking and verandas.

When deciding to turn on your sprinkler system allow enough time to wet down the area before the fire reaches your property and keep enough water available to continue operating the systems until well after the fire has passed as embers can continue to threaten your home even hours after the fire front has passed.

Adequate independent water supplies

If you are planning to actively defend your home, you will need to have an adequate independent water supply to enable a sprinkler system to operate for at least two to three hours. The sprinkler system will be designed specifically for your property to allow the maximum running time from the water source available.

Reticulated mains water is not always available nor can it be relied upon. During a major fire the increased demand may reduce volume and pressure to many houses. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that an independent water supply of at least 22,000 litres, be established from a water tank, swimming pool or dam. It’s also important not to rely on an electric pump to supply pressure as power is often one of the first things to be lost – a back up firefighting pump driven by a small petrol or diesel motor is essential.

Effective bushfire protection systems

Fire protection of a property cannot rely on one factor, there will always be a number of measures which, when combined, will provide the best fire protection. However, when homes are located in areas of extreme fire danger, an external sprinkler system should be considered as an important part of your total bushfire survival plan

An installation is more affordable than you may think and could turn out to be the best money you’ll ever spend, so don’t wait until summer to start preparing your home and family for the bushfire season. There are many actions that can be taken throughout the year, which will help prepare your property for bushfires.

All of our site visits, experienced advice and quotes are obligation free and we are happy to pass on references from previously installed bushfire protection systems.

DFES Information Line on 13DFES (13 3337)
Bushfire Warnings at www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Emergency WA
www.emergency.wa.gov.au