Introduction
The threat of wildfires is a growing concern for many communities, especially those located near wildland areas. While traditional firefighting methods focus on controlling the wildfire itself, there’s a shift in perspective that emphasizes home ignition as the real problem. This brings us to the importance of exterior fire sprinklers as a proven, affordable, and easily implementable solution for protecting homes and properties.
Effectiveness Proven
Exterior fire sprinklers have been shown to be highly effective in protecting properties during wind-driven wildfires. In one case, exterior sprinklers were installed on numerous properties, including homes and resorts. All of these properties survived the wildfire, while more than 100 neighboring properties were destroyed.
Affordability
The cost of installing exterior fire sprinklers can be covered by hazard mitigation grants. For an average home, the installation cost ranges from $10,000 to $15,000. Grants can cover a significant portion of this cost, making it affordable for individual property owners.
Additional Funding
Due to the success of these sprinkler systems, additional grants have been awarded to expand the installation of wildfire sprinkler systems in various counties. These grants have also been used to retrofit homes with non-flammable roofing and ember-resistant attic vents.
How They Work
Exterior sprinklers operate by creating an environment that extinguishes embers, which are the primary cause of building ignition during wildfires. They achieve this by:
- Hydrating potential fuels, making them less susceptible to ignition.
- Increasing humidity around the property.
- Creating a cooler microclimate around the home.
Overcoming Doubts
There are common misconceptions about the feasibility of exterior fire sprinklers, such as:
- High cost
- Ineffectiveness in windy conditions
- Loss of water pressure during catastrophic events
- Power outages disabling water pumps
However, these concerns are either incorrect or can be easily addressed. For instance, wind has been shown not to significantly impact the effectiveness of the sprinklers. Also, independent systems can be set up to operate off the grid, ensuring functionality even during catastrophic events.
Conclusion
Exterior fire sprinklers offer a proven and affordable solution for protecting homes and properties from the devastating effects of wildfires. They are an essential tool in the arsenal of wildfire preparedness and should be considered by any community or individual living in wildfire-prone areas.