Sprinkler systems can be extremely valuable in defending your home against bushfires, provided you have sufficient water supplies. You will need at least 22,000 litres of water from a tank, dam or swimming pool. A 5m x 0.9m above ground pool holds approx. 20,000 litres.

The system need not be elaborate. An extension of your garden watering system can be used to wet the most vulnerable areas of the house, such as the immediate surrounding garden or lawn area, under floors, roofs, eaves, verandas and timber balcony areas.

In designing a sprinkler system, be sure to use metal sprinkler heads. Metal pipes are best, but if plastic pipes are used, they must be installed 40 cm underground so they will not melt. Sprinklers should be positioned so that the water canopy will not blow away in high winds or evaporate. You will need a portable pump powered by petrol or diesel to ensure that you have sufficient water pressure. Make sure the pump can be operated by any member of the family. Check the pump on high fire danger days to be sure it is fuelled and starts readily. A key start ignition system is an option, otherwise a pull start pump is sufficient. The pump should be housed in a readily accessible shed in a protected area on the side of the house.

Garden sprinklers on the windward side will aid your survival. When planning a sprinkler system, remember that fires are accompanied by high winds and high temperatures which can reduce the effectiveness of fine sprays. Keep the sprinklers operating until well after the fire has passed.

Verandas and balconies can be vulnerable areas of your home with their expanse of timbers open to sparks and ember-bearing winds. Fine mist sprinklers spraying up toward roofing on verandas can help save your home. Consider sprinklers placed on the leading edge of guttering so the spray is blown down over the walls and windows and back onto the roof.

The sprinkler system should be designed for 50% water pattern overlap to allow for elliptical wetting pattern under strong wind conditions. Garden sprinkler systems can aid your fire prevention effort.

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