Kamloops buys four huge sprinklers to help fight interface wildfires | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

Kamloops buys four huge sprinklers to help fight interface wildfires

Kamloops Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Robb Schoular stands in front of a Firebozz sprinkler unit on Thursday, July 25, 2019. The City recently purchased four units to help firefighters in battling interface wildfires more effectively.

KAMLOOPS — Given the history of wildfires in the province and the city, Kamloops Fire Rescue recently added four new sprinklers aimed to help fight interface wildfires.

The Firebozz sprinklers are the most recent addition to Kamloops Fire Rescue's toolbox and were purchased to aid firefighters battling blazes in residential areas close to natural fuel sources with less manpower.

“We thought it was prudent that we acquire as much equipment as possible to make our jobs easier and to protect the citizens of Kamloops,” Assistant Chief Robb Schoular says.

Firefighters provided media personnel with a demonstration of the fire sprinklers today, July 25, at the Dufferin Wetlands. The equipment was acquired a month ago and crews have been training since to get more familiar with the sprinklers.

“Hopefully we won’t have to use it too often but we do need it available to us,” Schoular says. “We expect we will probably buy additional sprinkler units next season as well.”

The four sprinklers were approximately $3,800 each along with the additional hose and fittings bringing the total cost to approximately $20,000, he says. The units can be used on their own or in groups depending on the area.

The Firebozz sprinkler units were invented by Rod Szasz from Nanaimo and have been purchased by fire departments across the province.

A firefighter is seen adjusting a Firebozz sprinkler at a Kamloops Fire Rescue demonstration on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Dufferin Wetlands.
A firefighter is seen adjusting a Firebozz sprinkler at a Kamloops Fire Rescue demonstration on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Dufferin Wetlands.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Karen Edwards or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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News from © iNFOnews, 2019
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