Kamloops resident Curt Steeves built and installed a rooftop sprinkler in response to the Juniper Fire that threatened his community beginning of July.
Image Credit: Curt Steeves
August 01, 2021 - 3:30 PM
A Kamloops man has taken the initiative to better protect his home in response to increased interface wildfire activity and is hoping that others will follow his lead.
Curt Steeves has built and installed a rooftop sprinkler to fireproof his house that is backed by grasslands and forest, prompted by the Juniper Fire that threatened his community on July 1.
"We were one of several properties that were evacuated," he recalled of the Juniper Fire. "We set up sprinklers along our back fence line. We didn't suffer any damage but it made me think I should make more of an effort to make my home safe. There is more climate instability and more wildfire activity."
Steeves said his family is always prepared for fire evacuation and were able to leave the house quickly with essential belongings and key documents on July 1, but with nothing separating his property from forest fuel, he is willing to take extra precautionary measures. He said the components of the sprinkler are cheap and the installation only takes minutes.
"I think people should make responsible decisions for their investment," he said. "This is an easy one to make. Ensure your property is fire safe, that there is no fuel around your house and have your eaves cleaned at least once per year."
After spending some time searching various models of sprinklers, Steeves pieced his own together using a brass impact sprinkler head, PVC piping, a garden hose and a couple of gear clamps to hold it in place.
"There are cheap sprinkler options on the market starting at $65 and up to $300-plus," he said. "I didn't see anything on the market that suits the need for cheap roof sprinklers that are simple to install. I went to the hardware store and put the components together and popped it onto the roof. One sprinkler covers the whole roof, it is self draining and doesn't need to be taken down in the winter."
Steeves plans to market his model, saying the prototype is on his roof. He is hoping to have stock ready for people to purchase before the fire season next year.
The City of Logan Lake has been installing rooftop sprinkler systems since 2013.
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