Seven Key Types Of Firefighting Equipment For Farms

Machinery used for agriculture or recreation on a farm can unintentionally spark a fire on the property, and you'll need to be prepared to put it out before things escalate. With that in mind, we've put together this quick list of firefighting equipment for farms to help you ensure that you can swiftly fix the problem if anything goes wrong.

1. Firefighting Pumps

First on the list we have firefighting pumps. Essential for getting water to any fires that may start, and providing appropriate pressure and flow to put them out, firefighting pumps are a key piece of equipment for any farm. Your local Irrigear Independent Experts will be able to help you determine the right pump for your needs.

2. Portable Water Storage

A fire can start anywhere on the property, and you won't necessarily have easy access to a dam or standard tank to pull water from. For this reason, portable water storage is an absolute must.

The simplest way to achieve this is to have a small tank setup in the back of a ute, so you can jump in and take the water to the fire. This eliminates the delay that comes from having to pump water from a significant distance away, therefore helping your pump perform better and saving you precious time which could be the difference between putting a fire out before it becomes a problem, and having to switch to full emergency mode.

This type of setup, sometimes referred to as a portable fire unit, will often also house your firefighting pump as well as any other equipment needed.

3. Hoses, Fittings And Reels

Having the water and a means to move it means nothing if you haven't got quality hoses and the required fittings. The type of hose, fittings and reels that you'll need for firefighting are completely different to those you'd use in the garden, so don't rely on what's already available. Your local Irrigear Independent Experts can specify the right hoses and connectors to suit your pump and needs, so be sure to have a chat with them when designing your farm firefighting system.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You're probably not going to have time for a full outfit change before attempting to put out any fires that start, but that doesn't mean you can't still be prepared. Keeping outer clothing that is made from naturally fire resistant materials easily available can go a long way toward preventing injuries while looking after your farm. You'll also want to keep gloves and safety glasses in the ute and potentially also a mask or at least something to wrap around your face to help reduce the dangers of smoke inhalation.

Although not a preventative measure, a well stocked first aid kit should also be available within your farm firefighting equipment stock as injuries while fighting fire are quite common. This helps ensure any injuries you do acquire receive immediate attention, which can hopefully reduce the severity.

5. Shovel And Rake

Being able to relocate or suffocate any debris that starts to catch alight will be incredibly helpful in your firefighting efforts. Additionally, your shovel and rake can play a role in containment of a fire that has broken out.

6. Fire Extinguisher

Spot fires can sometimes put out with a quick blast from a fire extinguisher, and some varieties of fire will actually require suppression from an extinguisher rather than water due to their type. You may need more than one type of fire extinguisher depending on the potential causes of fire on your farm, so it is recommended to double check with your local fire authorities in order to ensure you’re properly equipped.

7. Spare Fuel

Finally, running out of fuel on your way to deal with (or worse, while you're running away from) a fire can have significant consequences. Keep some clearly labelled spare fuel easily accessible at all times. Bonus points here if you've got both a diesel ute and a diesel generator, as you'll be able to use the fuel across both if needed.

Firefighting equipment for farms is very similar to that which would be used in an emergency bushfire situation. It's also just as vital and requires the same level of care both when selecting, and when maintaining your equipment. Your local Irrigear Independent Experts can assist you in finding the right farm firefighting equipment and advise as to what checks and maintenance should be regularly performed, so head on down to get set up.