Kamloops buys four huge sprinklers to help fight interface wildfires

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.

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