Forest fires pose a significant threat to communities, particularly when they approach residential areas. While rainfall can mitigate the risk by reducing the likelihood of flames reaching buildings, the absence of rain necessitates alternative protective measures. The RainStream tower, developed by Canadian company Wildfire Innovations Inc., offers a mobile forest-fire-fighting sprinkler system designed to address this critical need.
The RainStream tower is engineered as a telescoping steel structure that remains compact on an integrated trailer when not in use. This design allows it to be easily transported to deployment sites, such as the outskirts of towns adjacent to forested areas, using a standard 1-ton pickup truck. Upon arrival at the designated location, the setup process involves extending four stabilizing legs on the trailer and pivoting the tower vertically. The tower then extends to its full height of 100 feet (30.5 meters), positioning it effectively for firefighting operations.
Once deployed, the ground crew connects a hose from the tower’s diesel-powered pump to a nearby water source, such as a fire hydrant, lake, or river. After initiating the pump, the RainStream begins to spray water through its rotary-lawn-sprinkler-like “rain head” located at the top of the tower. This rain head can be adjusted to rotate 360 degrees, allowing for comprehensive coverage, or directed to spray water in a single direction based on the specific needs of the situation.
The resulting water spray creates a mist that cools and moistens the surrounding trees and buildings, thereby reducing the risk of fire spread. Depending on wind conditions, the mist can cover an area ranging from 8 to 20 acres (3.25 to 8 hectares). The setup process is efficient, taking just under 40 minutes with a two-person crew or approximately 20 minutes with four personnel. Additionally, a single tank of diesel fuel can support up to 40 hours of continuous operation, ensuring sustained firefighting efforts when needed.
Wildfire Innovations Inc. emphasizes the versatility of the RainStream tower in managing forest fires. “The normal operating procedure is to position a RainStream fleet upwind of communities or critical infrastructure to create a ‘Wall of Water’ and provide a protective mist,” explains Rolf Wenzel, CEO of Wildfire Innovations. “However, it can be placed in any location at any time to support firefighting efforts.”
The company is set to begin production of the RainStream towers this year, with deliveries planned for next spring in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition to the mobile version, Wildfire Innovations is developing a permanent version of the RainStream tower. This stationary model is intended for installation at strategic locations such as wilderness lodges, oil refineries, or ecologically sensitive areas. The permanent towers can be remotely activated, providing an additional layer of fire protection without the need for constant human presence.
Source: Wildfire Innovations Inc.
