The Brief
- A company located in Wyoming has developed an advanced residential irrigation system designed to prevent wildfires.
- The outdoor sprinkler system for houses utilizes information from satellites, weather reports, and census data.
- The firm asserts that the technology monitors fires before embers have the chance to be carried over to your land.
BERKELEY, Calif.
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Following the aftermath of the L.A. wildfires, a company based in Wyoming has been inundated with inquiries from residents in California who are seeking an advanced solution to protect their homes from catching fire. This innovative approach essentially serves as the pinnacle form of fire protection.
Uninsured Californians
Similar to many California-based homeowners insured with State Farm, renowned landscape architect Doug Findlay and his spouse—who had been loyal clients for over thirty years—found themselves suddenly uninsured when it came to their Berkeley Hills residence. Despite being able to secure coverage from another provider but at a much higher cost, the couple felt compelled to seek additional options to protect their cherished home of nearly forty years against potential risks.
“I am securing the insurance company,” stated Mr. Findlay.
High-tech home sprinkler system
The Findlays opted for an external home sprinkler system provided by a firm named Frontline Wildfire Defense.
“The homeowner mentioned that this particular system essentially transforms the region surrounding their residence into something akin to a small rainforest.” Explained Harry Statter, CEO of Frontline Wildfire Defense, “It acts as a protective measure for your home, allowing you to stay safe from potential threats without compromising the defense of your property.”
It monitors fires well before wind-blown cinders, one of the primary causes, have a chance to reach your home.
“Data from satellites, including their imagery and weather information along with census details, helps us determine when to activate our irrigation systems to prevent wildfires,” explained Statter.
In just moments after activation, the system douses the exterior of a house with both water and Class-A, nontoxic fire-suppressant foam. “Get these materials saturated beforehand so that when embers arrive, they won’t be able to ignite anything because everything will be too damp,” explained the CEO.
Therefore, how long does wet remain wet? The mixture of water and foam can stay damp for as many as four days; well past when the fires have subsided.
Does it work?
By the numbers
The data from the latest L.A. wildfires demonstrate remarkable outcomes. According to Statter, out of the 61 systems installed in the Los Angeles region, within and near the affected areas, 59 of these residences were salvaged. “That’s quite favorable statistics,” commented homeowner Findlay.
The system can be activated by toggling a switch at your residence, using a smartphone application, or automatically triggering when hazardous fire conditions approach.
“Our days are a little calmer for now because we’re not waiting for some emergency text. That would tell us, ‘Get out. You gotta get out right now,'” said Findlay.
The cost
Fifteen-year funding options are offered for numerous home systems beginning at around $500 per month.
