Peat fire extinguishing system
The Problem
Peat fires are a major source of GHG and haze https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/gallery/firefighters-tackle-fire-marsden-moor-16129120 https://wildfiretoday.com/2015/07/07/leaf-blower-as-a-firefighting-tool/
Our Proposal
This proposal is a simple adaptation of existing tools to help firefighters in their difficult and dangerous task, suitable for burning moorland as well as peat fires such as those in the UK and Malaysia. Our proposal involves a leaf blower modified to also spray small amounts of water, connected via a short hose to a rolling barrel of water that improves transportability. A small pump/suction system draws off a trickle of water from the barrel and feeds it into the leaf blower nozzle, crearing a fine spray to damp down burning heather.
We Assume that...
Leaf blowers are readily available to fire crews
Using a water barrel will allow more fire to be tackled by taking more water into the area and using it more efficiently
A pair of firefighters can work together across an area, one handling the leaf blower and the other moving the barrel of water
Constraints to Overcome
Peat and moorland fires around the world are often difficult to put out because of poor accessibility and lack of water availability. In some parts of the world, leaf blowers are already used to help put out smouldering surface fires. When combined with a mobile source of water in a roll along barrel or similar container, the leaf blower will allow a pair of firefighters to tackle a larger area with a smaller volume of water per m2.
Current Work
Our trial work would be involve purchasing a petrol-driven leaf blower and adding a small screw-in spray connection to the blowing nozzle. We would attach a water hose to the adapted leaf blower and conduct trials, adjusting water flow and pressure to give a range of spray effects. These trials would be conducted against a thin layer of straw held in place by an iron grid. Batches of straw would be lit, and the effect of varying water flow strengths and pressures would be compared. Photos and videos would be taken to aid in comparison of the trial conditions. Once water addition rates are established, a water barrel and pump system can be explored. Extra fittings to consider include a hand brake on the handle for use on steep or rough ground. Our proposed trials could be conducted in an open area on a farm, and later with the assistance of the local fire brigade, or a fire R&D centre, such as one in Malaysia we already are in contact with.
Current Needs
We would need a leaf blower, a selection of potential fittings, a water supply, straw and an iron grid, a place to trial equipment, and contacts with a fire department who would help in our trials.