Gary - Kudos to You having installed those 1.5” strategically placed lines etc. Clearly, Your experience and insight gained in the fire in 86 was & is a catalyst of inspiration and action. I wouldn’t be surprised if You are out furthering preparedness at this moment. Of course, be safe as possible ! We know how nature has a way of surprising people. The Best of Luck to You !
Thanks for the video. A couple thoughts: it is always quite possible, if not likely, that by the time the fire is to you water pressure on a municipal system is very low due to excessive usage. Once one house burns down on line, the water will be free-flowing. Multiply that by several houses, add fire department usage, and other homeowners intentionally running as much water as possible, and you have a distinct possibility of very low pressure. Running your two hoses was already at the limit of this system. If you figure that you could have serious winds coming toward you, you may be unable to project water anywhere near the fire. Here in SOCAL the 'Santa Ana' winds can be 50 or more MPH, and the stronger the winds, the more likely it is for you to need a firehose. Since I think I saw a pool in the photo of your house, I would have a dedicated fire pump that can suction out of the pool in an emergency. It could also be placed at one of your 1-1/2" line locations and feed with city water at whatever pressure, but boosted to give you great range. These pumps can be had for well under $1000, which is not much compared to what you have invested in the current system, and of course the home. The downside is that you will HAVE to maintain it, at least running it occasionally, ideally running it out of fuel to keep the carb from going bad, and of course keep and maintain a supply of fresh fuel. I like to rotate mine: fill the cans with premium, add Stabil. After a year or so, what I haven't run through the lawnmower goes into my commuter car and replaced. The quick disconnect fittings are less than $20 each fitting, and could make a big difference when time really matters. Putting a valve on that one supply point was wise: everything will need to happen very quickly and you may not have help to go and turn water on and off. For those of you on wells, keep in mind that the electricity will likely be OFF for any fire of significance. Do NOT count on your pump working through a fire. Have a back-up way to supply water to everything that might need it. Like all other things in this video and my comment, TEST before you need it and maintain everything as if your life depends on it, it might! For a property like yours, with a wooded hill beneath it, you could always have some premade impact-sprinklers on stands deployed in that grove of trees. Once the fire is coming towards you, you then roll out the 3/4" hose and hook them up and then they are ready to put the water where you need it most without you being there. Having them on separate hoses/valves gives you the ability to target different areas. This is not a perfect system, but gives a lot of protection for not a lot of money, and most importantly puts water UPWIND. Wetting ahead of time I think would have minimum impact, at least where I am, as the hot, dry, extreme winds will dry everything but the ground before the fire is even there. Lastly, just because you got away with firefighting in short last time does NOT mean that is what you should plan on in the future. Firefighters must upgrade their gear from time to time, and the old stuff can be had on eBay pretty reasonably. Good boots, Nomex pants and jacket, leather gloves, and a face shield/googles would be my minimum. For EVERY person that will stay through the fire. I would also plan on an easy and quick way to hydrate and maybe even snack: you could be out there for hours waiting and fighting, doing a lot of running from place to place. Since this video is now 4 years old, perhaps you have made significant gains in your fire preparedness. You obviously are the type of person to take the time and effort ahead of time, which most are not. Good for you for being prepared, and taking the time to make this video for us to help others be prepared.
Yes, it’s all about degrees of protection. My pool is substantially higher in grade than my most likely downslope fire approach so I think at a minimum what I might do is put in a diverter valve at our pool equipment, which is at about 7 feet below water level, and hook it into my 1.5 inch distribution line as the lower tap points are probably 25 feet below the pool which would give me about 10 or 11 pounds of pressure and more so if I drag the hose down the hill. It would take very little to set that up. When I saved my mom‘s house, the pressure immediately dropped down very low because of all the reasons you mentioned, but then the fire chief called in to the water company right in front of me to increase pressure and within about two minutes the pressure was up again, so they do have some ways of managing that. But those are all great ideas and thanks for all the info
@@ScaryHairyGary This would give you great flow, but in no way would I count on having enough pressure to project water into the wind. Also keep in mind that hooking the pool to something that is hooked to city water would probably be against code, for backflow reasons.
Seems like a defensible location. However, how does water get to your house? If it’s dependent on a distant pumping station it may not be running when you need it most.
We’ve got a ways to go before our winter rains. Hopefully this fire season won’t get worse. Unfortunately, with our changing climate the fire season is becoming a year round thing. Bummer. We don’t need another Berkeley Hills type fire event. Great to see your young women earning their keep. That hose set up is swell. If your property is threatened by a burn, wet it down and GET THE HECK OUT ! Even professional firefighters get injured and sometimes perish in very unpredictable wildfires.
All them leaves tightly paced shrubs would scare the crap out of me, my homes here in California are loosing their insurance so been buying up fire fighting tools built a 70 by 20 pound holds a lot of water got water tanks 2000 plus gallons each not planning on leaving if fire comes, have family set to leave but us men of the house will stay and fight . fire hose nozzle i just got doesn't shoot as well as yours just ordered another. moving them hoses full of water is hard.
Bobby, What are you using to boost your water pressure? Like above “Defensible Space” the proper gear and a safety zone. A small concrete building might help. Be sure to watch the PBS video on the Paradise fire. It’s an eye opener.
Fire comes through and you won’t be able to breath with all the smoke. Fire also consumes the oxygen in the air I think. If I lived in an area like that I would also build a fire safe cool room with breathing apparatus in it.
It all depends on how severe the fire is as I’ve been in one before and there can come a point where you just need to get up and run. Recognizing that moment if it comes is the most important thing you’ll ever do.
@@ScaryHairyGary Yes but there needs to be somewhere to run to. Some years ago there was a terrible bushfire nearby that completely wiped out the town. About 140 people died. They had nowhere to run to. Some died in the flames, most from smoke, and oxygen deprivation.
Gary - Kudos to You having installed those 1.5” strategically placed lines etc. Clearly, Your experience and insight gained in the fire in 86 was & is a catalyst of inspiration and action. I wouldn’t be surprised if You are out furthering preparedness at this moment. Of course, be safe as possible ! We know how nature has a way of surprising people. The Best of Luck to You !
Thanks for the video.
A couple thoughts: it is always quite possible, if not likely, that by the time the fire is to you water pressure on a municipal system is very low due to excessive usage. Once one house burns down on line, the water will be free-flowing. Multiply that by several houses, add fire department usage, and other homeowners intentionally running as much water as possible, and you have a distinct possibility of very low pressure. Running your two hoses was already at the limit of this system. If you figure that you could have serious winds coming toward you, you may be unable to project water anywhere near the fire. Here in SOCAL the 'Santa Ana' winds can be 50 or more MPH, and the stronger the winds, the more likely it is for you to need a firehose.
Since I think I saw a pool in the photo of your house, I would have a dedicated fire pump that can suction out of the pool in an emergency. It could also be placed at one of your 1-1/2" line locations and feed with city water at whatever pressure, but boosted to give you great range. These pumps can be had for well under $1000, which is not much compared to what you have invested in the current system, and of course the home. The downside is that you will HAVE to maintain it, at least running it occasionally, ideally running it out of fuel to keep the carb from going bad, and of course keep and maintain a supply of fresh fuel. I like to rotate mine: fill the cans with premium, add Stabil. After a year or so, what I haven't run through the lawnmower goes into my commuter car and replaced. The quick disconnect fittings are less than $20 each fitting, and could make a big difference when time really matters. Putting a valve on that one supply point was wise: everything will need to happen very quickly and you may not have help to go and turn water on and off.
For those of you on wells, keep in mind that the electricity will likely be OFF for any fire of significance. Do NOT count on your pump working through a fire. Have a back-up way to supply water to everything that might need it. Like all other things in this video and my comment, TEST before you need it and maintain everything as if your life depends on it, it might!
For a property like yours, with a wooded hill beneath it, you could always have some premade impact-sprinklers on stands deployed in that grove of trees. Once the fire is coming towards you, you then roll out the 3/4" hose and hook them up and then they are ready to put the water where you need it most without you being there. Having them on separate hoses/valves gives you the ability to target different areas. This is not a perfect system, but gives a lot of protection for not a lot of money, and most importantly puts water UPWIND. Wetting ahead of time I think would have minimum impact, at least where I am, as the hot, dry, extreme winds will dry everything but the ground before the fire is even there.
Lastly, just because you got away with firefighting in short last time does NOT mean that is what you should plan on in the future. Firefighters must upgrade their gear from time to time, and the old stuff can be had on eBay pretty reasonably. Good boots, Nomex pants and jacket, leather gloves, and a face shield/googles would be my minimum. For EVERY person that will stay through the fire. I would also plan on an easy and quick way to hydrate and maybe even snack: you could be out there for hours waiting and fighting, doing a lot of running from place to place.
Since this video is now 4 years old, perhaps you have made significant gains in your fire preparedness. You obviously are the type of person to take the time and effort ahead of time, which most are not. Good for you for being prepared, and taking the time to make this video for us to help others be prepared.
Yes, it’s all about degrees of protection. My pool is substantially higher in grade than my most likely downslope fire approach so I think at a minimum what I might do is put in a diverter valve at our pool equipment, which is at about 7 feet below water level, and hook it into my 1.5 inch distribution line as the lower tap points are probably 25 feet below the pool which would give me about 10 or 11 pounds of pressure and more so if I drag the hose down the hill. It would take very little to set that up. When I saved my mom‘s house, the pressure immediately dropped down very low because of all the reasons you mentioned, but then the fire chief called in to the water company right in front of me to increase pressure and within about two minutes the pressure was up again, so they do have some ways of managing that. But those are all great ideas and thanks for all the info
@@ScaryHairyGary This would give you great flow, but in no way would I count on having enough pressure to project water into the wind.
Also keep in mind that hooking the pool to something that is hooked to city water would probably be against code, for backflow reasons.
Fyi if you rake the dry leafs and dry brush it will help also water shrub year round so its not dry
Be safe Gary. Good luck and I hope the fires are a non-issue on your property
My family and I watched this together, our thoughts are with you!
Seems like a defensible location. However, how does water get to your house? If it’s dependent on a distant pumping station it may not be running when you need it most.
We’ve got a ways to go before our winter rains. Hopefully this fire season won’t get worse. Unfortunately, with our changing climate the fire season is becoming a year round thing. Bummer. We don’t need another Berkeley Hills type fire event. Great to see your young women earning their keep. That hose set up is swell. If your property is threatened by a burn, wet it down and GET THE HECK OUT ! Even professional firefighters get injured and sometimes perish in very unpredictable wildfires.
Well prepared with an Awesome Fire Crew..No worries!
get double jacket fire hose.
it may last longer than the hose you are using now.
Best of luck to you and your family. Hopefully this is just a good training exercise
dem 1 1/2" jose look wonderful eith the big pipe !
Interesting vid!
All them leaves tightly paced shrubs would scare the crap out of me, my homes here in California are loosing their insurance so been buying up fire fighting tools built a 70 by 20 pound holds a lot of water got water tanks 2000 plus gallons each not planning on leaving if fire comes, have family set to leave but us men of the house will stay and fight . fire hose nozzle i just got doesn't shoot as well as yours just ordered another. moving them hoses full of water is hard.
Bobby, What are you using to boost your water pressure? Like above “Defensible Space” the proper gear and a safety zone. A small concrete building might help. Be sure to watch the PBS video on the Paradise fire. It’s an eye opener.
If you have enough warning set up sprinkles and run them for hours..
I’m curious if that’s a 75 gpm nozzle, and what psi that flow is running at?
Awesome work getting that setup!
Probably 50 plus or minus.
Fire comes through and you won’t be able to breath with all the smoke. Fire also consumes the oxygen in the air I think. If I lived in an area like that I would also build a fire safe cool room with breathing apparatus in it.
It all depends on how severe the fire is as I’ve been in one before and there can come a point where you just need to get up and run. Recognizing that moment if it comes is the most important thing you’ll ever do.
@@ScaryHairyGary Yes but there needs to be somewhere to run to. Some years ago there was a terrible bushfire nearby that completely wiped out the town. About 140 people died. They had nowhere to run to. Some died in the flames, most from smoke, and oxygen deprivation.
What ever you do, just don't run out of mains water! What about that expensive wrapping that protects the houses?
Budddyyyyyyy you need to install new wire and new connections where that rats nest was lol
Fingers crossed for you, and your property 🤞
No wonders houses are burning down in cali. All that fuel right next to the house, and on your escape route out.
Yes, I could just have a 100 yard perimeter of just gravel all around the house but I do like to live on the edge. Just to keep things exciting.
Get a better nozzle, preferably a smooth bore
What rhymes with fire hose…..?
I’m so evil……sorry.
Ayy epic day brother