According to the International Association of Wildland Fire, unwanted wildfires
across South and Southern Africa have surged in both number and intensity over
recent years. Many have been major or catastrophic. So when you live in South
Africa, you make a plan. You have to. Because, whether sparked by nature's
hand or human carelessness, wildfires don't ask permission; they take what they
want.
And like the rest of the world, climate change has become a key driver in
increasing wildfire risk and devastation. “Fire season has become fire year,” says
Charles Henderson, Business Development Manager at Husqvarna South Africa.
“The flames aren’t sticking to the calendar anymore. Fires are flaring up earlier,
burning hotter, and lasting longer. We can no longer rely on seasonal patterns.
Wildfire preparedness is now a year-round necessity."
That’s where a water pump proves its worth. “In a fire, every second matters. If
you have access to an alternative water source, a portable water pump allows
you to create a wet buffer zone around your home or infrastructure,” explains
Henderson. Why? “Because water-soaked ground doesn’t burn.”
He shares how to use a water pump to saturate the ground and help protect your
home in the event of a wildfire:
1. Identify a water source
Confirm both the source and the availability of the water you’ll need, whether
it’s a dam, river, borehole, or JoJo tank and ensure it availability when
needed.
2. Position your water pump near the source
Secure the intake hose in the water source, keeping it submerged but off the
bottom to avoid mud and debris. Use a strainer to prevent blockages.
3. Connect the discharge hose
Connect the discharge hose to the pump outlet and position it strategically to
reach all areas requiring protection.
4. Start the pump
Keep your water pump fuelled and ready at all times. Pull-start or switch it
on and let it run briefly to ensure a strong flow.
5. Create a wide buffer zone around your home
Spray the ground around your house, outbuildings, and any wooden
structures. Create a wet zone at least 10 metres wide. Focus on:
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Dry grass
Wooden decks
Timber fences
Roof edges and eaves
Wet ground is far less likely to ignite from embers or heat.
6. Soak down nearby vegetation
If time permits, douse any nearby vegetation that could carry fire to
buildings. Don’t try to clear it during an active blaze; just drench it.
7. Keep soaking as the fire approaches
Maintain the buffer zone. One person can redirect the hoses as needed
while another monitors the pump and refuels when necessary.
8. Be ready to evacuate
Always put safety first. Alert emergency services, and if conditions become
too dangerous, evacuate! Lives matter more than property.
But domestic firefighting isn’t the only reason to invest in a water pump. It’s one
of the most versatile tools for landowners and farmers.
Henderson shares a few unexpected but practical uses:
1. Draining floodwater
Some areas, particularly KwaZulu-Natal, have periodically experienced
devastating floods, causing severe damage. Water pumps are invaluable in
these situations, helping to remove water and prevent erosion, property
damage, and rot.
2. Irrigating crops during water shortages
Many regions face ongoing water supply challenges, with outages lasting
days. Water pumps offer a reliable solution, drawing from tanks, dams, rivers,
or boreholes to keep crops irrigated and livestock watered
3. Emergency backup during power outages
When power cuts hit, electric pumps fail and water flow stops. A fuel-powered
pump keeps water moving, ensuring critical farm operations continue. For
farmers and landowners, having a water pump that runs independently of the
grid means you’re not left high and dry when the lights go out – literally.
“A dependable fuel-powered water pump has become an essential tool for
farmers, given the unpredictability of power and water supply, as well as shifting
weather patterns. And, once you experience the freedom and control it offers,
you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it,” concludes Henderson.
For more information about Husqvarna’s range of water pumps and other power
tools, please visit https://www.husqvarna.com/za/
ENDS
WORDS: 700
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Source: https://www.iawfonline.org/article/situation-report-south-africa/
Press Release Disseminated on Behalf of:
Timothy Isabirye
Marketing Manager: Husqvarna South Africa
Disseminated by:
Thulisile Mhlongo
PR Account Executive: Say Watt
071 326 9830
About Husqvarna
Husqvarna, a brand within Husqvarna Group, is a market leader in innovative and high-
quality products and services for shaping green spaces in parks, forests and gardens.
Since 1689, Swedish-born Husqvarna has had a strong focus on research and
development and is a pioneer in robotic lawn mowers and chainsaws. Today, the
product portfolio consists of the next generation of robotic mowers, riders, chainsaws
and trimmers for professional as well as private use. Sustainable value creation, product
innovation and digitalisation remain important for the journey ahead. Husqvarna
products are sold in more than 100 countries. Husqvarna Group, which also includes
Gardena and Husqvarna Construction, has 13,300 employees in 40 countries around
the world and net sales in 2024 amounted to SEK 48,4 billion. Husqvarna Group is listed
on Nasdaq Stockholm.