Dutch Fire Department Develops Innovative Sprinkler System to Combat Wildfires

The fire department in the small Dutch town of Kuinre has developed a clever new system to help contain large wildfires: a wet stop line using professional-grade sprinklers attached to fire hoses. The goal is a soaked barrier 500 meters long and 30 meters wide.

The idea came after a ranger visited the massive wildfire in Herkenbosch. "Fire is terrible for nature, but what the fire department has to do afterward to extinguish it is just as damaging," said forest ranger Harco Bergman. Wildfire suppression vehicles leave permanent tracks across the landscape. The wet stop line is laid out manually, leaving no trace whatsoever.

The system is designed to be effective against vegetation fires up to four meters high and can be deployed on difficult terrain. The Kuinre volunteer firefighters bring diverse professional backgrounds as farmers, conservationists, technicians, metalworkers and mechanics and their combined expertise went into the design.

The unit previously tested the mobile suppression system at the 't Harde artillery training ground, where heathland is deliberately burned during winter as a management measure. The final test is scheduled for Wednesday evening, simulating real-world conditions.

The system can also be used preventively around large campsites in natural areas. Given the major wildfire at 't Harde this past April, the military may deploy it downwind during field exercises. The system can be laid out flexibly in straight lines, angles or semicircles.