Sprinklers are used to protect structures from wildfire during wildland-urban interface (WUI) events across Canada. Traditionally, standard forestry equipment has been used in conjunction with impact sprinklers. FPInnovations is reviewing common practices and equipment used during sprinkler deployments, in Canada, to determine if they are the most appropriate for community structure protection, or if alternative approaches should be considered.
This report includes a state-of-practice review of the pathways to structure ignition, a summary of the results of a national survey on the use of sprinklers in Canada, a review of standards and codes specific to the WUI that relate to the use of sprinklers, a review of commonly used equipment, the documentation of WUI case studies and observations that describe actual sprinkler deployments, and a discussion on best practices and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of sprinkler deployments.