Frequently Asked Questions

It is where the forest lands meet structural development, an area that is physically expanding as our urban centers sprawl and an area that requires increasing diligence in order to maintain the safety if its dwellers and to protect the natural habitats.

What is “Initial Attack”?

Initial Attack essentially means, the action taken by the owner or occupants of a home to quickly respond to a fire with appropriate “Standby Fire Fighting Equipment”, whether natural or human caused until the professional fire fighter arrives. A professional fire fighter could mean a local Fire Department or members of the Ministry of Forests and Range-Protection Branch or both.

Fire can strike anywhere at anytime, day or night.

Who is responsible for protecting my family and property from fire?

“You are”- While “Initial Attack” is everyone’s responsibility, there are a number of initiatives that can be adopted to help minimize the risks associated with household fires both internally and externally.

IAFS can assist you in developing your fire protection strategy.

Do I need home fire protection equipment?

"Yes"—If you live in the "Wildland Rural & Urban Interface" or any area that may be prone to fire such as: Heavy Brush & Shrubs, Trees, Forest Lands, Pine Beetle Stands, Range Lands or live in anyone of these types of dwellings: Home, Cottage, Cabin, Resort, Mobile Home Park, Farm and Ranch; all are at risk.

Who can I call to get help in evaluating my property for the type of equipment I should have?

IAFS can help you to choose the right type of Fire Equipment suitable for your particular needs and budget.

What type of fire pump should I choose?

"High Pressure" Fire Pumps are designed to push water higher and further using less water for a longer period of time.

"Volume Pumps" will deliver more water faster with less pressure, less distance at less elevation.

Volume Pumps are not recommended for Initial Attack Fire fighting purposes.

Choosing the right "Fire Pump" can help make a real difference in minimizing human injury and loss of personal property.

Why do fire pumps cost more than other types of water pumps?

"High Pressure" Fire Pumps are engineered and manufactured to exacting standards and pumping specifications that meet as particular need such as: applications where "Elevation – Distance – Water Pressure - Water Conservation & Pump Mobility (weight)" is required.

The costs to produce High Pressure Pumps that include these important elements are higher than Volume Pumps that are mass produced and don’t measure up to most if not all fire fighting applications.

What type of fire hose should I choose?

There are many types fire hose that can be used such as: Synthetic, Vinyl, Linen, Weeping & Non Weeping, Lined & Un-Lined etc. However, for most applications a good grade of Synthetic Non-Weeping hose c/w Quick Quarter Turn Couplings and or GHT (Garden Hose Thread) couplings will suffice.

It is important to note that choosing a fire hose is not a difficult thing to do as long as your selection is based upon how you will store the hose, hose quality, hose size, friction loss (psi), hose pressure rating, hose length and hose coupling compatibility is considered.

Matching your hose selection to your pump will produce the best possible outcome, that is to say – "Performance delivered at the end of the Nozzle"

Do I need a "Roof Top Sprinkler System" and or "Ground Area Sprinkler System"?

Most likely the answer is yes if you live in the Wildland Rural & Urban Interface.

Roof Top Sprinkler Systems and Ground Area Sprinkler Systems have been successfully used as a fire fighting tools to mitigate fire damage to the home and property.

Check out "Why Sprinkler Systems"— Click on Products on this web site.

Should my fire equipment be compatible with my local fire responder and the Forest Service - Protection Branch?

Yes, wherever possible. When fire equipment is stretched to the limits, it’s a good thing to have your fire equipment compatible with theirs; after all it’s your house and property they may be saving when you and your family have been evacuated from the area.

Will a co-op purchase arrangement with my immediate neighbours be an effective strategy towards fire protection?

Most definitely, just as long as all parties are well versed in the operation of the equipment and have unimpeded access to it when needed. Besides most joint ventures such as this helps to keep the initial acquisition costs and occasional equipment upgrades down.

It’s a Win–Win situation.

How often should I test and practice using my fire equipment?

At least every three weeks during the “Fire Season” and every six weeks in the “Off Season” or sooner depending upon your own particular needs.

Training is a good thing.

Can I use my fire equipment for other purposes?

Yes, your equipment can be used for a variety of applications such as: Cleaning your Roof & Eaves, Driveways, Boat Docks, Sheds, Home and anything else that could help reduce fire hazards around your property.

Where should I store my fire equipment?

All emergency fire equipment should be stored together in a clean dry easy to get to area and protected from the elements such as water, snow, ice, rodents etc.

How do I maintain my "Fire Pump"?

First, consult your maintenance manual to see what maintenance and storage requirements are recommended, then decide whether to do your own maintenance or seek the services of a local small engine Service & Repair facility. Either way Fire Pump maintenance should be completed as per your maintenance manual.

Can I get a discount from my Insurance Company if I have stand-by fire equipment?

In many cases "Standby Fire Equipment" Insurance discounts may available and should be looked into. Every dollar saved helps to reduce the overall purchase price of your fire equipment for several years.

FAQ printout in pdf