Utilizing a leaf blower as an effective firefighting tool

In South Africa, dry and windy veld conditions can create the perfect environment for runaway veld fires. It is imperative for those living in rural and grassland areas to create firebreaks to help stop the spread of veld fires. While leaf blowers are commonly associated with yard maintenance, these blowers can also serve as a valuable asset in combating grass field fires. In this article, we will look at the techniques to harness the power of a leaf blower to safely burn fire breaks and fight runaway veld fires.

Before employing a leaf blower as a firefighting tool, it is important to ensure you have the necessary protective gear, including fire-resistant clothing, gloves, goggles and a dust mask. The goggles are one of the most important pieces of equipment here as you will be blowing onto burning matter which might create embers blowing around which can land in, and damage your eyes.

Burning a firebreak with your leaf blower

Before initiating any fire break burning, carefully evaluate the area and understand the potential fire risks. Keep in mind the vegetation density and prevailing wind direction. Clear the perimeter by removing any combustible materials such as loose dry grass, leaves, branches and any other combustible materials within the desired fire break area. Direct the airflow from the leaf blower towards the ground, systematically blowing away debris to create a cleared path before you burn the fire break.

Ensure that the fire break is wide enough to impede a veld fire’s progress. A minimum width of 3.5 meters is generally recommended, but adjust this based on your local fire conditions and regulations.

Fighting the fire

Position yourself upwind of the fire and aim the nozzle of the leaf blower toward the flames. By blowing air from this direction, you can help control its spread and push it away from the desired areas. As a rule of thumb, always blow the air towards the blackened area of the fire break and blow loose, still burning materials into the black as well.

The powerful wind force created by the leaf blower can smother the fire. This technique involves directing the airflow toward the base of the fire, aiming to disrupt the oxygen supply and deprive the flames of fuel, effectively smothering the fire.

Be very careful though - the blower can also be used to accelerate the rate at which something burns. If there is a patch of denser vegetation that will smoulder for a long time instead of burning away immediately, you can use your leaf blower to accelerate the rate at which the material burns.

Please keep in mind that leaf blowers are less effective in fires with tall and hot flames as it does not have the reach that a firefighting skid unit and hoses would have and puts the user in more danger as you have to get closer to the fire to blow it out.

Stay vigilant even after the fire has been extinguished.

Once a fire is under control or extinguished, continue to monitor the area for any potential flare-ups or hot spots. Use the leaf blower to blow cool air into smouldering areas, aiding in the cooling process and preventing reignition.

When used in conjunction with other firefighting measures, a leaf blower can be an effective tool for combating grass field fires. Remember, your safety should be the top priority. If the fire is large and spreading rapidly it is best to use a combination of fire hoses, water pumps and fire beaters to extinguish the fire.

Always contact your local authorities or fire brigades to find out the rules and regulations of burning fire breaks and when a runaway veld fire breaks out, always call your neighbours, local fire station or fire brigade for help before attempting to fight the fire on your own.

By following the outlined steps and coordinating your efforts with the fire departments and brigades around you, you can help protect your surroundings and mitigate the impact of grass field or veld fires.