The RainStream Fire Tower is designed to combat wildfires that threaten residential areas by harnessing wind direction.
(Video: Wildfire Innovations)
Produced by the Canadian company Wildfire Innovations Inc, the RainStream is a steel tower system that can be extended and laid horizontally on a trailer when not in use. The system can be transported to deployment sites, such as suburban areas near wildfires, using a one-ton pickup truck, as reported by New Atlas on November 12.
Upon arrival at the destination, the four stabilizing legs of the trailer are deployed, and the tower on the trailer is raised to a vertical position, extending to a maximum height of 30.5 meters. Ground crew members then pull hoses from a diesel-powered pump to a hydrant, lake, or water source.
Once the pump is activated, RainStream begins spraying water from the top of the tower in small droplets resembling rain. The nozzle can be adjusted to rotate 360 degrees while spraying or to spray in a single direction. In both cases, the water forms a mist that drifts and envelops the fire, helping to wet and cool vegetation and structures over an area ranging from 3.25 to 8 hectares, depending on wind direction. Installation takes less than 40 minutes with a two-person team, or 20 minutes with a four-person team. A full diesel tank can sustain system operation for up to 40 hours.
The RainStream system by Wildfire Innovations.
“The normal operating procedure is to position a RainStream unit near residential areas or essential infrastructure to create a water wall, providing a protective mist. However, it can be set up in any location at any time to assist firefighting efforts,” said Rolf Wenzel, CEO of Wildfire Innovations.
According to Wenzel, the company began producing the fire tower this year and will deliver it to customers in the spring of next year. An alternative version of the RainStream tower can be installed at wilderness cabins, oil filtration facilities, and can be activated remotely when needed.
