Fire pumps are indispensable tools for rural landowners in Australia, where bushfires remain a persistent threat. Whether you need to defend your home, protect livestock, or simply be prepared for an emergency, the right fire pump can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the core factors to consider—ranging from fire risks and water sources to pump power and maintenance.
By the end, you'll be ready to select and operate a petrol fire pump (6.5HP, 7HP twin impeller, or single impeller) to safeguard your property.
Why Fire Pumps Are Essential for Rural Landowners
In many rural areas, mains water pressure is inadequate—or sometimes nonexistent. Accessing alternative sources such as dams, tanks, rivers, or creeks is crucial during a bushfire or other emergency. This is where portable fire pumps come in:
Bushfire Defense
A well-positioned fire pump lets you draft water and rapidly direct it onto spot fires, ember attacks, or around structures, providing a crucial line of defense before help arrives.
Property & Livestock Protection
Beyond suppressing fires, a fire pump can help you create wetlines around paddocks, sheds, and stables, making it easier to keep flammable areas damp during high-risk days.
General Water Transfer
Even outside of emergency scenarios, rural property owners often need to transfer large volumes of water between tanks or irrigate fields—jobs that a sturdy petrol pump can handle efficiently.
Australia's Bushfire Landscape: Quick Facts
- Frequent Bushfires: Australia experiences tens of thousands of bushfires each year, especially during hot, dry summers.
- Widespread Damage: Events like the 2019–2020 Black Summer show how devastating bushfires can be, burning millions of hectares of land.
- Local Regulations: While commercial fire systems must follow strict building codes (e.g., AS 2941), rural landowners often have fewer regulations. However, it's still essential to comply with basic safety guidelines and maintain your pump properly.
Commercial vs. Landowner Fire Pumps: Key Differences
1. Scale and Application
Commercial: Designed for large buildings, industrial sites, or infrastructure. Often integrated into complex sprinkler/hydrant networks requiring high flow rates and high pressure.
Landowner: Smaller, portable petrol-driven pumps (commonly 6.5HP or 7HP). Meant for direct water application, property protection, and drafting from creeks or dams.
2. Power Source
Commercial: Often electric or diesel-driven, with built-in backup power systems.
Landowner: Typically petrol engines—easy to refuel and maintain off-grid.
3. Flow Rate and Pressure
Commercial: Can push thousands of liters per minute and maintain very high pressures to support sprinkler systems in large structures.
Landowner: A more moderate flow rate (typically 400-700 LPM for 7HP models), but still high enough pressure for spot fire control and wetting down structures.
4. Installation and Setup
Commercial: Permanently installed with extensive piping, control panels, and specialized plumbing.
Landowner: Portable and simple. Minimal setup—connect the suction and discharge hoses, prime the pump, and you're ready to go.
5. Regulations
Commercial: Governed by strict standards (e.g., NFPA 20, AS 2941), frequent inspections, mandatory design approvals.
Landowner: Less formal regulation. However, recommended best practices still apply, such as regular testing, maintenance, and safe operation.
Types of Fire Pumps Available at Jono & Johno
Based on our current inventory, we offer several fire pump options specifically suited for rural Australian conditions:
Twin Impeller Recoil Start Models (7HP)
- Advantages: Higher pressure output, excellent for reaching distant areas or elevated structures
- Flow Rate: Approximately 500-650 LPM
- Suction Lift: Up to 8 meters
- Discharge Head: Up to 65 meters
- Ideal Use: Property defense requiring higher pressure spray
Single Impeller Recoil Start Models (7HP)
- Advantages: Good balance of flow and pressure, reliable performance
- Flow Rate: Approximately 650-750 LPM
- Suction Lift: Up to 7 meters
- Discharge Head: Up to 35 meters
- Ideal Use: General firefighting and water transfer tasks
6.5HP Fire Pumps
- Advantages: Lightweight, fuel-efficient, easy to transport
- Flow Rate: Approximately 400-500 LPM
- Suction Lift: Up to 6 meters
- Discharge Head: Up to 30 meters
- Ideal Use: Smaller properties or as a secondary pump
Electric Start Models
- Advantages: Easy starting even for those with limited strength
- Fuel Consumption: 1.5-2.5L per hour under load
- Ideal Use: Situations where quick deployment is essential
Pro Tip: For most landowners in the Warracknabeal area and surrounds, our 7HP twin impeller models provide the best combination of pressure and flow for bushfire protection, particularly for properties with slopes or larger areas to defend.
Critical Factors in Selecting a Rural Fire Pump
Assess Fire Risks on Your Property
- Consider vegetation density, proximity to bushland, typical wind patterns, and structures that could be vulnerable to embers.
- If you store fuel or chemicals, your risk level is higher, necessitating a more powerful and reliable pump.
Check Water Availability
- Identify where you'll source water during an emergency (dam, creek, water tank, reservoir).
- Evaluate suction lift requirements—if your water source is significantly lower than your pump's placement, you'll need a model built for higher lifts (our twin impeller models can achieve up to 8m of suction lift).
Determine Pressure and Flow Needs
- Look for a liters-per-minute (LPM) rating high enough to supply the hoses and nozzles you plan to use.
- Aim for high discharge pressure (psi) if you need to spray water onto high or hard-to-reach areas, like barn roofs or tall vegetation.
Choose the Right Engine Power
- 7HP engines provide excellent performance for most rural properties in Victoria.
- Consider an electric start model for faster deployment or if manual starting is difficult.
Hose Compatibility
- Our pumps come with standard 1.5" and 2" BSP threaded inlet/outlet ports.
- We recommend 38mm (1.5") firefighting hoses for better mobility and 50mm (2") suction hoses for optimal water flow.
- Remember that hose length affects pressure—longer hoses result in greater pressure loss.
Portability Requirements
- Our firefighting kits come with frames and handles for easier transport.
- Consider weight (our 7HP models typically weigh 26-30kg without water).
Fuel Efficiency
- Our 7HP engines typically run for 2-3 hours on a full tank under load.
- Keep spare fuel stored safely nearby during high fire danger periods.
Practical Tips for Operating a Rural Fire Pump
Select a Stable Setup Location
- Position the pump on level ground close to the water source. Avoid placing it in muddy or sloping areas that could become dangerous under high water flow.
Prime the Pump
- Most portable pumps require manual priming. Fill the pump casing with water and ensure tight connections on the suction hose to avoid air pockets.
- Our twin impeller models have self-priming capabilities but still require initial priming for optimal performance.
Use Appropriate Hoses
- Keep a dedicated firefighting hose that's long enough to reach around your primary structures.
- Our recommendation: 30m of 38mm (1.5") firefighting hose for most properties.
- For suction, use rigid suction hose with a strainer to prevent debris from entering the pump.
Monitor Fuel and Engine Temperature
- Store extra fuel safely and away from flammable materials.
- During operation, periodically check the engine temperature and never refuel a hot or running engine.
Deploy Strategically for Livestock Protection
- Create a wetted perimeter around animal enclosures.
- Keep spare hoses ready to redirect water to different areas as needed.
- Pre-position water tanks near livestock areas during high fire risk days.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Pump Ready Year-Round
Regular Inspection
- Check for oil leaks, loose bolts, or damaged hoses monthly.
- Verify spark plug condition and clean/replace the air filter as recommended.
- Ensure all seals and gaskets remain in good condition to maintain suction capability.
Off-Season Storage
- Run the engine dry of fuel or use a stabilizer to prevent blockages in the carburetor.
- Store the pump in a dry, sheltered place to avoid rust or dust buildup.
Routine Test Runs
- Test the pump at least once a month to ensure it primes correctly and maintains the necessary pressure.
- Running it briefly with a small amount of water helps lubricate seals and internal components.
Spare Parts Availability
- All spare parts for our Jono & Johno fire pumps are readily available through our store.
- Keep extra spark plugs, a spare recoil starter, and recommended hoses or fittings in case of emergency repairs.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Bushfires can escalate quickly, leaving little time to gather equipment or make last-minute decisions. Having a reliable fire pump on-site—and knowing how to use it effectively—can buy you that crucial window to protect your property and loved ones.
- Know Your Risks: Each property is unique; assess your terrain, vegetation, and wind patterns.
- Plan Your Water Sources: Identify dams, tanks, or other reservoirs from which to draft water.
- Choose the Right Pump: Our 7HP twin impeller fire pumps offer excellent performance for most landowners seeking both portability and power.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local fire danger ratings and follow evacuation orders or warnings from authorities (like the CFA).
- Practice and Maintain: Run your pump regularly, store it properly, and ensure you have the right nozzles and hoses for quick deployment.
By investing in a suitable petrol fire pump from Jono & Johno and following these guidelines, you'll be better equipped to face Australia's challenging bushfire conditions in 2025 and beyond.
Visit our store in Warracknabeal or contact our team for personalized advice on selecting the right fire pump for your specific needs.
