The Park Orchards Automated bushfire Roof Sprinkler Project
Park Orchards Bushfire Protection Overview
Client: Homeowner of a large bush-surrounded residential property
Location: Park Orchards, Victoria – approximately 25km north-east of Melbourne’s CBD
Objective: To install an automated roof sprinkler system capable of remote and sensor-based activation to protect the home from potential bushfire threats while unattended
Project Summary: A fully automated bushfire roof sprinkler system was installed using high-quality impact sprinklers, copper pipework, and a 100mm blue-line poly feed from a large on-site dam. The system features the advanced Ember Argus Sensor, allowing early flame detection and automatic activation of the sprinkler system
Site Coverage: Large residential property with full roof perimeter sprinkler coverage
Protecting a Home in a High-Risk Bush Setting
Victoria Bushfire Protection Services was approached by a homeowner in Park Orchards, a bushland suburb well-known for its elevated bushfire risk due to dense vegetation and proximity to Yarra Ranges National Park.
The client’s large home is nestled in a heavily vegetated area, making it vulnerable to ember attack and radiant heat during bushfire events. He had been exploring bushfire protection solutions that would not only safeguard his home but could also function autonomously in case he was away.
After reviewing our portfolio of roof sprinkler installations, he was particularly interested in our remote-controlled systems.
Planning and Designing the Roof Sprinkler System
Our team visited the Park Orchards property to assess the landscape and house structure. Given the steep gradient between the dam and the home, a robust and pressure-consistent system was essential.The client’s large dam held more than enough capacity to run the sprinkler system continuously for over two hours at full power. As such, no additional water tanks were needed, significantly reducing installation costs and maintenance.
To maximise fire protection, our team designed a roof-mounted sprinkler layout using high-performance impact sprinklers spaced evenly around the rooftop perimeter. These would deliver full surface saturation in the event of a fire. We selected 100mm blue-line poly pipe for the main feed running from the dam-side pump up to the house. Near the residence, this transitioned to copper piping for secure above-ground mounting and weather resistance. The copper piping was discreetly fixed along the side of the house and continued up to the roofline for optimal sprinkler distribution.
A remote start/stop fire pump was installed at the dam, fully integrated with mobile controls. This allows the client to activate or deactivate the system from his phone with the tap of a button, regardless of his location.
Advanced Safety Integration – Ember Argus Sensor
To provide next-level protection, the client opted to install an Ember Argus Sensor—a cutting-edge bushfire detection device capable of identifying flame sources as small as a cigarette lighter from up to 200 metres away.
Once a flame is detected, the sensor triggers the fire pump and activates the sprinkler system, offering rapid response during early fire stages. This sensor-based automation was a key priority for the client, offering peace of mind that the system would function independently during times of absence.
Installing and Testing the Bushfire Protection System
Once plans were approved, our team commenced work on the Park Orchards bushfire protection system. The pump was installed beside the dam and connected to the blue-line poly pipe, which was then trenched and secured up the slope to the property.
Upon reaching the house, copper piping was laid out and affixed above ground along the side of the home. The impact sprinklers were installed along the rooftop perimeter to ensure comprehensive soaking coverage.
The Ember Argus Sensor was securely mounted and calibrated to maximise visibility over the surrounding bushland.
We rigorously tested each component of the system:
Full flow testing of all rooftop impact sprinklers
Remote mobile activation of the fire pump
Automated sensor triggering simulation
Pressure testing from pump to rooftop
Visual inspections for leaks or loose fittings
Project Completion and Client Satisfaction
After a thorough commissioning process, the system was fully functional and seamlessly integrated with the client’s mobile device. Our team provided a detailed walkthrough, including maintenance tips and a full user manual for the remote-control system and sensor integration.
The client was extremely satisfied with the result, especially the system’s ability to run automatically without human intervention. He now has confidence that, even if away, his home is protected by a responsive, professional-grade bushfire protection system.
At Victoria Bushfire Protection Services, we’re proud to deliver smart and robust protection systems for bushfire-prone areas. We look forward to helping more homeowners like our Park Orchards client achieve peace of mind through reliable, automated fire defence solutions.
Explore more of our completed bushfire protection projects, including our work at Kinglake Residential Farm and the Greyhound Adoption Centre in Seymour.
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