The Town of Banff is launching a roof sprinkler incentive program approved by Town Council in January, offering Banff homeowners discounted sprinkler kits to use in the event of advancing wildfire. The roof sprinklers will be displayed at the Disaster Readiness Day on Sunday, May 7.
“Roof sprinklers are another tool in our community’s toolbox to help prevent the spread of wildfire.” Said Silvio Adamo, Director of Emergency Management and Fire Chief. “Sprinklers can be effective in dousing embers that land on roofs from encroaching wildfire. The program complements our roof replacement rebate for homeowners who still have wood shingles, as well as our conifer tree replacement incentive, and our FireSmart supports for all neighbourhoods.”
The sprinkler program is being launched for Alberta’s Emergency Preparedness Week. The Town of Banff is offering the roof top sprinkler kits to homeowners for $65.50 (includes GST), at a discount from the normal retail price of $230. The Town has 100 kits on offer in 2023.
To qualify for the Roof Top Sprinkler Incentive, residents must complete a free FireSmart Home Assessment from the Fire Department. A trained FireSmart evaluator will visit your home for approximately 30 minutes and provide recommendations on how to better FireSmart your home and property, as well as advise on the best placement of the sprinkler. There is no obligation to incorporate other recommendations.
The sprinklers are easily installed only when there is a risk in the community. Sprinklers are installed on gutters or fascia or fence, with a hose attached to the homes normal outdoor water tap. The sprinklers have a 30-foot spray radius. A demonstration video helps show the ease of installation and the water coverage.
Each sprinkler kit contains:
- 2 Patented high quality gutter mount units
- 2 agricultural-grade, wind-fighting sprinkler heads
- 2 facia/fence brackets (for use without gutters)
- 2 forestry-grade 25 foot hoses
Due to the limited number of units available, the Town will not allow condo boards/associations to apply for sprinklers for all their units; each homeowner will need to apply and register for a FireSmart home inspection.
FireSmart Program Details in the Town of Banff: banff.ca/FireSmart