Radiant Heat Exposure - 12.5 to 19 kW per m2

Illustration showing houses with different blast protection levels (BAI-19 and BAI-12.5).

BAL-12.5 (Low Risk)

Heat threshold: Radiant heat exposure up to a maximum of 12.5 kW/m².
Primary threat: Wind-ignited embers and airborne burning debris.

BAL-19 (Moderate Risk)

Heat threshold: Radiant heat exposure ranging from 12.5 kW/m² up to 19 kW/m².
Primary threat: Greater likelihood of ember attack and higher heat exposure.

Structural Similarities

Flooring: No special construction requirements for floors and subfloors under either rating.
General envelope: Identical building material requirements for most of the house structure.

Key Distinction

Glazing standard: BAL-19 mandates a minimum of 5mm safety glass, whereas BAL-12.5 permits 4mm glass.

An external sprinkler system provides an active layer of defence for low to medium-risk properties

While building standards focus on passive design like toughened glass and mesh screens, a sprinkler system actively suppresses airborne embers, wets external surfaces, and raises local humidity to prevent ignition.

1. System Design and Layout

Target vulnerable zones: Position sprinklers along the gutter line to allow water to be thrown onto the roof and walls.
Protect openings: Install dedicated spray nozzles above windows, doors, and decks to cool glass and block embers from entering gaps.
Overlapping coverage: Space the nozzles so their spray patterns overlap, ensuring no dry spots are left on the structure.

2. Water Supply and Infrastructure

Use static water: Connect the system to a dedicated water tank or swimming pool. Mains water pressure frequently drops during major bushfires.
Keep supply hose and pipework protected: Run the supply lines in the wet zone to protect them from radiant heat.
Incorporate a bypass: Install a manual valve system so you can isolate the sprinklers and prioritize hose lines if needed.

3. Pump and Power Specifications

Independent power: Use a dedicated petrol or diesel water pump. Power grids usually fail during a bushfire emergency.
Calculate runtime: Size your water tank so the system can run continuously for at least 30 to 60 minutes during the peak ember attack.
Reliable starting: Keep the pump fuelled with fresh unleaded petrol or diesel, and test-start it monthly.

4. Property Preparation and Maintenance

Install gutter guards: Use non-combustible metal gutter guards to stop wet leaves from clogging downpipes when the sprinklers activate.
Clear the zone: Maintain a 10-meter clearance area around the house free of woodpiles, mulch, and overhanging branches.

Uninterrupted Water Supply

A standalone water supply is critical for bushfire defense, as town mains frequently lose pressure or fail entirely during an emergency.

The Ideal Configuration

Primary system: A dedicated petrol or diesel firefighting pump paired with a Static Water Supply (SWS) like a tank, pool, or dam.
Key advantage: Delivers the high pressure and volume required to effectively operate a professional fire hose line.

Maximising Pump Efficiency

Utilise all outlets: Fit manual control valves to every discharge port on your pump.
Strategic water diversion: Dynamically direct water to your inner defensive lines, outer property boundary lines, or dedicated hand-held fire hoses as conditions change.
Resource management: Shut down inactive zones with valves to preserve static water reserves and maintain pressure where it is needed most.

Recommended for the Inner Zone

The Aussie Drencher, Drencher Head and Static Nozzles are optimized for the Inner Zone to create a continuous protective water shield around your home.

1. Aussie Drencher & Drencher Head

Zonal designation: Recommended for inner structural protection.
Primary function: Designed specifically to produce a dense, protective shield of water.
Throw distance: Delivers 15 metres of total spray coverage.
Flow rate & pressure: Consumes 4 litres per minute (LPM) at an ultra-low 100 KPa static pressure.

2. Static Nozzles (180° / 360°)

Spray patterns: Available in 360-degree full-circle or 180-degree half-circle directional options.
Throw distance: Delivers up to 6 metres of concentrated spray coverage.
Flow rate & pressure: Consumes 8 litres per minute (LPM) at a standard 350 KPa pressure threshold.
Best use case: Ideal for target-wetting walls, windows, and perimeter decks.

Recommended for the Outer Zone

Impact sprinkler heads are highly recommended for the Outer Zone to saturate your yard and establish a critical fire buffer zone.

1. Aussie Soaker or 1/2" Impact

Zonal designation: Recommended for outer property boundaries and yards.
Sprinkler head type: Fitted with a 15mm brass impact head.
Throw distance: Delivers up to 15 metres of heavy water coverage.
Flow rate & pressure: Consumes 15 litres per minute (LPM) at a standard 350 KPa pressure threshold.

2. Aussie Saturator or 3/4" Impact

Zonal designation: Recommended for maximum-range perimeter wetting.
Sprinkler head type: Fitted with a 20mm heavy-duty brass impact head.
Throw distance: Delivers a wide 30 metres of total spray coverage.
Flow rate & pressure: Consumes 30 litres per minute (LPM) at a standard 350 KPa pressure threshold.
Best use case: Ideal for penetrating high convective bushfire winds to soak surrounding vegetation.

Packaged fire hose kit with nozzle and high-pressure hose.

Crusader Fire Hose Kits

Australian-made Crusader Sabre fire hose kits provide reliable protection against active bushfires and localized spot fires.

Manufactured locally by Crusader Hose, these premium percolating lay-flat hoses feature a controlled-weeping design that self-protects the line against radiant heat, embers, and direct flame contact.

Key Features

Controlled percolation: Controlled leaking dampens the hose jacket, preventing it from burning or melting.
Rot-resistant material: Synthetic construction ensures the hose will not rot or degrade during long-term storage.
Made in Australia: Engineered specifically to withstand harsh Australian bushfire conditions.
Long lifespan: Outlasts cheap imported options that degrade quickly in storage or fail under heat.