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Rapid Deployment Reel System to Combat Peat Fires in Victoria

4 km layflat hose system deployed to flood peat fires and restore environmental safety

Power Profile

Overview:

Following severe bushfires in south-west Victoria, emergency services required a rapid and effective solution to extinguish persistent underground peat fires. Crusader Hose systems enabled the deployment of a 4 km layflat pipeline, delivering continuous water flow to contain the fires quickly and safely.

Customer:

Emergency Services (CFA) / Agmek (Contractor)

Location:

Cobden, VIC, Australia

Industry:

Firefighting

Application:

Emergency Response

Emergency Services (CFA) / Agmek (Contractor)

Challenge:

Following bushfires that burned over 15,000 hectares, underground peat fires continued to burn for weeks, releasing hazardous carbon monoxide and forcing evacuations.

Peat fires presented unique challenges:

  • Underground fire spread, difficult to detect and control
  • Ineffective traditional methods, including water tankers and helicopters
  • Urgent need for large-volume water delivery
  • Remote location, requiring long-distance pipeline deployment
  • Time-critical response, to protect public health and environment

A new approach was required to contain the fires effectively.

Solution:

A large-scale flooding strategy was implemented using Crusader Hose layflat technology.

The system included:

  • 4 km of 6” Waterlord® layflat hose
  • Reel-based deployment system for rapid installation
  • Connection to the Otway Pipeline (4 km away water source)

 

Key advantages of the solution:

  • Rapid deployment over long distances
  • Minimal manpower required (just one operator + assistant)
  • High flow capacity, enabling effective flooding
  • Flexible hose, adapting to terrain with minimal environmental impact
  • Efficient transport and retrieval, using reel systems

 

The entire pipeline was deployed from the water source to the fire zone efficiently and safely.

Results:

The system delivered outstanding emergency response performance:

  • 4 km pipeline deployed in just 36 hours
  • Water flow rate: 50 L/sec
  • Rapid fire containment, stopping further spread
  • Minimal environmental disturbance during deployment
  • Efficient retrieval, with full system removed after use
  • Transport efficiency: entire system moved in just 2 truckloads

Gallery

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