Using a Monsoon Structure Defense System as part of the Urban Interface Fire Protection Strategy
The Monsoon Structure Protection System was developed by firefighters for firefighters. This system is gaining
popularity with fire departments across the country. It is used by small rural departments as well as by
large metropolitan departments who are in an wildland urban interface area.
This system has gained approval by federal agencies as well. You will soon see the Monsoon in GSA catalogs
and fire supply catalogs across the country.
The Monsoon system is designed to use personnel more efficiently and SAFELY. Using the Monsoon Kits, a crew
of three can quickly set up a structure defense net for up to 25 homes
or more. Read more about the Monsoon Structure Defense System.
The illustration is an example of how a Monsoon system would be used for structure fire protection.
Note about Illustration: The idea is to show how much coverage you can get from the Monsoon System. By the
illustration, this coverage would be provided by about 10 Monsoon Kits.
Each kit comes with enough hose and connections to get water from a nearby source to the Monsoon System.
The water supply can be provided in many ways. For instance:
1) Hydrant to engine pump to trunkline branching to Monsoons
2) Water tender feeding a portable tank w/ pump feeding Monsoon hoselay.
3) You guys are firefighters, you get the idea!
SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY. Currently, many departments and homeowners must remain in harm's way to try to defend
structures. Normally, we see a three-man crew and engine trying to defend a home or two.
Now, a three-man crew can rapidly deploy 25 or more Monsoon kits in a very short time. Hook up the water source,
and only a few firefighters can provide protection for many structures.
If the situation warrants, the fire crew can evacuate but leave the Monsoon running (provided there is an adequate
water source). In the past, evacuation meant no defense for structures. Now with the Monsoon System left running,
there is still protection but with no lives at risk.
Without a Monsoon:
Note the fire engine in the lower right corner. With the air crew and ground crew, we have 4 - 8 personnel devoted
to saving this one house. What about the other houses in the area? This type of structure defense demands much
manpower and puts those firefighters in direct path of the flames.
ENTER THE MONSOON:
A Monsoon Sprinkler Kit has the range and flow to cover 2,500 square feet. With an adequate water supply and a
good defensible area, a Monsoon can provide great protection. This frees up fire personnel for other duties
and provides safety for those firefighters.
An SPS (structure protection sprinkler) is a rugged, heavy-duty sprinkler that is placed on or around a structure threatened by a wildfire. The MONSOON Structure Defense System consists of a series of SPS sprinklers.
- A Monsoon Structure Protection Kit consists of 5 or more individual SPS sprinklers.
- Our Monsoon Structure Protection kits are designed to adequately cover one structure (or a series
of close structures) up to 2500 sq. ft.
- Remember, the coverage is for a structure of 2500 square feet - but the system will spray MUCH more
than that for the defensible area. Each sprinkler covers 9600 square feet.
- For needed protection of a structure over 2500 square feet, you can use additional SPS sprinklers, or
additional kits.