Sprinklers available for homeowners to purchase

The Jasper Fire Department is once again offering residential sprinklers to homeowners at a discounted price so they can better protect their homes in the event of a wildfire.

Nik Kellis, captain of fire prevention for the Jasper Fire Department, said sprinklers can give a home “the best fighting chance” during a wildfire.

“When there’s a wildfire and there’s that intense ember shower, it can help prevent ember ignition by wetting down, and creating a moisture barrier around, your home,” Kellis said.

Running from May through September each year, this will be the second fire season that the Residential FireSmart Sprinkler Protection Program has operated in Jasper. In 2025, the fire department undertook roughly 140 FireSmart Home Hazard Assessments, which are required to qualify for the program.

During the 2024 wildfire, several properties were equipped with sprinklers, which were turned on as firefighters found them. Kellis said the sprinklers were kept on during the fire and gave these properties an edge, although he also emphasized the need for FireSmart work.

“You need to make sure that your entire neighborhood is FireSmart to prevent your neighbor’s home from igniting and then igniting your home,” he said. “That sprinkler won’t protect against the radiant heat of a house fire, but it will protect against embers.”

Homeowners who are interested in getting sprinklers can fill out a form on the Municipality’s website, and the fire department will follow up to book a FireSmart Home Hazard Assessment.

“It’s not a pass-fail assessment,” Kellis said. “It’s more so just to come up with short-term and long-term goals on your property and how you can make your home more FireSmart.”

After being emailed a report, a homeowner can reach out to purchase a WASP wildfire protection kit for around $150 plus tax (the non-discounted price is $250 plus tax).

Each kit comes with two sprinklers, two lengths of hose and two types of mounting brackets. Kellis said one kit is usually enough for a house, but some properties may require two, such as those that have a large garage.

The WASP kit has yellow sprinklers and white hoses. Kellis said during the 2024 wildfire, before the fire department had been keeping track of the addresses equipped with sprinklers, it was beneficial that the bright colours stuck out—members could more easily locate them. Since the fire, the department has implemented a mapping system.

The initiative has already sold a few kits and Kellis is anticipating the demand for the protection to pick up as spring progresses. While sprinkler kits are designed for easy installation, those who require assistance can reach out to the fire department, Kellis said.

Residents working towards making their properties more resilient during a fire should consider replacing their cedar shakes with fireproof material and ensuring all combustible material are cleared within 1.5 metres of a home. More FireSmart tips are available at the FireSmart Canada website.

Peter Shokeir // info@thejasperlocal.com