Peat fires are extremely difficult to eradicate. Peat fires penetrate deep into the ground and some cases at least 3 feet. Windy and hot weather contribute to the spreading of fires. Thousands of gallons of water is pumped, excavation of large area, manpower and equipment are required. In other words, cost. The worse case scenarios are death and damages of property.
How to stop peat fires?
1. Firebreak
Excavate ditches around the peat fires zone. Ditchwater will stop the fire from spreading. The width of the ditch is about 3 feet and the depth of water in the ditch is 1 foot. Ditchwater can be utilised as the water source for pumps, however, debris would be an obstacle. Another option is to construct a road to act as a barrier.
2. Water pumps
Pressurised water pumps are essential to ensure water able to penetrate into peat fires. 5 horsepower water pump, 1-inch diameter braid-reinforced PVC hose and a reducer would be adequate for a set of the water pump. The reducer is made of a steel pipe which the end is flattened according to the desirable opening.
3. Manpower
One set of pump requires 4 to 5 workers depending on the length of the hose. Personal protective equipment is indispensable, the peat fires zone is covered with smoke and the ground is hot.
4. Water source
Distant water source is a "nightmare" to extinguish peat fires. Transport of water using trucks is difficult and costly, however, this option has to be adopted. Hoping for rain is not an option, it would cause further damages.
We do not want peat fires to happen. I believe most cases of peat fires occur due to a certain irresponsible party, and not always naturally. For example, open burning and careless of human's activities. Education is the best solution and it has to be continued to prevent peat fires.
