james wika 
- Water Pumps: Emergency Saviours and Everyday Heroes
The African continent experiences the highest number of fires worldwide, a situation currently worsened by the climate phenomenon, El Niño. Like the rest of Africa, Kenya is also vulnerable to wildfires which can ignite when vegetation is dry and quickly become uncontrollable due to intense heat and potential strong winds.
These fires may result from natural causes or human activity, whether intentional or accidental, and threaten lives, forests, agriculture, and livelihoods, causing millions in damages annually.
Firefighting equipment plays a crucial role in combating these devastating wildfires and Lorna Ochiel, East Africa Representative – Husqvarna, highlights the importance of the appropriate tools.
“Those fighting fires, whether professional or community members need reliable equipment to do this effectively.
For example, a high-volume, low-pressure water pump is an essential tool that can mean the difference between saving property, forests and crops or losing them to fire,” she says.
Ochiel elaborates on why she considers these water pumps invaluable tools for farmers, foresters and communities:
1. Portability
The portability of water pumps is a critical factor in effective firefighting operations. A lightweight, well-designed pump that can be easily loaded onto a pickup truck and carried to various water sources is essential for rapid response. Such mobility allows firefighters to quickly relocate their equipment as needed, without relying on large trucks or extensive manpower.
This versatility significantly enhances the efficiency and speed of fire suppression efforts, especially in areas with limited access or challenging terrain.
2. Reliability
In the high-stress environment of firefighting, equipment reliability is paramount.Firefighters require absolute confidence that their water pumps will start immediately, without fail.
Time spent repairing or struggling with unreliable equipment can have dire consequences. This is why many people opt for Husqvarna’s water pumps.
These units are renowned for their quick, easy, and dependable starting systems, coupled with exceptional reliability. Such robust performance is crucial in emergencies, where every second counts and equipment failure is not an option.
3. High Volume
High-volume, low-pressure pumps are crucial for efficiently refilling bulk water tanks in firefighting operations. These pumps minimise the time spent away from active fire zones, allowing for rapid replenishment of firefighting resources.
The speed of refilling is comparable to that of a Formula 1 pit crew, emphasising the critical nature of swift turnaround times.
Husqvarna water pumps are noted for their ability to move large volumes of water quickly, enabling those fighting fires to return to the front lines promptly.
This rapid refilling capability is often pivotal in averting potential disasters, as it allows teams to maintain continuous fire suppression efforts without prolonged interruptions.
“While their primary role in firefighting is crucial, portable water pumps offer a range of benefits beyond emergency situations,” adds Ochiel.
“These versatile devices prove invaluable in various agricultural and water management tasks. They can efficiently drain flooded areas such as those caused by the severe floods last April, protecting crops and infrastructure from water damage,” she elaborates.
She goes on to explain that the pumps are also instrumental in water transfer operations, moving water between reservoirs to optimise resource distribution.
Additionally, they simplify the task of filling water troughs for livestock, saving time and labour. “This multifunctionality makes these pumps essential tools for year-round farm management, enhancing productivity and preparedness for both routine tasks and unexpected challenges, Ochiel concludes.
For more information, go to https://www.husqvarna.com/ke or visit your local dealer.
