Your fire fighting unit can spend most of the year wetting down, washing down, filling and carting water. Then one afternoon the wind changes and you need it to work straight away.
That’s why fire season preparation should happen before the season starts, not during it.
A quick check of your pump, engine, hose, water supply and machinery can uncover problems before they become bigger ones. Just as importantly, everyone on the property should know where the equipment is, how to use it and what to do if a fire starts.
In 2026, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services held Harvest Fire Conversations across five WA grain-growing regions. Growers, brigades, local government and industry highlighted a consistent message: preparation, machinery checks, communication and training all play an important role in reducing the risk of harvest fires and responding quickly when they occur.
Here are some of the key things to check before fire season.
An engine starting doesn’t necessarily mean the whole unit is ready.
Run the unit for a few minutes and put water through the complete system. You want to know that the engine runs steadily, the pump draws correctly and water reaches the end of the hose with the flow you expect.
While it’s operating, check for:
If the pump struggles to draw water, check the suction line first. Even a small air leak on the suction side can stop a pump from priming properly.
The suction side of the unit is easy to overlook, but it can make the difference between a pump that works and one that doesn’t.
Inspect the suction hose for cracks, splits and perished sections. Check that all connections are airtight and make sure the foot valve and strainer are clean and working properly.
The pump itself should also be checked for:
If your unit has been used to pump dirty water containing sand, silt or grit, flush it with clean water afterwards. Contaminated water can accelerate pump wear.
A fire fighting unit may sit for long periods between uses, so basic engine maintenance becomes especially important.
Check the engine oil and make sure the fuel is fresh. Inspect fuel lines for cracks, perishing or leaks, and make sure the fuel filter and air cleaner are clean.
Also check:
Old fuel is a common reason small engines become difficult to start after sitting unused. Dust and chaff around cooling fins can also restrict airflow and cause an engine to overheat.
Both are much easier to deal with in the shed than during an emergency.
Don’t only check the section of hose you can see on the reel.
Run the hose out fully and inspect its entire length for:
Check that the reel turns and rewinds freely, the lock operates correctly and all fittings and camlocks are secure.
The nozzle should operate through its full range and shut off properly, with no blockages, cracks or seized threads.
Finally, pressurise the system and check the entire line for leaks.
Damage can easily hide in the part of the hose that normally stays wound onto the reel.
Your tank and frame need attention too.
Check the tank for cracks, deformation or leaks. Make sure the lid seals properly and inspect the water for contamination or algae.
Then look over the frame, mounting points and fasteners.
Your unit should be properly secured to the vehicle or tray, with tie-downs and mounting hardware in good condition.
Remember that water moves while a vehicle is travelling. A tank that can shift under braking, cornering or on uneven ground creates an unnecessary risk.
If you can’t remember when the unit was last serviced, it’s probably worth checking.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and keep common replacement items available where practical.
That could include:
A few basic spares on hand can save valuable time during the season.
A reliable fire fighting unit still needs reliable access to water.
Before the season starts, check that your water storage is:
Think about the refill process as well.
Can the fire fighting unit reach the fill point easily? Could you do it at night? How long does a refill take?
It’s also worth considering what happens if mains power goes down. If your only way to refill relies on an electric pump connected to mains power, you may have a single point of failure.
Check current DFES guidance for recommended independent water supplies in fire-prone areas.
Fire season readiness goes beyond the fire fighting unit itself.
The checklist identifies harvest machinery as a major area requiring attention, particularly around bearings, belts, engine bays and accumulated debris.
During harvest:
Conditions can also change quickly, so keep an eye on weather, wind and lightning and make sure everyone understands when work should pause or readiness needs to increase.
Equipment is only useful if the people around it know what to do.
Anyone who may need to use the fire fighting unit should know:
That includes seasonal workers and contractors as well as permanent staff and family members.
Make sure the vehicle carrying the unit is fuelled and available, and keep access routes to water clear.
Most importantly, talk the plan through.
Having a plan written down and having everyone understand it are two different things.
Fire response becomes much harder when people can’t communicate.
Before the season:
Simple arrangements made beforehand can remove confusion when time matters.
Good.
That’s exactly why you check before the season starts.
A worn hose, stale fuel, leaking fitting or blocked strainer is much easier to sort out now than when you’re relying on the unit in the paddock.
If you need parts, servicing advice or you’re looking at replacing a fire fighting unit that has done its time, the Coerco team can help.
Call 1800 646 277 or get in touch with our team.
Want something you can take into the workshop, ute or paddock?
Download our printable Fire Season Readiness Checklist and work through your fire fighting unit, water supply, machinery, people and communications before the season starts.
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