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ABOUT THE PLATYPUS SYSTEM
The Platypus Wildfire Sprinkler System is a water-based fire protection solution designed for residential, commercial, and public buildings. Engineered in Australia, it offers an affordable and simple way to shield your property from wildfire attack.
Is your home or business in a wildfire-prone area? For peace of mind, protect your most important assets with the latest in wildfire defense.
Custom-designed and engineered in-house
System controller designed for either cellular remote start or automatic activation via heat sensors.
Flexible installation which can be concealed in new construction or retrofitted to existing buildings with exposed pipework.
Strategic coverage of sprinklers mounted along the fascia and ridge lines wet the roof, keep gutters damp, and create a protective curtain of water around the building.
Proven defense system to reduce radiant heat and dampen embers, much like a firefighter’s water stream.
Trusted installation, only available through approved installers for quality assurance.
The Platypus Sprinkler Head
The Platypus Sprinkler Head is purpose-built for wildfire defense, engineered to perform under the most demanding real-world conditions where ordinary irrigation hardware fails. Designed and manufactured in Australia, this high-performance unit is constructed from UV-stabilized, flame-retardant nylon with a 316 stainless steel inlet shaft and nozzle, ensuring exceptional durability and corrosion resistance in extreme heat and weather.
What truly sets the Platypus Sprinkler apart is its open twin-outlet spinner design, which rotates on a low-maintenance stainless steel bearing to deliver a full 360° spray pattern of large, heavy water droplets. Unlike standard butterfly or lawn-type sprinklers that use an outer support frame, which breaks the water stream into a fine mist easily carried away by wind, the Platypus design eliminates that frame entirely. The result is maximum droplet mass and downward momentum, so more water stays on the structure and surrounding area, even in high winds and ember-heavy conditions.
This “out and down” spray pattern mimics natural rainfall, coating vulnerable surfaces such as roofs, siding, decks, and eaves with consistent, wind-resistant coverage. Combined with rugged construction, this makes the Platypus Sprinkler an ideal choice for wildfire defense systems, roofline installations, or rapid-deploy units used in direct fire path operations.
When paired with the Platypus Controller and compatible pump systems, these sprinklers provide a tested and proven defense barrier, one built not for landscaping, but for protecting homes, infrastructure, and assets when fire is on the move.
Platypus Rapid Response Unit
Autonomous Protection for Critical Infrastructure
The Rapid Response Unit was originally developed for railroad crews to defend infrastructure and right-of-ways during active wildfire events. Designed for rugged environments and rapid deployment, each unit supports up to 200 yards of sprinkler line that can be unrolled along critical assets or containment perimeters.
Once positioned, the system’s sensors automatically detect heat and activate the pump, delivering sustained water flow through high-performance Platypus sprinklers.
Built with high quality heat-resistant materials, this system requires no external power or communication lines. It operates autonomously, making it ideal for remote, unmanned, or high-risk zones such as rail corridors, power substations, or wildland-urban interface perimeters.
Controller Integration and Operation
At the core of the Rapid Response Unit is the Platypus Controller, a compact, autonomous control system that manages fire detection and pump activation without requiring on-site personnel. Powered by a sealed AGM deep-cycle battery and continuously recharged by its portable solar panel, the controller remains operational for extended deployments, even in fully off-grid environments.
Each unit includes 100 yards of sensor wire on a roll, allowing crews to position temperature sensors in multiple locations for accurate fire detection across a wider perimeter. Once the sensors register temperatures above the user-set threshold, the controller automatically starts the pump and maintains operation through user-defined run and pause cycles until conditions stabilize.
For added flexibility, the system can also be activated or deactivated via SMS text command, allowing a small crew or remote operations center to control the unit without re-entering hazardous areas. This combination of autonomous response, remote control, and self-sustaining power allows the Platypus Rapid Response Unit to be deployed quickly, left in place, and trusted to perform when the fire arrives.
Engineered to Hold the Line
The Platypus Rapid Response Unit was developed in collaboration with the BNSF Railroad and the Republic Services Incident Response Team to strengthen wildfire resilience along vital transportation corridors. These organizations needed a system that could be deployed quickly in rugged terrain to create immediate lines of defense around critical assets such as train trestles, bridges, communication towers, and utility infrastructure, areas where even small fires can cause catastrophic damage or service disruption.
The Rapid Response Unit was designed with that mission in mind: to stop fires before they spread and to shield key structures when traditional firefighting resources are not available. By enabling rapid deployment and autonomous operation, crews can establish protective wet zones in advance of an approaching fire, holding the line where it matters most.
This approach represents a shift from reaction to prevention, using intelligent, field-tested technology to build fire barriers that defend infrastructure, preserve continuity, and protect the communities that depend on it.
Rentable Skid
At Columbia Gorge Fire Protection, we offer rentable fire skid trailers as a seasonal, budget-friendly option for homeowners, landowners, and businesses. They provide peace of mind during wildfire season by giving you immediate, on-site fire suppression capability.
Budget-conscious options
Wildfire defense doesn’t have to be out of reach. Our budget-conscious solutions provide practical, effective protection at a lower cost, making it easier for every homeowner to strengthen their property against fire risks.
Vulcan Vents
Block dangerous embers from entering attics and crawl spaces.
Firestorm Gutter guards
Prevent debris buildup that can ignite during wildfire events.
Firestorm Ember Mesh
Firestorm Ember Mesh is a premium wildfire defense product designed to block ember intrusion and reflect radiant heat, which are the two principal threats to structures during a wildfire
Property Clean-Up & Fire Mitigation
Reduce fuels around your home by clearing brush, leaves, and other hazards.
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