Wildfire Protection - there is a better, safer way
Alberta company develops innovative approach to protect homes and other forms of critical infrastructure.
Red Deer, Alberta – An Indigenous-owned company from Red Deer Alberta has developed a made-in-Canada solution to the increasing threat and impact of wildfires on homes, cabins and other critical infrastructure.
CJS Industrial began its journey two years ago after seeing the increasing devastation of wildfires on communities, and homeowners putting themselves in harms’ way to try and protect their homes.
“The devastating examples of Jasper, Fort McMurray, and BC’s Okanagan, Shuswap and Interior communities like Williams Lake, each serve as a stark reminder that we must change our approach to wildfire mitigation and wildfire protection - as regions, communities and as individuals,” said Jason Sansregret, CEO of CJS Industrial.
“As I witnessed news coverage of homeowners putting their lives at risk to protect their homes with a garden hose or sprinkler system, I couldn’t help but feel with ever-changing technology, there must be a better, safer way. It was on that basis that we envisioned a solution to the ever-increasing need to protect homes, summer cabins, out-buildings that may house machinery of valuable equipment – and more importantly, ensure the safety of the property owner and their family.”
The Rural and Urban Fire Suppression System (RUFUS) has been developed to create a humidity bubble of approximately 31,000 square feet that offers protection to everything within its range - making it an effective tool in various scenarios for reducing costs, environmental impact, and potential losses due to wildfire. RUFUS is self-contained with access to 3,500 gallons of water (with the ability to connect to additional water supply if available). It operates independently from the power grid, ensuring continuous power and defense capabilities, and offers remote 360-degree surveillance enabling activation from anywhere that has a cellular connection.
As the technology was developed, CJS found there were much broader application possibilities, including a wide range of critical infrastructure like oil sites, sawmills, cell towers or railways – to name just a few examples,
“All of this means, should the threat of fire occur, you can leave your home or other form of critical infrastructure knowing it has a much better chance of being protected,” continued Sansregret. “RUFUS has the potential to reduce costs of insurance, resources, financial losses, downtime, impact on the environment, and heartbreak for homeowners caught in the path of a wildfire.”
Sansregret emphasizes that firefighters should be commended for their fearless efforts to protect property and save lives when the threat of wildfire emerges, “but there are only so many of them – and RUFUS can be an important element that frees up these important resources.”
In a world of constant climate and environmental change, Alberta recorded a record 1,200 wildfires in 2024, while more than 1,600 blazes occurred in BC, its fourth highest total ever.
“Mother Earth has blessed us with immense forests that are integral to our way of life. Unfortunately, as a society we have lost our way, and one of the most significant results is extreme wildfires that become more severe with each passing year, threatening communities, homes, and livelihoods. Significant challenges lay ahead, but I am proud to see an Indigenous owned and operated company taking the lead and offering an innovate solution that has the potential to help spare families and individuals from the full impact of these traumatic experiences.”
Gilles Allard, Metis Cultural Bearer Elder (Red Deer, Alberta)
“Having been involved in the fire service for almost 20 years, I bared witness to the catastrophic effects of fire and the impact it has on all who are involved from victims to first responders. Within the last decade, we have seen the effects of climate change and how wildfire season runs from snow melt to snowfall as witnessed in Alberta this past year. Resources have all been stretched well beyond capacity. RUFUS’s far reaching water stream technology and offsite control make it stand out as innovative fire protection. Thanks to its logical design, training is quick, and its functions are applicable to many scenarios.”
Craig Stillings - Retired Fire Chief/Firefighter (Consort, Alberta)
A video overview of RUFUS is available here while an extended version including a demonstration is available here.
About CJS Industrial: The mission of CJS Industrial is to empower communities with innovative wildfire defense technology, integrating our indigenous values of stewardship and respect for nature. Our vision is to lead in wildfire defense, protecting people, property, and the planet, while honoring our indigenous heritage and embracing technological innovation.
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Media Contact
Kelly Gleeson
Kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231
