The STIHL BR700 and BR800 backpack blowers are essential firefighting tools

As cosy nights and warm drinks become the norm this South African winter, we face a critical, less welcome seasonal threat: wildfires. Dry air, dormant vegetation, and fierce winds turn harmless debris into explosive fuel, making proactive fire management vital. For swift, efficient firebreak creation and clearing, the STIHL BR 700 and BR 800 petrol backpack blowers aren’t merely tools; they offer a critical lifeline in fire prevention.

 

Why use backpack blowers?

You might be thinking, “A blower for firefighting? Isn’t that what water is for”? And you’d be right, to a degree. Water remains the primary weapon against active flames. However, effective fire management isn’t just about putting out fires; it’s about preventing them, containing them, and managing their spread.

And that’s precisely where the BR 700 and the BR 800 truly shine.

A vast expanse of dry veld littered with fallen leaves, branches, twigs, and dried grass presents the perfect environment for a wildfire. Manually clearing a firebreak in such conditions is an immense task. It’s labour-intensive, slow, and incredibly tiring – every minute counts when fire is a threat.

 

STIHL BR 700 & BR 800 blowers

The STIHL BR 700 and BR 800 high-performance backpack blowers are the ideal tools for clearing a firebreak. They feature a 4-Mix engine that combines speed, energy, and fuel efficiency. Unlike a 2-stroke, they offer benefits without compromises, such as noise reduction and an anti-vibration system.

The BR 800 has 20% more performing power than the BR 700, with an average air velocity of 320 km/h and a maximum air velocity of 385 km/h. It is essentially the “big brother” of the BR 700, with the same capabilities but offering more: more powerful performance, practicality and convivence!

The BR 700, on the other hand, is a robust and reliable blower designed for tackling challenging environments. Its impressive blowing force quickly clears firebreaks, pushing aside potentially flammable dry material and debris with remarkable speed. It can also extinguish very low-intensity fires or smouldering sparks along the edge of the burn area. Directing a strong blast of air can separate burning material from unburnt fuel or restrain small flames by removing oxygen.

The BR 700’s multi-function control handle also offers effortless, one-handed operation. All crucial functions are integrated into the grip, freeing the other hand for tasks, improving balance, and reducing fatigue during long shifts. This leading engineering, combined with generously wide, adjustable shoulder straps and a supportive hip belt, ensures comfort and precise control for a diverse range of body types.

Fire management teams can establish or expand fire lines more rapidly than manual methods. Consider a team of individuals using rakes and hoes versus a single operator with a powerful blower, effortlessly directing a stream of air to clear a wide path. The difference in speed and efficiency is impressive.

 

Versatility

Beyond just clearing firebreaks, the BR 700 proves invaluable in those hard-to-reach places, such as steep inclines, dense undergrowth, or areas with uneven terrain that often pose significant challenges for traditional clearing methods. The backpack design of the BR 700 allows operators to navigate these difficult areas with relative ease, directing the powerful air blast precisely where it’s needed.

This easy-to-use design also significantly reduces user fatigue, a crucial factor when operators work physically for extended periods in demanding conditions. Compared to the strain of swinging hand tools, the comfortable fit and excellent power-to-weight ratio of the BR 700 make a real difference to operator endurance and effectiveness.

Blowers offer significant, often overlooked, benefits in fire management. They reduce reliance on scarce water by efficiently clearing fuel, minimising the need for wet lines and conserving water for direct suppression. Beyond debris clearing, high-powered blowers can also cool and dilute flammable gases during active fires, thereby disrupting and slowing the spread of the flames. While not a standalone tool, their role in mitigating gas spread and cooling hotspots makes them an asset for trained professionals.

 

Ergonomics

Often overlooked yet incredibly vital for anyone spending hours with a backpack blower, the tool-free handle position adjustment on the STIHL BR 700 is essential.

This clever design allows you to quickly and easily adjust the blower tube’s handle to suit your height and preference. This personalised fit means significantly less strain on your back and arms, allowing for more comfortable operation and considerably reducing tiredness over extended working periods.

With the push of a button, operators can quickly and easily extend or retract the tube, adapting it perfectly to their height or the specific demands of the task – clearing wide, open spaces or manoeuvring in more confined areas. This thoughtful engineering transforms demanding tasks into more pleasant, sustainable work, ensuring you can perform at your best for longer. 
 

And that’s not all

Got a large area to clear? Increase the efficiency of the STIHL BR 700 or BR 800 backpack blower with the curved STIHL flat nozzle. This innovative accessory easily attaches to the blower tube, transforming its powerful airstream into a wide, fanned blast perfect for tackling expansive, flat surfaces.

 

Stay safe this winter wildfire season

The threat of fire looms larger in winter, making the STIHL BR 700 or 800 petrol backpack blowers must-have tools. By embracing control tools like the BR 700, fire management professionals can work more efficiently, safely, and effectively.

It’s about proactive prevention, rapid response, and intelligent management – all made significantly easier with the reliable power of STIHL.

 

Read more – https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/may-2025-issue-48/14/