With heath and wildfires increasing in the UK due to climate change, being prepared is crucial, especially if you live, work, or spend time in rural or remote areas. Our Vigil Fire Beater and Vigil Fire Rakehoe are designed with real-life countryside wildfire protection in mind. These essential wildfire firefighting tools offer fast, effective support when emergency services may be miles away.
Who Needs a Fire Beater or Rakehoe?
Wildfires and heath fires can ignite and spread in minutes. Found in dry, grassy areas and remote heathlands, they pose a significant risk to National Trust properties, forestry land, country parks, holiday homes, campsites and rural farms. These are all areas where traditional firefighting support might not be close at hand. Having your wildfire beater or McLeod wildfire rakehoe means you’re not relying on distant help when seconds count in a fire emergency.
Not only are these tools highly functional, but they’re also practical and durable for long-term outdoor use. And because these tools are in demand, it’s not uncommon for them to go missing; keeping spare wildfire tools on-site is a smart precaution.
How the Fire Beater and Rakehoe Work
The Vigil Fire Beater is designed to control and extinguish surface-level grass and heath fires by beating down the flames. It features a robust industrial rubber head, similar to airport conveyor belts, which is thick, flexible, and built to take the heat. Simply slap the head down on the flames to smother them. The rubber material is heavy-duty and heat-resistant, giving you long-term reliability in fire emergencies.
The wildfire rakehoe (also known as a McLeod rakehoe) is your go-to tool for underground wildfire suppression. When a fire spreads beneath the surface, through roots and dry heather, you’ll need to create a firebreak. This wildfire firefighting rakehoe allows you to break up roots and soil, helping prevent the fire from continuing underground. It’s similar to a garden rake but built tougher for wildfire conditions. It’s similar to a garden rake but reinforced for intense fire conditions.
Assembling Your Wildfire Tools
We’ve made assembly quick and simple, so you’re not fumbling around in a moment of crisis.
- The Vigil Fire Beater comes in two parts: with one screw connecting the fibreglass handle and the rubber beater head.
- The Vigil Fire Rakehoe also features a two-part design, a strong fibreglass handle and the rakehoe head. All you need is a spanner to attach the head securely.
Unlike many alternatives with shorter handles (usually 1.2m), our Vigil Fire Beater and Rakehoe feature longer 1.35m fibreglass handles. These not only offer better reach but also improve safety and comfort during use. Plus, fibreglass won’t rot or corrode like older wooden models, perfect for long-term storage in all weather conditions.
Why Wildfire Preparedness Matters in Rural Areas
While wildfires in the UK are more common during the warmer months, it’s worth thinking ahead rather than waiting for summer – or worse, for a fire to break out – before getting equipped. Having professional wildfire tools like a fire beater and fire rakehoe on hand means you’re ready to act quickly if a fire does occur. It’s a simple step that can make a real difference in protecting land, property, and wildlife in vulnerable rural areas.
Learn more about how these tools can help protect your property in our Fire Beater & Rakehoe EXPLAINED video:
