Emergency crews must make fast, immediate decisions when they arrive at a scene where there is a fire. One of the most important decisions that emergency crews must make is to determine which hose lines will be best suited for each situation. The size of the fire, property type, required hose length, suppression techniques, and severity of fire all influence which hose type and how much should be used. The blaze will be contained more effectively if you choose correctly. If you make a mistake, the situation could escalate to the worst. The attack and supply fire hoses are two of the most important hoses firefighters use. We will discuss why the size of your hose is important when approaching fires.
An attack hose is designed to deal with fires at their earliest stages. It can also be used to adapt to various types of fires. Fire departments typically deploy attack lines of 1.75 inches and 2.5 inches. You will need to consider the specific situation. Both have their pros and cons. The effectiveness of initial suppression efforts can be affected by the choice to use one or the other format. To move smaller volumes of water, hoses with a narrower diameter require higher pressure.
The 1.75-inch line is best for vehicle and residential firefighting. The hose is lighter than the 2.5 inch line and easier to maneuver. The hose’s compact size makes it easy for firefighters to maneuver the line in narrow spaces, hallways and stairwells. This hose is generally operated by 2 to 3 firefighters. It can carry water at 140 to 200 gallons per hour (gpm). This hose is ideal for smaller fires. Because they are easier to handle, 1.75 inch hoses can be used as a catch-all when responding to small fires. The 2.5-inch attackhose is recommended for larger fires.
When responding to large commercial buildings or exterior fires, a 2.5-inch hoseline is the most suitable. This hose is capable of delivering high volume water at 200-300 gpm. It can also take on more fire loads than the 1.75 inch attack line. It can be difficult to manage the 2.5-inch hose in tight spaces, so it is often handled by 3-4 firefighters.
The supply hoses are essential for keeping the attack lines running at maximum efficiency and charging them. They are available in sizes from 3 to 6 inches. Larger supply lines can move large volumes of water between hydrants, fire engines and the attack lines. The larger supply lines can transport more water at lower pressures because they have a greater diameter. Once the water starts flowing, it can be challenging to move supply lines.
