How well do you know the hoses on the apparatus in your department? All firefighters should know that there are multiple types of hoses on any given engine and truck. The reason is obvious in that on the fireground multiple scenarios can be present at any given time. In fact, some department SOPs require extensive knowledge of the different hose types and the locations of those hoses in order to be certified as a driver/pump operator. Yes, the tones may signal a structure fire but that doesn’t mean there that fire hasn’t spread to the surrounding wood line to the point where you’re also battling a wildfire. Each fire type requiring a different hose.

Since there are multiple facets to fire hoses let’s facilitate and first take a look at some different hose types with characteristics and typical uses for each. Most hoses have a “pony line” from the apparatus connection to the first coupling to make sure the full length of that hose can be utilized. Keep in mind this list does not contain all types of firehoses.

Large Diameter Hose (LDH – may be 4 or 5 inches in diameter):

Used to hook an apparatus to a hydrant. Can also be used to relay to another pumper Most engines will have at least 1000-1500 feet that can be deployed fairly easily

Usually, the lengthiest due to the possibility of significant distance between hydrants or other

apparatus.

May have a 25 and/or 50-foot LDH line for hooking into a hydrant close by

2.5- and 3-inch hose

Used to put a lot of water on a significant fire and protect exposures as well.

Difficult to maneuver within a structure

Can be deployed and used by one person but this can be difficult (cross underneath itself) Can be used in conjunction with a blitz fire

1.75-inch hose

Most common hose used within structure fires

Smaller diameter uses less water but has more friction loss for the same reason

Booster Hose (Usually rubber hose that is .75-1 inch in diameter).

Thick walled and typically in 200 ft lengths Used to put out smaller fires

Forestry Hose (Usually .75-1.5 inch in diameter)

Most common use would be wildfire – any outdoor fire. Light in weight for use over long distances

Formal Proceedings

A brand new and exact replica of the primary hoses (usually cross lays) Used in parades and possibly funeral processions

These are to be kept in pristine condition

Regardless of the hose type and length they all have tested on an annual basis according to NFPA 1962. This standard provides guidance for the care, use, inspection, service testing, replacement of fire hose, couplings, nozzles and fire hose appliance. Here is a sample form to use to keep records of the results https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hXD-jdx0etx24rNeL4Eh9hO6in4GuqMy/edit. Here are some highlights from NFPA 1962:

• Hoses manufactured prior to 1987 should be removed from service
• Hoses currently in service should be tested annually
• Removal, rolling and repacking of fire hose should be done in the same manner
• A physical inspection should be done on each section of hose with any failures resulting in repair
• or removal from service
• Attack fire hose should be tested at a minimum of 300psi but usually between 350-400psi
• LDH and other supply lines should be tested at a minimum of 200psi
• Hoses should be tested in 300ft or less in as straight a line as possible
• Hoses should be tested for at least one minute with 100 ft of hose takes three minutes with any
• leaks recorded
• Any hoses removed from service should have distinctive markings with reason for removal

Now we know about the major types of hoses and the standard for testing these hoses to ensure they are adequate for the job the next topic is how to deploy all these hoses. Each department will have their own standard operating procedure (SOPs) for deploying hoses on the fireground. For example, some departments only tap the steamer cap with LDH and one auxiliary connection (usually closest to the fire) while others tap both auxiliary ports. Still others use a separate gate to regulate water flow as opposed to the stem nut.

It isn’t unheard of to suggest new and better ways to deploy a hose line and it is to the credit to an officer and/or chief for recognizing a new and more efficient way to do so but typically change in hose deployment usually does not occur unless a new engine has been ordered and the procedure for getting the hoses off that new engine would have has new compartments etc.. that require a different approach.

There are multiple methods and procedures for deploying hoses so as long as the deployment is within department SOPs then it is OK to do. That said there are a few “rules” that exist no matter how hose deployment occurs. This is by no means a finite list.

-Completely empty the hose bed BEFORE charging the line. An exception might be LDH but in most cases this hose is uncoupled depending on the length needed.

-When deploying hose lines don’t just stand next to the apparatus and pull line into a huge “spaghetti pile”. This will only cause multiple tangles when the line is charged thus limiting the full length of hose.

-Make sure to coordinate with the pump operator (either by hand signals or radio) relative to the desired water flow rate.

-Take into account weather conditions (especially in winter) and apparatus traffic on the fireground when deploying hoses.

Since the cross lays (these are hoses that span across the width of the apparatus) are typically the first hoses to be taken off it is important to mention the deployment of these lines separately. Most cross lay hoses have two sets of loops. A highly effective method would be to have each of two firefighters take one set of loops and back away at an angle in a “V” pattern thus quickly deploying the hose with very little chance of entanglement.

Although there is a lot of information to learn relative to the different types of hoses (their uses), inspection and deployment ultimately you will be a better firefighter for knowing and incorporating as much information as possible. This is especially true when considering that on any given day you could be an officer or at some point in your career “graduate” to a driver/pump operator.