Pulling off the right size hoseline is crucial in the success of a structure fire. The first hoseline pulled off and advanced sets the stage for the entire incident, or as firefighters would say, “As the first line goes, so goes the fire.”
To assist with decision-making in pulling the right size line, we can look to the acronym of ADULTS:
- Advanced fire conditions on arrival
- Defensive operations
- Undetermined fire location
- Large/compartmented areas
- Tons of water needed
- Standpipe operations
Our accompanying video is a good example of pulling off the right size hoseline based on the situation presented. At the 1:40 mark, you can see a team of firefighters waiting with an uncharged hoseline under their knees. They have pulled off a 2½-inch line and are waiting to charge it.
In the video, we can see two letters from the ADULTS acronym at this structure fire. We can look at the letter “U” for undetermined fire location as one of the indicators. As the location of the fire was not known immediately upon arrival, the truck company teams open the buildings and locate the fire for the engine teams.
The amount of smoke produced from the fire is significant enough to indicate a large fire somewhere inside a building. That determination, combined with a large fuel load, requires a large hoseline to be used.
The second letter at work here is the letter “L” for large/compartmented areas. Crews on scene are opening multiple storefronts – large areas that are compartmented by the unit itself. Combining all the storefront units together becomes one large, compartmented area.
By pulling the right size hoseline, in this case a 2½-inch, the engine company team ensures they have the proper weapon to combat the fire. Flowing at least 265 gpm from that size hoseline will give a walloping punch to knock down the flames.
The wrong size hoseline will force the department to retreat and regroup with the proper size line. We do not want the fire to get the upper hand on us, ever – and bringing the right size weapon with you will help ensure your safety and ability to win the fight.
Training time
After watching this video and reading this article with your company, take time with your crew to train:
- Read the smoke conditions visible in the video, and discuss what the smoke indicates.
- As a crew, discuss the benefits of pulling a larger hoseline.
- Practice pulling, advancing and flowing the larger hoseline with the number of crewmembers assigned to the unit.
