The TWO and a QUARTER Line
The resurgence of the Engine Company has re-invigorated the fire service and the craftsmanship of the job which has propelled new advances in equipment. First, we need to acknowledge the resurrection of the smoothbore, thank goodness.
For Smoothbore Click here: https://www.roguetrainingconsulting.com/blog/smooth-vs-fog-the-debate-that-really-isnt
We have a lot of fire service advocates who have taken a serious interest in the art of suppression and one of those people is Dennis LeGear, who have single handedly re-invented the importance of fire hose in the American Fire Service. I thank him and all those who have shed a light on the Engine Company! This is making the fire service better and safer and we are having an impact of citizens’ lives.
The 2.5” line has always been the beast that we try to avoid on the scene and during training. This is due to a lack of training, technique, and perception of the line. The 2.5” line is manageable, and if you think not, I would be glad to show you. When we look at the 2.5”, we have a high powered fire suppression weapon providing greater than 250 gpm, hopefully at low pressure. This line can put a lot of fire out in a small amount of time. The most significant issue with the 2.5” is the “unused” water that we have to drag along with us when advancing into the structure or down the hallway. To correct this issue, Dennis LeGear created the Tru ID 2.25” line with Key Hose.
The 2.25” has many benefits including lighter weight and less water to drag. Because of the smaller diameter, firefighters can more easily grab the line to drag as well. This improves the ability to quickly move the line into the structure or down the hallway. This works based on the Freeman Formula, which states the orifice of the smoothbore tip cannot be greater than half the diameter of the hose. This reduces the back pressure and therefore will have worsening hose whip and increased chances of kinks. Match the 2.25” with a 1 1/8” and our Freeman Formula, the duo is a perfect match to deliver 265 gpm at 50 psi with 172# per 100’. This is compared to Tru ID 2.5” which is the same flow and pressure but increased hose weight of 212# and 257# or greater depending on the true diameter of the 2.5”, which is not truly 2.5”.
I firmly believe the 2.25” hose should be the standard for high-rise operations because of the volume of flow with the reduction of weight of the hose, in addition to the increased ability to move the line. This line is a perfect match for high rise operations with a 1 1/8” and even more so when staffing is limited. I understand some of the larger organizations that can jam 100 people on the fire ground and 6-8 people on the first line. They have the ability to move bigger lines. For those that struggle with staffing and those that show up with 3 firefighters, the 2.25” can be an equalizer.
What the 2.25” cannot do. The 2.25” hose should not be used for supply or replace the 4” or 3”. I would even extend that to a portable master stream. The portable master stream is better equipped on the 2.5” or 3” line for reduced friction loss and great flow capabilities. When we discuss fire suppression, the most critical factor is the ability of the fire attack team to be able to move quickly to the seat of the fire and place water on the fuel-flame interface. We do that by hose line deployment and advancement. One of the most critical factors is the maneuverability of the line, and the weight a major contribution. Provide the firefighters with the tools to win and train to perfect the craft! If we fail, it’s on us.