Large Diameter Hose “Great for water supply, sucks to load?”

     In the time I have been on the volunteer fire department we have always had large diameter hose with Storz fittings as our primary water supply hose. Since I can’t compare it to the 2½ inch lines used in the past it just seems natural. I realize not all departments use this type of hose, but I would like them to consider it. The benefit is simply the huge amount of water that can be moved with very little friction loss.

     Sure, I know many of you will say this is great but only if your cities water distribution system can support it. Here is where I would like to point out a great benefit that you are overlooking. In the event of a large fire in your community, you can set up a large tanker shuttle operation by placing your drop site further from the fire and relaying the water by large diameter hose to the attack pumpers. In a recent structure fire, we set up five drop tanks and were able to move huge amounts of water to the trucks on the scene. Doing this further away gave us the advantage of dumping tanker trucks much quicker. We utilized multiple fill sites. By spreading the equipment out, we increased efficiency as well as safety.

     Ok, it’s great for moving a lot of water. Draining and loading the hose after the call does suck! The key is to use many hands. I know they make some special tools and equipment for this, but we use manpower. Begin by completely draining the hose. As this is done be sure to fold the open end back on itself to prevent air from entering it. As the hose is drained begin loading. Leave an opening at the front of the hose bed for the couplings. Depending on how many feet of hose you have, about 2 ft. will work. Don’t load the couplings in any other location than the front where the opening is. Continue to flat load the hose. Be certain that the coupling will not have to turn around or flip to get off the bed.

     Fold back about 4 to 6 ft. on the last section and attach a sling that extends beyond the hose bed to allow the firefighter making the hydrant connection to pull it without getting hit by the coupling. When the hose is pulled move it to the hydrant and either wrap the sling or hose around the hydrant and tell the truck to advance. Wait until the truck has pulled several sections before you unwrap the hose and begin to make your connection to the hydrant. Be sure the truck is ready before you charge the line.

Training Objectives

     Upon completion, the firefighter should be able to….

     • List advantages of large diameter hose.

     • Demonstrate the ability of loading the large diameter hose.

     • Demonstrate the ability to connect to a hydrant with large diameter hose.

     • Explain the advantage of draining and removing the air prior to loading large diameter hose.

     Scott Meinecke is a member of the Sheldon Volunteer Fire Department, an instructor for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, and field staff for the Fire Service Training Bureau. He can be contacted by email at smeinecke@iowarec.org