APARTMENT HOSELAYS
VOLUNTEERS CORNER
THERE ARE few fire departments today that would question the value of the preconnected 1 1/2or 1 3/4inch light attack line. Fortunately it is replacing the booster line in most instances, particularly in structural firefighting. In “Too Little, Too Late” (Volunteers Corner. June ’89) I discussed the extension of initial attack lines, noting that the preconnect often is extended quickly and efficiently to its full length but comes up short nevertheless, delaying the initial attack until additional sections of hose are placed in the line.
Many departments, especially those in rapidly growing areas, are experiencing distance problems with apartment buildings and condominiums that can’t be addressed with a preconnected hoseline. The structures may be set back from the roadway, set at a right angle to the street, or built one behind the other. They commonly have access from only one side and are two stories or more. Due to the type of construction, proximity to both internal and external exposures, and the potential for loss of life, fires in these buildings must be attacked effectively and without delay. Extending a preconnected line beyond its initial length may cause unnecessary delay.
Engine companies that routinely respond to such structures should set up one of the rear hosebeds for an initial attack line longer than the preconnect carried in the crosslays (Mattydales). Often new apparatus is designed for large-diameter hose, and the need for 2 1/2or 3-inch heavy attack line capability in the rear hosebed is overlooked. This line can be used directly for fire attack or to supply light attack lines. There are several ways longer light attack lines can be deployed. Let’s consider three of them.
Perhaps the simplest method of extending a line is to use a standpipe or high-rise pack. In the case of limited manning it can be advanced to the fire floor by the officer while two firefighters extend the necessary 2 1/2– or 3inch hose to the officer’s position. The hose pack will have to be opened and stretched up the stairwell, down the stairwell, or if possible down the hallway for fast advancement once it is charged. This will be dependent on the height of the building and fire conditions.
Normal procedures call for attack lines to be stretched from the floor below to the fire floor; however, the attack line should be attached to the supply line at the entrance to the fire floor to assure that sufficient hose will reach the involved area. The pump operator breaks the line at the hosebed and connects it to a discharge outlet. The hose should be loaded in shoulder carries to avoid getting hung up on tires, gates, and doors while advancing to and into the fire building. In the case of three firefighters and an officer manning the engine, the officer may take a shoulder load and the pack, and the firefighter the remaining necessary hose, within physical limitations. This provides the company with at least 100 feet of hose to make the hallway and enter the apartment. (Note: In longer hallways where ventilation is a problem, a solid bore nozzle may enhance the fire attack.)
Another method is to use a heavy supply line that’s wyed to support lighter attack lines. The attack lines should be 100 or 150 feet in length, depending on local need. The heavy line must be long enough to reach any preplanned supply point to the farthest recessed building in the normal response area. Attack lines should be loaded in usable, accepted folds for ease of carrying. They can be placed flat or vertical, on top of or aside the larger line. Pumpers can be designed with trays under the hoseload to accommodate flat, reverse horseshoe loads.
One or two firefighters advance the two light lines and the wye to the fire floor, ready for the fire attack. Subsequent firefighters advance the heavy line, and the pump operator again breaks the line, connects to a discharge, and then awaits the officer’s order to charge the line. This operation has the advantage of two lines that can be used as needed for attack and/or internal exposure protection. The second line also may be needed for protection while performing peripheral search and rescue operations. Another advantage of the second line is that it can be taken to the floor above to check any vertical extension of the fire. An alternative for companies operating with reduced manpower is to leave one side of the wye open and available. The first line is quickly advanced for fire attack. The second line is brought to the fire floor connected to the wye and placed in operation by the next available crew as directed by the incident commander.
Where a maximum of 400 feet of attack line is necessary, a hosebed with 200 feet of 2 1/2-inch hose and 200 feet of 1 3/4-inch hose can be established. Due to the reduced weight of newer hose, the officer can take the shoulder load of 1 3/4inch hose to the floor below or to the fire floor, depending on the situation. Two firefighters advance the remaining 200 feet of hose and the attack is initiated. This load can be carried preconnected to a rear discharge. If possible, the 2 1/2-inch hose should be bedded in shoulder loads to speed up the operation. With a company of three firefighters, the pump operator could stretch the last section of 2 1/2-inch hose and then return to the pump. This lay will provide a strong attack of 175 gpm or more. Due to the nozzle reaction from a flow of this size, two firefighters will be needed to move and secure the line. Reducing the flow will permit rapid movement of the line where it is necessary to cover a large area or make several bends or turns. With the new breakaway nozzle, the fog head can be removed and the 7/8-inch solid stream tip will provide 200 gpm at 100 psi. Since maneuvering at this pressure and flow will be difficult, the flow will have to be reduced immediately after knockdown. At a reduced flow the line can be used for spot fires, overhaul, and mop up while conserving water and limiting water damage.
These suggestions should benefit departments with apartment entrance access problems. Fire departments facing these situations must be prepared to handle fires that are beyond the reach of their preconnected lines. Apparatus must be set up with versatility and attack lines must be capable of reaching fires down the long second-floor hallway of a garden apartment building. Try one or all of these methods during a training session, and then select one for local use.
