What Small-Town Fire Chiefs Think of Fire Hose
An, analysis of data supplied by representative fire departments serving communities of less than 10,000 population
A SPECIAL STAFF REPORT*
THE DATA reported here are a supplement to the original material presented in the August 1958 issue of FIRE ENGINEERING. They supply information which has heretofore been lacking and is intended to give an indication of how the small community fire chief thinks in terms of that single most important item of a fire department—fire hose.
Responses to the questionnaires were forthcoming from more than 300 fire chiefs, principally volunteers located in communities of less than 10,000 population. A breakdown of the replies shows that 86 per cent of the fire departments involved were wholly manned by volunteers, 12 per cent consisted of paid personnel supplemented by volunteers, and 2 per cent were fully paid.
* Special acknowledgement is made of the technical assistance of the Market Research Section, Textile Fibers Department, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. in analyzing this data.
** Based upon an estimated total of 21,150 municipal fire departments in the United States.
Geographical distribution of the returns was as follows:
Hose in use
The average amount of 1 1/2-inch hose carried on apparatus varies little between those departments serving communities between 5,000 and 10,000 population and those under 5,000 persons. Ninety-eight per cent above the 5,000 demarcation line carry an average total of 1,000 feet in active service. Ninety-four per cent of those below 5,000 carry 800 feet total on apparatus.
The results are somewhat different with 2 1/2-inch hose. Ninety-nine per cent in the upper category employ an average total of 3,300 feet in active service, while ninety-six per cent of the below 5,000 group use a total average of 1,800 feet of the larger hose.
The use of 3-inch hose is very limited among smaller departments. Eleven per cent of those above 5,000 carry an average of 100 feet while of those in the lower category, only four per cent employ an average of 200 feet.
Hose reserves are not plentiful in either grouping, and in the less than 5,000 group are nonexistent in the majority of cases.
Stand-by supplies of 1 1/2 hose are maintained by 61 per cent of the departments serving communities between 5,000 and 10,000, with an average of 500 feet in stock. Only 45 per cent of those below 5,000 maintain reserves which average 500 feet.
Reserves of 2 1/2-inch hose total an average of 800 feet in each category, with 69 per cent of the 5,000 to 10,000 group responding in the affirmative, while only 48 per cent of those in the smaller group stated they kept a reserve supply on hand.
Three-inch hose reserves are practically nonexistent, with only one per cent in the less than 5,000 group stating that an average of 100 feet was available in case of need.
Based on the information developed in this survey, it is estimated that the fire departments of all communities below 10,000 population stock approximately 60 million feet of hose in all sizes. Eighty-three per cent of the departments reporting specify hose treated to resist mildew. From information published last year, it appears that about 88 million feet of hose is maintained by fire departments in all categories. It is estimated that the departments covered in this report purchase between 5 and 6 million feet annually; the grand total each year thus approximating 10 million feet.
Purchase of hose to maintain active and reserve stocks is made in small quantities. Eighty-eight per cent of departments in the 5,000 to 10,000 group buy an average of 400 feet of 1 1/2 hose at one time; the below-5,000 group buys an average of 300 feet in a lot. Ninety per cent in the larger population group buys an average of 600 feet of 2 1/2-inch hose, while 81 per cent of the lesser group buys 400 feet at an order. Underwriters specifications are employed by 61 per cent of the departments when purchasing hose, while 34 per cent use their own “specs.” Five per cent did not answer the question.
Important considerations
The respondents were asked to check the three most important items which they considered when purchasing hose. The following table indicates the consensus of this opinion:
Synthetics gain strength
The increasing popularity of man-made fibers incorporated in hose construction is evident from the following:
The trend is further borne out by answers to the question concerning fiber preference. Dacron and cotton was preferred by 74 per cent of the respondents and nylon by 13 per cent. Only 10 per cent stated they still preferred all-cotton hose jackets. Three per cent of the returns failed to mention any preference.
Additional evidence of the trend is shown in the following:
1. Departments using cotton exclusively
41 per cent prefer cotton
44 per cent prefer Dacron and cotton
10 per cent prefer nylon and cotton
5 per cent no answer
2. Departments using Dacron and cotton exclusively
94 per cent prefer Dacron and cotton
3 per cent prefer nylon and cotton
3 per cent no answer
*** Du Pont’s registered trademark for its polyester fiber.
Frequency of Hose Change
Reported Difficulties with Hose
3.Departments using more than one type of hose
4 per cent preferred all-cotton
82 per cent preferred Dacron and cotton
14 per cent preferred nylon and cotton
Service life
The over-all average service life of 1 1/2-inch hose is reported to be 10 years; 2 1/2-inch, 11 years and 3-inch, 6 years.
Hose records are maintained by 47 per cent of the departments, while 48 per cent keep no account; 5 per cent did not answer the question. This is quite a contrast to the 84 per cent of the communities above 10,000 which reported previously that records were maintained.
When hose is disposed of, it is junked by 51 per cent of the departments and given to other departments by 40 per cent. Nine per cent did not answer the question. Twenty-two per cent of those queried stated hose was replaced automatically on a scheduled basis.
In this regard, 75 per cent stated the intention of buying Dacron and cotton hose in the future; 9 per cent intend to buy all-cotton; 8 per cent will buy other fibers and 8 per cent failed to answer the question.
Hose care
Seventy-six per cent of the respondents cleaned all hose after each use. Nineteen per cent did not and 5 per cent did not answer.
After washing, hose is dried on racks in 50 per cent of the departments; 16 per cent use hose towers; and 10 per cent employ hose dryers. Combinations
of two of the three methods mentioned are employed equally by an additional 3 per cent, while 13 per cent employ other unstated methods. Eight per cent did not answer the question. The method of drying was not influenced in any manner by the type of hose fibers employed.
In addition, hose was changed on each vehicle as shown in the above table.
Hose problems
Replies to questions concerning problems with hose indicate that 22 per cent of departments using all-cotton hose had serious problems with it. In contrast, only 6 per cent of the departments maintaining Dacron and cotton hose reported serious difficulties. The problems and frequency are given in the table above.*
Suggested hose improvements were offered by half of the respondents with the greatest stress, 27 per cent, placed on improving couplings to make them better, lighter and stronger. Lightweight hose was offered by 10 per cent; better resistance to rot and mildew, 10 per cent; more durable, longer life and more abrasion resistance were stated by 9 per cent. A standard hose code and a color code were recommended by 8 per cent.
When asked if new hose employing synthetic fibers in the jacket construction will become more popular in the future, a solid 90 per cent answered in the affirmative. Only 3 per cent felt it would become less popular, while 7 per cent gave no answer. Certainly this is an overwhelming vote of confidence for hose using Dacron or nylon fibers in the jacket construction.
* Some respondents checked more than one problem.
