Refitting for Large-Diameter Hose
The Monterey, Calif., Fire Department has recently implemented a large-diameter hose concept as part of an overall system in providing fire protection service to its citizens. The department consists of three stations, 45 personnel, five pumpers, one aerial and three light rescue units.
The large-diameter hose system is unique in that it is a total system, not used as a supply line. The intent of the system is to get maximum use from the pumper at the fire before committing additional apparatus.
Prior to implementation of this type of system several factors have to be considered. One of the greatest of these factors is the availability of water. Examination and evaluation of your city water supply system is a must. Monterey is fortunate to have a powerful water system due to the fishing and canning industry of years ago.
The department recently received its first retrofitted pumper from Westates of California. The 1972 Seagrave pumper had developed pump problems so the old pump was replaced with a new 1500-gpm pump. The following items conformed to the large-diameter hose system: removal of left reel, installation of pumper turret, installation of 5-inch discharge, replacement of line gages with needle-type flow meter, installation of relief valve, installation of water tank monitor, addition of 4 ½-inch vacuum and pressure gage, pipe sizing check for preconnects, and installation of oversize nonglare black anodized aluminum panels.
Each pumper will be equipped with 1000 feet of 5-inch hose. A Carlin valve will be used at the hydrant to control water flow. The pumper hose bed will be divided to use 1 ¾ -inch and 2 ⅛ -inch hose with automatic nozzles capable of flows of 300 gpm.
Upon delivery of our first retrofitted apparatus, the department conducted extensive test flows and 2000 to 2500 gpm were obtained. A 200-gpm flow was obtained using 200 feet of 1 ¾ -inch hose. One hundred feet of 2 ⅛-inch delivered 300 gpm. An Apollo deluge set with 1 ⅛ -inch tip delivered 600 gpm. The pumper monitor gave 1000 gpm, leaving a 40-psi residual on the hydrant.
Specifications have been completed through the department’s work directive program to retrofit three additional pumpers to accommodate the largediameter hose system. Plans are on the drawing board for a new pumper to replace one of our older reserve units. That will complete the department’s conversion to large-diameter hose.
Extensive research has been completed by departmental personnel in various areas of the large-diameter hose system. Those wishing further information should contact Battalion Chief Mike Ventimiglia, Monterey Fire Department, City Hall, Monterey, Calif. 93940.
