How does a fire hose put out a fire?

A fire hose (or firehose) is a high-pressure hose that carries water or other fire retardant (such as foam) to a fire to extinguish it. Outdoors, it attaches either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant. It is necessary to convey water either from an open water supply, or pressurized water supply.

Are fire hoses fireproof?

It seems counterintuitive: fire hoses – the key firefighting tool used by firefighters across the country — are not fire-resistant. Yet the hoses, usually made from woven cotton and rubber, can burn through when they are not charged with water, putting firefighters in grave danger.

What is the purpose of a fire hose?

The term “fire hose” identifies a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from the source of supply to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fire.

How does a fire hose nozzle work?

Fog nozzles produce a cone-shaped stream of small water droplets. These droplets can more easily be converted into steam, which takes heat from the surrounding air and can even be used to push hot air out of a room. Straight streams discharge water in the shape of a column.

Is a fire hose reels always charged with water?

Is a fire hose reel always charged with water? Fire Hose Reels are easy to use and provide a virtually unlimited supply of water, as they are connected to the mains water supply, and should extend for approximately 35 metres. Fire Hose reels consist of a length of non-kinking tubing.

What are the different sizes of fire hose?

The standard three sizes of hose lines are 1½, 1¾ and 2½ inch. Depending on the size and severity of the fire, hose line requirements vary to get the job done efficiently. Selecting the incorrect one from the start can cause delays in fire suppression and exhaustion.

How much pressure is in a fire hose?

To fight a fire on the ground, a fire hose needs about 150 pounds per square inch of water pressure. To get water to the 30th floor of a building, the pressure needs to be about 300 PSI to offset the effects of elevation.

How fast is a fire hose?

This hose flows roughly 150 gallons per minute. With a powerful enough pump, this hose takes 87 minutes to fill a 13,000-gallon swimming pool. The 1 1/2-inch double jacket fire hose provides 5.06 gallons per minute per dry pound of hose (150 GPM / 29.6 lbs dry = 5.06 GPM/pound).

When should you not use a fire hose?

Hose Reels are suitable for Class A fires: Paper, Textiles, Wood, Most Plastics and Rubber. Do NOT use on electrical fires, remember water conducts electricity, so using a fire hose reel on it could lead to electrocution!

How long does a fire hose last?

Taking good care of your fire hoses can go a long way in increasing the years you get out of each hose. Taking care of a fire hose the “prescribed” way can lead to a useful life of 10–20 years.

Is it hard to hold a fire hose?

It is not enough to just hold onto the hose and push with the nozzle man. There is technique and training that needs to be employed to efficiently and expediently move that line into place so that the nozzle man can put the fire out.

How fast is the water coming out of a fire hose?

Is a fire hose always charged with water?

Can anyone use a fire hose?

Along with fire extinguishers hose reels are used as a “first attack” appliance used during the early stages of a fire and can be used by building owners, occupiers, tenants and the fire brigade. All staff and personnel should be trained in the safe and effective use of fire hose reels.

When should fire hose be replaced?

NFPA 25, Chapter 6, table 6.1. 1.2 states that fire hoses should be tested every 5/3 years, and they should be pressure-tested annually, in accordance with NFPA 1962 , Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances revised in 2013.

How often should a fire hose be serviced?

every three years
In addition to the annual inspection, the fire hose needs to be tested every three years, with the first time being 5 years after the manufacturing date. This test is referred to as the Hose Pressure Service Test. A fire safety professional can take care of this for you along with annual inspections.