Ronald Hiraki
Chief of Training
Seattle (WA) Fire Department
Response: In the early 1990s, the Seattle Fire Department switched from 112-inch hose and fixed-flow combination nozzles to 134-inch hose and automatic nozzles. These hose and nozzle combinations were used on preconnected attack lines and standard hose bundles. The goal was to use the advantages of the 134-inch hose and the automatic nozzle to deliver more gpm when needed.
There were some concerns over the performance of automatic nozzles in high-rise situations. Consequently, dual-pressure (high and low) nozzles were purchased for high-rise engine companies, and the automatic nozzles were replaced with fixed-flow combination nozzles. This current configuration limits the gpm that can be delivered, but the friction loss and pump pressures are lower.
We have not had any problems with 134-inch hose, and both configurations described above have advantages. The department does not use any 112-inch hose for attack lines. All engine companies still have one 212-inch reverse hosebed with a fixed-flow combination nozzle.
