Select the proper size hoseline
Jeffrey A. Hartwell in “Fire in Sprinklered Texas Warehouse with High Piled Storage” (Fire Engineering, April 2012) rightly points out in Lessons Learned that the change of commodities without a corresponding evaluation of the proper fire sprinkler coverage had a dramatic effect on the sprinkler system’s inability to control the fire, as did other variances given at the time of construction based on bounding conditions and assumptions that things had not changed over the life of the building.
A key issue not mentioned in the lessons learned, I believe, was the selection of interior attack lines. Although it is easy in hindsight to reflect on the choice of two 1¾-inch lines of exceptional long lengths—300 and 400 feet (page 60)—I would be very reluctant to have firefighters under my command enter such a large building with anything less than a 2½-inch line and a smooth bore nozzle.
In “Hoseline Operations for Fires in Multiple Dwellings, Part 1” (Fire Engineering, March 2012), Bill Gustin points out the effective carrying capacity of 1¾-inch hose and nozzle discharge. In addition, multiple articles have been written and tests have been performed on the effective reach and cooling capacity of 2½-inch handlines over smaller handlines along with proper nozzle selection for the possible fire at hand.
We must always select the proper tool for the job. Small handlines, while agile and effective on room-and-content fires in homes, are the proper tool for that size occupancy. Their use in offensive attacks in large buildings—especially large, open warehouses—is ill advised.
Curtis Meskus
Assistant Chief
Charlton (MA) Fire Department
Team breakaways a learning tool for all
“Breakaways” by Bobby Halton (Editor’s Opinion, April 2012) is an outstanding piece. I enjoyed the history surrounding Leo Stapleton, and the concept of team breakaways is something we all can learn from.
Dan Peters
Senior Vice President, Sales
Pierce Manufacturing & Medtec
Fire Engineering Archives
