Setting Yourself Up for Success: Deployment of Fire Attack Lines

Firefighting operations require precise preparation and execution to ensure a successful outcome. A crucial step in firefighting operations is the proper setup of the fire attack line. A well-prepared crew will produce an effective fire attack and can make the difference between a contained fire and an out-of-control fire.

In this edition of the Fire & EMS, LLC. blog, we will talk about setting yourself up for success when it comes to hose deployment and how BullDog Hose from Fire & EMS, LLC. is the perfect choice to meet any fire department needs.  With great selections for attack and water supply, we are sure to have the firefighting equipment to meet your department’s needs.

The first step to a successful stretch of an attack line starts with loading the hose properly.  Each attack line should be loaded according to your department's policies and should be deployed quickly and with ease.  They should be checked each shift to ensure that they are done correctly.  We all like to think the other shift does a good job of loading the hose, but sometimes they may fall short.  This can be the result of an inexperienced or un-trained firefighter, a load shifting, or a late-night call in which it got loaded hastily to get back to bed.  Either way, inspect them each shift and ensure they are up to standards.  If need be, pull the line off and load it back up.  It’s always good to get a little practice. 

Training cannot be stressed enough.  Train, train, train.  Have everyone on your crew stretch the attack lines from the officer down to the firefighter.  You never know what kind of situation you may have when you pull up to a fire, but you want to be ready for every scenario.  An all-hands-working fire might involve the officer and firefighters throwing a ladder for VEIS while the driver stretches a line.  Be ready for anything.  Position the apparatus in a variety of ways so that the hose pulls off at different angles.  Put obstacles in place and make the crew go around them.  Do a split pull for those narrow roads between apartment complexes that have cars parked on both sides.  Do long straight pulls and pull lines around corners.  The more you practice, the more prepared you are for any scenario which you may come up against.  You want to make sure that during stressful events everyone’s training and experience comes out and their autopilot kicks in.  You don’t want to be fumbling around stretching a line on a well-involved structure fire while a citizen is filming across the street.  It looks bad for you and the department. 

After you have your lines stretched you are more than halfway to setting yourself up for success, but you have a few more things to do.  Look back at your hose after you have stretched it and quickly identify anything that might hinder its advancement into the structure.  Downed limbs, lawn furniture and tree stumps can prevent advancement and prolong getting to the fire. Make sure that the area is clear of these types of things or that you have adjusted the hose line account for them.  Next is to make sure there are no potential spots in the line that can become kinked prior to charging the line.  You will have to take a second look after the line is charged, but you may be able to eliminate them while it is still dry.  Make sure you have the nozzle and at least 50’ at the entry point ready to go in.  This gives the nozzleman enough hose to get started with their push into the structure.  While he is moving that 50’, his crew can start humping the remaining hose into the structure.  The final thing in setting up yourself for success is to line your hose up with the point of entry as best as possible.  Limiting the number of corners, you pull around will help with the advancement.  If you can avoid pulling around a door frame it helps to give you and your crew the best chance at successfully advancing that line into the structure.

Proper preparation and execution are critical to achieving success in firefighting operations, particularly when it comes to setting up the fire attack line. Loading the hose properly, inspecting it regularly, and training the crew to handle different scenarios are key to ensuring that everyone is ready for any situation they may face. Clearing the area of potential obstructions, identifying, and eliminating kinks, having the nozzle and enough hose ready to go, and positioning the hose line for easy advancement are all important steps to take to set yourself up for success in firefighting operations. By taking these steps and being well-prepared, firefighters can make the difference between a contained fire and one that becomes out-of-control.

To accomplish quick and efficient fire attack or water supply each fire company needs not only training and experience, but also the right firefighting equipment.  Fire & EMS, LLC. offers a wide selection of Bulldog Hose from the top-of-the-line Hi-Combat II to the more economical Ultima line.  We have hose that will meet the needs of your department. 

Hi-Combat II has the latest in firefighting tool technology.  Double-jacketed hose gives firefighters the performance, flexibility, and endurance to face even the toughest challenges.  A special weave, high tech nylon polyester outer jacket encases an inner lining consisting of a one-piece, extruded through-the-weave hose.  High visibility material is woven right into the hose marking the way out.  It exceeds the NFPA 1961 standard and is available in sizes ranging from 1 ¾” to 2 ½”. 

The Firepower II is also made with a high-tech nylon polyester double jacket.  It has easy grip material and has exceedingly good packing capabilities.  It provides optimal kink resistance with superior water flow and low friction loss.  Firepower II combines high abrasion resistance with low overall weight and low drag resistance.  It is available in sizes ranging from 1 ¾” to 2 ½”. 

The Ultima by BullDog Hose is a double-jacket hose with staple-polyester, both warp and filler, and lined with a high-tech EPDM tube.  Minimum weight with maximum durability and packability.  It is easy to maintain and is available in sizes ranging from 1 ½” to 3”. 

Let us not forget about water supply.  Fire attack cannot be sustained over a longer period unless a water supply is established.  To do this you need the best in firefighting tools and that includes Hi-Vol by BullDog Hose.  Available in sizes ranging from 3” to 6”, this rubber hose can deliver more water in high-pressure situations.  It is equipped with greater abrasion and puncture resistance, along with unmatched kink resistance. 

These options along with several more make up the BullDog line of hose carried by Fire & EMS, LLC. You can find more information about all of the hoses on our website at https://fireandems.com.  Give us a call today and schedule a demo for your department.