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.
Can a fire hose stop a bullet?
A 9mm full metal jacket will only penetrate between 1 – 2 feet of water before coming to a rest. So, if you are shooting the bullet into the on coming water from a fire truck the bullet will be easily stopped .
How much heat can a fire hose take?
Popular fire hose materials such as EPDM rubber and nylon have thermal failure temperatures of about 150°C and 170-260°C , respectively [20, 21].
Do fire hoses hurt?
A high power firehose isn’t a thing to mess around with, these are super powerful hoses used to extinguish fires. ... Please remember don’t try and replicate these videos at home, belly flops hurt and high-pressure hoses can definitely do a lot of damage.
How durable is a fire hose?
Fire hose has the ideal quality for meeting our high standards. Thanks to the high-tensile polyester yarn on the outside and the rubber lining, the material is extremely tough and durable .
How many feet of hose is on a fire engine?
The standard for automotive fire apparatus requires pumpers to carry at least 15 feet of hose or 20 feet of hose. 1200 feet of 2 12 inch or larger hose. 400 feet of 1 12, 1 34, or 2 inch attack hose.
What comes out of a fire hose?
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, fire hydrant, or a portable fire pump.
Can you get killed by a fire hose?
Respiratory burns can kill instantly , or at least as close as makes no difference. Also, structural fires will release toxic gases that can incapacitate and kill just as fast.
How many men does it take to hold a fire hose?
It takes at least two fire fighters to control a 21⁄2-inch (64-mm) handline safely because when the hose is charged with water it can weigh as much as 200 pounds (91 kilograms).
What size hose fits a fire hydrant?
A standard fire hydrant has two 2.5 inch- hose connection nozzles with 7.5 threads per inch, and one 4.5 inch-pumper connection nozzle with 4 threads per inch. The hose connection nozzle, compared to the pumper connection nozzle, has a lower discharge pressure and can be used directly to fight fires.
How often should a fire hose be serviced?
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 do you maintain a fire hose?
Unroll the fire hose on a clean surface and gently stretch it out to remove any kinks. Thoroughly brush any dirt off of the hose using a clean dry brush with soft or medium bristles. Refrain from using a hard-bristled brush, power washer, or solvent when cleaning the hose, as doing so may damage its outer jacket.
How do you dry a fire hose?
If a hose doesn’t have a protective exterior, place it on a towel or rack to dry . When using a commercial hose dryer, make sure that the inside of the hose drains entirely. The hose should not be dried under intense sunlight or on hot pavements.
How many gallons per minute does a fire hose use?
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). While 150 GPM may be plenty in many situations, this hose trades ease of use for lower flow rates.
How far can a fire hose shoot water horizontally?
How high can the fire hose shoot? Depending on water pressure, between 75 to 100 feet straight up . Firefighters on the ground rarely try to reach higher than 40 feet with hoses.
When can a fire hose not be used?
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!
