How to Spray a Fire Hose

Spraying a Fire Hose Properly

While generally it is only a skill used by trained firefighters, a time may come when a fire hose is needed and there is no fire department around. In these cases, the following steps will allow you to understand and properly spray a fire hose in emergency situations.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fire hose
• Source of water
• Fire nozzle

1. Locate the nozzle end of the fire hose; this is where the water will come out.

2. Determine where the bale, or handle, is located on the hose. It will be attached to the nozzle and will be able to be pulled forward and backward. This is how you turn the water on and off.

3. Stand like a firefighter with feet spread apart Portes Lance image by Mousse from Fotolia.com

   Grip the nozzle in one hand and the bale (the handle) in the other. Get a strong grip and position one foot slightly ahead of the other, shoulder width apart.

4. water hose with valves image by Craig Hanson from Fotolia.com

   Turn on the water. Look at the picture; if you are pulling a hose from a cabinet, there will be a small lever (blue in the picture) or turning handle (red in picture), or it will be automatic in some cases. If you are at a hydrant, you must use a hydrant wrench in order to allow the water to flow into the attached fire hose.

5. Aim the fire hose at the flames and slowly pull the handle back towards you; water will start to come out. Pull further back towards you if you want more strength in the water flow.

6. Spray in a Z pattern in order to cool room down and put flame out. Letter Z in leopard fur image by Pete Linforth from Fotolia.com

   Make a large letter S, Z or A with the fire stream of water if in an enclosed room. This will cool the air down at the top and also soak the base of the flame. Point the water stream directly at the base of the fire, if outside or in a parking lot.

7. Finish by slowly pushing the handle forward, away from your body, in order to shut down the water. Do not push too fast as it will cause the hose to jump away from you from the water pressure coming to a hard stop.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the style of the nozzle, some may have what is called a "pistol grip" and some will not. This is not that important; it's just a different style of handle and allows you to have more of a grip, but is not required.

• Make sure to stand at least 10 feet away from the fire, and never turn your back to the flames. Always make sure you have an exit route behind you.

• When opening and closing the handle, push and pull it slowly - this allows you to maintain control over the hose and also prevents it from jumping out of your hands from the sudden presence or lack of water pressure.

• If the flames start to grow too big, call 911 or your local fire department. Do not try to be a hero; make sure you are safe first.

References

• Essentials of Firefighting and Emergency Response; Delmar Learning; 2004
• UCL: Use Guide to the Fire Hose Reel
• NFPA 1962: Standard for the Inspection, Care and Use of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles and the Service Testing of Fire Hose