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ENGINE COMPANY STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Drill #3 4" Hose Operations - 29
Introduction 3 Supply Lines
Firefighter Assignments Hand Laying a Supply Line to the Hydrant
"Spot the Pump" 30
Firefighter Safety 4
Safety Concerns "Reverse Lay" 31
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus 5
"Donning" and "Standby" Position "Specified" Supply Line 32
S.C.B.A. – "Mask Up" 6 "Unspecified" Supply Line 34

Accountability
Supply Line to the "1st In Pumper" 35
Firefighter Survival 7
Supply Line to a Ladder Pipe or 36
Rapid Intervention Crew 9 Portable Monitor
Master Streams 37
Drill #1 Hose, Fittings and Nozzles 11
2½" and 4" Hose Bed
4" Rolled Hose Drill # 4 2½" Hose Operations 39
2½" Hose Bed
1¾" Hose Bed 12 Loading the Hose Bed
1" Hose
Hand Laying a Supply Line to the Hydrant 40
Deploying Rolled Hose 13
"Specified" Pull 41
Fittings 15
Advancing an Attack Line 43
Nozzles 16 Flaking Out Working Line
Kinks
Nozzle Checks / Calling for Water 18
"Unspecified" Pull – Supply Line 44
Making and Breaking Couplings 19
Gasket Checks "Unspecified" Pull – Attack Line 45
Leaks 20 Shoulder Loading 2½" Hose 46

2½" Water Stream Applications 47
Drill #2 4" Hose Operations 21 Exposures, Water Curtain and Attack Streams
Reloading Hose
Standing Hose Control 49
4" Hose Bed 22 "Angle of Attack"
Loading the 4" Hose Bed Shutting Down Nozzles
MANIFOLD LAY 23 Utility Strap Hose Control 50
"Manifold Lay" – (#4 Position) Advancing a 2½" Charged Hose Line
Hydrant Operations
Apparatus at Scene Donut Hose Control 51
"Manifold Lay" – (#3 Position) 26
Hydrant Operations
Apparatus at Scene
Drill #5 1¾" Hose Operations - 53 Drill #8 Fire Department Connections 73

Securing Hose 2½" Supply Lines to the F.D.C.
Loading the Hose Bed The "Five" F.D.C. Checks
Restoring the Fire Protection System
"Drop and Go" 54
Highrise Operations 74
Shoulder Load "Flip Method" 55 Securing Equipment
Deploying the Highrise Hose Packs
Advancing a Charged 1¾" Attack Line 56
Advancing the Hose Pack Attack Line 75
Progressive Hose Lays 57
Securing the "Cleveland Roll"
Grass Fires
Drill #6 1¾" Interior Attack Lines 59

Fire Ground Operations 77
Final Pump Operations (#4)
Two In – Two Out
Reporting to the Officer (#4)
Door Checks
Supplying the Pump 78
Making Entry 60
Off the Tank
Advancing Interior Attack Lines 61 Hand Lay
Manifold Lay
Interior Water Streams 62 Spot the Pump
"Direct Attack"
Vehicle Emergencies 79
Interior Water Streams 63 Vehicle Fires
"Indirect Attack" "Proper Angle of Attack"
Flash Over "Tenting" the Hood
Interior Progressive Hose Lay 64 Fuel Fire Indications 80
Shoulder Load Hose Foam Application
Highrise Hose Pack Vehicle Fire Scenario
Drill #7 1¾" Hose Operations - 65 Grass Fires 81

Above Ground Level
Shoulder Loading Up Stairs Progressive Lays at Grass Fires 82
Tying Off the Coupling
Condo Lay 83
Advancing an Attack Line Up a Ladder 66
Dry
Tying Off a Charged Hose Line 67
Advancing a Charged Line Up a Ladder
Advancing a Hose Line Using Rope 68
Tossing Rope 69
Using Rope for Search and Rescue
Lowering Hose – "Drop Method" 70
Lowering Hose – "Rope Method" 71
Lowering Hose – "Ladder Method" 72
STANDARD DEPARTMENT
ENGINE COMPANY STANDARD OPERATING GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS FIRE
SUBJECT PAGE EFFECTIVE DATE
INTRODUCTION / FIREFIGHTER ASSIGNMENTS 3 NOVEMBER 2003
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Engine Company Standard Operating Guide, is to introduce and describe the
different tasks and skills required of Firefighters assigned to an Engine Company. The Standard
Operating Guide consists of three sections. The first section “Firefighter Safety” describes how to
stay safe on the drill and fire ground. Following these practices will keep you and your crew safe in
what can be a very hostile environment.
The second section "Drills" covers the individual tasks that a Firefighter assigned to an Engine
Company will need to learn. The "Drill" section is divided into eight sub-sections, where everything
from equipment recognition to advancing a charged hose line on a fire is described.
The final section "Fire Ground Operations" describes special operating procedures beyond those
covered in the "Drill" section of this manual. Every Officer is ultimately responsible for how they use
their personnel at a fire. With that said, there are certain standard operating procedures that are
consistently followed and covered in this section.
Information contained within this document can be accessed by any one of the following four means.
1. SDFD Academy Training Video (VHS) 2. SDFD Fire Academy CD ROM "colorized"
3. www.sdfdtraining.com "colorized" 4. This printed document issued to Recruits "black and white."
Reference links as follows: blue colored underlined words are still frame hot links. Red colored
underlined subject references followed by a hyphen (-) and the word Video, link the reader to short
subject matter video clips.
FIREFIGHTER ASSIGNMENTS
The Recruit will rotate between two positions on the apparatus. The Number Four (#4) position, rides
seated behind the Captain. Synonymous with the #4 position Firefighter is the title, Drop Off. This
name comes from the command given by the Captain to initiate Engine Company activities at an
emergency. To “drop off” is to start an action that will eventually bring water to the pump, or initiate a
series of events needed to mitigate an emergency situation.
Drop Off’s responsibilities vary, depending on the scenario. If the apparatus needs water, it is usually
#4 who is responsible for initiating the action that will meet that need. If the apparatus does not need
water right away, #4 will perform other tasks. Whatever the case, it is very important to listen to the
entire order given by the Officer. Get in the habit of repeating the order out loud, so the Officer will
know that instructions were heard and understood. If there are any questions regarding the
instructions, ask immediately.
The Number Three (#3) position, rides seated behind the Engineer. Another name for this position is
“Line Breaker.” When a supply line has been laid from a hydrant to the engine company, #3 (Line
Breaker) takes that supply line and breaks the last coupling coming from the hose bed. From that
point, the Engineer and Line Breaker work together to complete the supply line operation into the
pump. Line Breaker also needs to listen carefully to the complete order. If a supply line is being laid
from a hydrant, and the order is “Manifold lay – drop off” Line Breaker initially assists #4 at the
hydrant. If a supply line is not being laid, the Line Breaker is usually responsible for pulling and
placing into operation, the initial fire attack line.
TITLE STANDARD DEPARTMENT
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY 4 NOVEMBER 2003
SAFETY CONCERNS
Safety is always the major concern, and must be your number one priority. When riding on any fire
apparatus, always remain seated with your seat belt fastened. When stepping off the apparatus, use the
handrails for support, watching where you step.
Never work or stand directly below windows, roof edges, and/or landings where work is being
performed above. When lowering equipment from upper floors or the roof of a building, always look
below and call out, “Clear - look out below.”
Always wear gloves when there is any possibility of an injury to the hands: in or around any fire area,
during search and rescue operations, while handling power equipment and/or other forcible entry hand
tools, and while manipulating ropes under load. If you take your gloves off, secure them on your coat
or place them in a pocket.
Look for and call out hazards while manipulating ground ladders i.e. “No overhead obstructions or
hazards” or “Clear, ladder coming through” when moving the ladder. Always have the ladder properly
footed, with four points of contact, prior to climbing.
4" intakes and discharges should be attached to the Captain’s side pump panel, unless operating off an
Emergency One apparatus.
When calling for water, get an acknowledgment from the Engineer or Firefighter you signaled. Get the
Engineer’s approval before shutting down the hydrant.
Hose couplings brought back to the apparatus, not immediately going back into the hose bed, will be
folded back upon themselves and secured completely under the tailboard or running board.
Inform the Engineer every time a piece of equipment is removed from the apparatus. Return and
secure equipment prior to picking up hose. The twenty-five foot and fifty foot rolled sections of 4"
hose are considered equipment.
All equipment returned to the apparatus that is not immediately placed back into a compartment or
onto a bracket, must be placed completely under the tailboard or running board. When equipment is
returned to the apparatus, it will be inspected, cleaned if necessary, and secured in the correct location
and manner. Nozzles will be set on wide fog and the low gallon per minute (g.p.m.) flow setting.
Equipment and tools carried on your person must be secured from falling. Any equipment that will fit
in your pocket (gloves, pocket spanner) should not be laid on the ground.
Forcible entry tools, nozzles or any other equipment placed at buildings must be laid flat and in contact
with the wall of the building. Lay this equipment parallel to the wall so it doesn’t stick out from the
wall (two points of contact).
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY: SELF CONTAINED BREATHING 5 NOVEMBER 2003
APPARATUS
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS - S.C.B.A. / B.A. - VIDEO

DONNING
Throughout this manual and the ensuing hose lay section, there are references to “masking up” and
“donning” as they refer to the self contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A. or B.A.) To “DON” a
breathing apparatus on the Hose Lay side of the Academy will mean the following:
Safely open the breathing apparatus compartment door calling out “Clear - B.A. door.”
Call out to the Engineer that a breathing apparatus is being secured, “Engineer - securing B.A.”
Call out the required checks:
Bottle fully open
Bottle P.S.I.
Vibralert
Pak Alert (3 chirps)
Remote gauge same as bottle gauge or within 110 P.S.I.
Remove the S.C.B.A. from its bracket.
Step away from the compartment door by turning and walking forward.
In a clear area and after calling out “Clear - donning B.A.,” don the S.C.B.A. and tighten all
straps.
Safely close the breathing apparatus compartment door if the other Firefighter is not in the act
of securing a breathing apparatus.
Depending on the hose lay and scenario several things can happen at this point:
1. The S.C.B.A. can be left in the standby position because the next task does not require
“masking up.”
2. The S.C.B.A. can be left in the standby position, but the accountability tag needs to be turned
over to the accountability officer (Engineer) because the Firefighter will shortly be entering an
immediately dangerous to life and health environment (I.D.L.H.).
3. The next task requires that the Firefighter “mask up,” - “don” the face piece. Turning in the
accountability tag is dependent on whether or not the Firefighter will be entering an I.D.L.H.
environment. A vehicle or grass fire is dangerous, but it is not considered an I.D.L.H.
environment, from an accountability perspective.
STANDBY POSITION
The Standby Position for a donned breathing apparatus is:
The B.A. is properly stabilized on the back with all harness straps tightened properly.
The regulator and mask are brought up into the shoulder harness assembly to prevent damage.
The nomex hood is around the neck with the helmet on.
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY: 6 NOVEMBER 2003
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS / ACCOUNTABILITY
SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

MASK UP
The Firefighter will “mask up” prior to making entry into an I.D.L.H., or when directed to by the
Officer. To “mask up” is to properly don the face piece. Once the face piece is on the face, the
Firefighter must perform a “fit check” as it is described in the Truck Company Procedures Manual.
Attach the regulator.

Depress the black donning switch.
Inhale slowly and hold breath.
Note the inward movement of the face piece.
Release the switch and breath normally.
After the fit check, properly secure the nomex hood so that all facial skin is covered. Affix the helmet
without disturbing the face piece seal. Don gloves, then make entry or advance onto the fire.
At times during a hose lay, the regulator will be removed from the face piece after the fit check, for
communications or to perform other work prior to entry. To save on air, the Officer may direct the
Firefighter to remove the regulator during certain hose lays.
ACCOUNTABILITY TAGS
The use of accountability tags is one way to keep track of firefighting personnel at an incident. Each
position on the fire apparatus is assigned a tag. The tags are kept on every B.A. The Firefighter
responsible for keeping track of the tags at an emergency is the Accountability Officer (A.O.). In
Operations, the Accountability Officer attaches each Firefighter’s accountability tag to an orange box.
From that box, the A.O. can keep track of every Firefighter entering and/or leaving the structure.
IN THE ACADEMY the Accountability Officer (A.O.) will be the Engineer on the apparatus, unless
multi-company operations are underway. On those occasions, the Accountability Officer may be
assigned to another person. Anytime the scenario indicates that a B.A. must be worn to enter a
structure, turn the accountability tag over to the Accountability Officer. The Engineer will secure the
tag to a steel ring that has been placed on the Engineer’s side pump panel. When exiting the structure,
it will be the Firefighter’s responsibility to check in with the Engineer and secure the accountability
tag.
NOTE: Not properly securing the accountability tag on evaluation day is a major violation, just as it is
in Operations at a real incident. In order for this system to work as it is intended, all personnel must
maintain accountability tag integrity. This will ensure that no Firefighter will go unnoticed, and that
Firefighters will not be sent needlessly into a hazardous environment to conduct a search.
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY: FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL 7 NOVEMBER 2003
FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL
Firefighter survivability on any incident depends on a few basic concepts and principals. Generally we
get in trouble because we haven’t trained properly, and/or haven’t taken the time to thoroughly plan a
course of action. Some will say, experience is the most important component in the Firefighter
survivability chain. That may be true, but experienced Firefighters have lost their lives because of
some very basic mistakes. Training, planning and knowing what to do based on acquired experience,
are the big three.
TRAINING
We all must constantly train and hone Firefighter survivability skills. Practice working with the
survival equipment under less than ideal conditions. Practice changing air bottles and tying knots in a
darkened area. Practice changing a bottle on one breath with your eyes closed, simulating fire
conditions. Train with tag lines and hose lines to see how they can help a lost Firefighter with self
rescue.
Practice the “Two in - Two out” policy. It is far more difficult for two Firefighters to get lost, than it is
for one. One Firefighter on the team should have a radio to call for help in an emergency. Practice
using the radio in the dark and with low visibility conditions. Know how to activate the emergency
button and how it affects the radio. The emergency button puts the radio operator in contact with
dispatch. From there, rescue is a few moments away.
Our interior attack lines are generally 1¾" hose lines. 1¾" attack lines only go into the structure one
way, the male coupling points to the fire. With that understanding, if a lost Firefighter can find a hose
line inside a structure the chances of survival have increased dramatically. If the male coupling points
to the fire, that must mean the section of hose fitted into that coupling leads out. Follow the hose in the
direction of the female coupling to the outside. Following the hose the wrong direction can also save a
life. Chances are, unless there has been a building evacuation, there will be Firefighters on the nozzle.
Even if there are no Firefighters on the nozzle, the correct way out is now obvious.
To determine the male coupling, the hose must obviously be located. Stay low to the floor because of
heat and better visibility. Try to remember where a hose line was last seen or where one might have
gone. Once a hose line is found, follow it in either direction.
A coupling will be found within fifty feet. At the coupling, take your gloves off, this is no time to
guess. The male coupling is constructed differently than the female:
The male coupling has one section (one piece) the female has two sections. The female coupling has
a hose bowl where the hose connects to the coupling and the swivel section.
The male coupling has the larger lug, approximately one inch. The female coupling has a ½" lug.
Feel both lugs and make the comparison. Feel for the two pieces of the female coupling. Make an
informed decision, and follow the hose line out.
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY: FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL 8 NOVEMBER 2003
PLANNING
Every Firefighter is responsible for making a brief size-up. There are always a few moments available
to look at the structure. Get a good idea of where the fire is. Is the assignment to the rear of the
structure or the second story? Is there a window or balcony to use in an emergency? Identify
alternative ways to get out of the structure. The entry point may not end up being the way to get out in
an emergency. Identify the type of construction. Is an axe, or a sledge hammer the tool to have if
forcible egress is necessary? Get an idea of where other Firefighters will be working. Know where to
find help.
No one is expecting a Firefighter to learn every building in the area, but get to know the large
complicated ones. Every station has pre-fire plans on occupancies. These are generally the larger
more complex buildings. Take the time to go over those and look at the diagrams before the call
comes in. Even small single family dwellings can get Firefighters lost or killed. Do not get
complacent on small structure fires.
EXPERIENCE
Knowing what to do from acquired experience is key to Firefighter survival. Know and understand the
danger signs. Recognize the signs of personnel confusion or exhaustion, and building fatigue. Neither
the building nor the Firefighter, can withstand the stress from a fire indefinitely. Recognition and
reaction to early warning signs are what experience is all about.
LIVE BY THESE RULES:

“Get in - get out / get on - get off.” Carry out the assignment, get reassigned or leave the structure.
Air is cheap, lungs aren’t. Use your breathing apparatus during interior fire ground operations,
including overhaul.
PERSONAL ALARM DEVICE - P.A.D.

Know how to activate and silence the personal alarm device. Once a Firefighter thinks they might be
lost, they probably are. Early activation of the P.A.D. is critical in order to get help coming
immediately. Keep P.A.D. false alarms to a minimum, (“If you’re not moving, you’re probably in the
way”). Know the equipment and be aware of an impending alarm. Firefighters tend to get lax at fires
because of the numerous false P.A.D. activations. Prevent them whenever possible. Check them out
then silence every P.A.D. activation quickly.
The personal alarm device can also be used as a signaling device for a Firefighter who is not lost. If a
Firefighter is alone and finds a victim, the device can be activated to attract attention. It is difficult to
communicate over any distance while wearing a breathing apparatus. The P.A.D. will send out an
audible signal that can be heard by others.
FIREFIGHTER SAFETY: RAPID INTERVENTION CREW 9 NOVEMBER 2003
RAPID INTERVENTION CREW (R.I.C.)

A Rapid Intervention Crew (R.I.C.) will be assembled as quickly as possible at any incident where
Firefighters will be entering an I.D.L.H. atmosphere. According to the law, no Firefighters shall enter
such an environment without a R.I.C. in place. This is another mandate closely associated with the
“Two in - Two out” policy. The loose explanation is: anytime two Firefighters enter an I.D.L.H.
environment, there will be two Firefighters stationed outside. These two Firefighters (R.I.C.) are
responsible to stay outside, ready to make entry in the event that the two Firefighters inside need
rescue.
Any group of Firefighters can be assembled to form a R.I.C. As a member of the crew, there are
several concerns that need to be addressed prior to possible deployment. Gather as much information
concerning the structure and its contents as possible. Stage rescue equipment, forcible entry tools,
ropes and spare breathing apparatus in a readily accessible area. Assess the perimeter of the structure,
looking for possible hazards. Check for locked emergency exits and on alternative avenues of ingress
or egress. Try to prevent a problem before it occurs. Open doors so a lost or confused Firefighter
might be able to self rescue.
Periodically during an incident, a Personnel Accountability Report (P.A.R.) will be called for.
Officers will take an accounting of personnel. Each team of two Firefighters will have a portable radio
within a structure. The Officer or team member with the radio will respond back to the Accountability
Officer, the status of the crew or team. It is after these personal accountability reports that the
likelihood of a R.I.C. response heightens.
If the call to deploy comes, get as much information on the lost Firefighter as possible. What
Company were they assigned to and what was the assignment? Where were they last seen? How long
have they been in the building? Which hose line, if any, are they associated with? How long has it
been since anyone has heard from them? All this information can paint a picture to help locate the lost
Firefighter.
As mentioned before, there are some very important pieces of equipment to bring along on a
Firefighter rescue. If the P.A.R. was initiated because of a major structural event, and a Firefighter has
turned up missing, bring more forcible entry and power rescue equipment than normal. If the lost
Firefighter has turned up during a normal P.A.R., a standard load-out of forcible entry and rescue
equipment will probably be adequate. One of the most critical pieces of equipment to secure for the
survival of a lost Firefighter is a spare breathing apparatus. If the lost Firefighter needs anything, it’s
more air. “Bring a bottle - Save a buddy.”
Time is critical, take advantage of shortcuts. The R.I.C. is looking for a lost or injured Firefighter, so
listen for the personal alarm device. Use hose lines associated with the lost Firefighter as a guide.
Conduct rapid searches of areas around the hose line. If the R.I.C. must leave contact with the entry
landmark such as a wall or hose line, do so with a tag line. Using a tag line prevents the R.I.C. from
getting lost, and it aids others who might be called in to help with the rescue. Tag lines also make
rapid egress possible after locating the lost Firefighter. In place of a tag line, small diameter hose lines
can be brought in as a replacement for rope. Small diameter hose is easier to identify and it offers
limited protection against fire.

DRILL #1 HOSE 10 NOVEMBER 2003
REAR HOSE BED - 2½" AND 4" HOSE - Video

2½" and 4" supply/attack hose is loaded in the rear of the apparatus (rear hose bed). The hose bed is
split, separating the 2½" hose from the 4" hose. Both hose beds are loaded with the female coupling
feeding from the top of the hose bed first. The purpose for this is to enable either hose line to be used
as a supply line. There will be situations that require a supply line longer than what is carried in the 4"
hose bed (up to 1,000 feet), therefore, the 2½" female coupling is attached to the last 4" male coupling
using a 4" to 2½" reducer. Up to nine 100-foot sections of 4" hose are carried in the rear hose bed.
The 2½" sections of hose carried in the rear hose bed are fifty feet each.
Whenever possible, the line supplying the pump with water should be the largest diameter hose
available. Using 4" hose, connected to a 4" hydrant discharge, is the best means of supplying the pump
with water. If there is no 4" discharge port available on the hydrant, using the 2½" to 4" increaser that
is attached to female coupling, will enable the 4" hose to be used as the supply line to the pump.
There are two fittings associated with supply lines and hydrant operations. They are the 2½" to 4"
increaser and the 4" to 2½" reducer. The fittings are identified using the female dimension first,
followed by the male dimension. The 2½" to 4" increaser is kept attached to the first female coupling
coming off the top of the 4" hose bed. At the hydrant, when a 4" discharge port is available, this fitting
is removed, and the hose’s 4" female swivel is attached directly to the hydrant.
The 4" to 2½" reducer is attached to the last 4" male coupling coming off the bottom of the 4" hose
bed. It is usually attached to the first 2½" female coupling coming off the top of the 2½" hose bed.
When pulling 2½" hose from the hose bed, this fitting is removed from the 2½" hose line leaving the
reducer attached to the 4" line. 2½" hose is not solely used for supplying the pump with water, it is
used for other purposes. 2½" hose lines are used to supply water to other apparatus, fire protection
systems, portable monitors and hand held attack lines. 2½" nozzles capable of flowing up to 250
gallons of water per minute (g.p.m.) are commonly attached to 2½" hose lines. Charged 2½" attack
lines are not easily moved from one point to another. For that reason, they are not typically taken into
structures for direct fire attack. They can however, be very useful on the exterior of the structure for,
direct fire attack and/or exposure protection. 2½" lines can also be laid out to supply, single or
multiple 1¾" attack lines, via reducers or gated wyes.
25' AND 50' - 4" ROLLED HOSE LINES - Video

Carried double rolled in a rear compartment, are two short sections of 4" hose. These twenty-five and
fifty foot sections are used to complete supply line operations around the pump and hydrant. The short
lengths are used around the pump, to minimize the amount of hose blocking the street during pump
supply operations.
DRILL #1 HOSE 11 NOVEMBER 2003
1¾" HOSE BEDS - VIDEO

1¾" hose is lighter, and once charged with water, easier to move around obstacles and through
congested areas. For these reasons, 1¾" hose is the dominant attack line (interior and/or exterior) used
on our department. Depending on the nozzle, up to 200 gallons of water per minute (g.p.m.) can be
delivered through these firefighting lines.
1¾" hose is loaded into a hose bed that crosses the apparatus from side to side. This hose bed is
located forward of the rear hose bed, near where the Firefighters are seated and is called a “Mattydale”
or “Crosslay.” The hose bed is split to accommodate three separate hose lines, which are pre-
connected to the pump to aid in their quick deployment.
“Mattydale” or “Crosslay” hose beds are loaded in the following manner:

#1 The hose bed most forward on the apparatus consists of one hundred feet of 1¾" hose and a 60
to 125 g.p.m. nozzle.
#2 The middle crosslay consists of one hundred and fifty feet of 1¾" hose with a 95 to 200 g.p.m.
nozzle.
#3 The rear mattydale, consists of two hundred feet of 1¾" hose and a 95 to 200 g.p.m. nozzle.
Additionally, 1¾" hose and nozzles are carried as the “High rise Hose Pack.” Each hosepack consists
of one hundred feet of 1¾" hose with a 200 g.p.m. nozzle and shutoff butt. There are two such packs
carried on the apparatus. The “A” pack has a 2½" to 1½" gated wye attached to the free female
coupling. The “B” pack has a 2½" to 1½" reducer attached to the free female coupling.
1" HOSE - VIDEO

1" hose is found rolled and secured with a band, in a rear hose compartment. It comes in fifty-foot
lengths and is very useful during grass fire operations. 1" hose is usually added during mop up, or to
extend out from a 1¾" line to extinguish very light fuels. 1" hose lines and nozzles are also used in
Operations to extinguish small rubbish fires and/or during overhaul operations if possible. Anytime 1"
is added to an existing 1¾" hose line, a reducer must be added because the coupling sizes are different.
1" RED LINES - VIDEO

Red lines (hard lines) are pre-plumbed and affixed to a mechanically operated hose reel. Their use will
be restricted in much the same manner as 1" hose lines. Light fuel grass and rubbish fires, overhaul
operations, or when advised by the Officer. “Red Line” advantages include, quick deployment and
great maneuverability. The “Red Line” reel is loaded with two hundred and fifty feet of hose,
comprising of, one hundred feet of 1" hose and one hundred fifty feet of ¾" hose with a 1" nozzle.

DRILL #1 HOSE / DEPLOYING ROLLED HOSE 12 NOVEMBER 2003
The word “Secure” is used extensively in this manual. In this manual, “secure” refers to the action of:
taking from, or replacing back onto the apparatus, any piece of equipment, nozzle or hose section. The
word “secure” is also used to describe the action of placing a piece of equipment, nozzle, coupling or
hose section anywhere on the fire ground in a prescribed safe location and/or condition. “Safe
condition” means, in a location or condition that will not lead to creating a hazard for other
Firefighters, or causing damage to a piece of equipment.
Where possible, in this manual, a brief description of what is required to properly secure a particular
item will be explained. The Instructors in the field will give further guidance, when needed, for
clarification.
For quick and easy deployment, hose carried on our apparatus is generally loaded into hose beds,
however, there are several sections of hose stored in compartments. Various amounts of 1" and 1¾"
hose are often rolled up and secured into compartments. The two short sections of 4" hose are stored
in a compartment near the rear of the apparatus. The high rise hose pack is usually secured in a
compartment.
* Whenever hose or equipment is removed from the apparatus, call out what is being removed.
You don’t need to stop moving, or look at the Engineer, just simply call it out and keep working.
ROLLED HOSE - VIDEO

When hose is rolled and placed into a compartment, it is rolled in one of three methods: the single/
straight roll, double roll, or the donut roll. Typically, 1", 1¾" or 2½" hose is stored in a compartment
by means of the single (straight) roll, or the double roll.
SINGLE (STRAIGHT) ROLLING HOSE

The straight roll is usually used to secure 1¾" and 2½" hose sections that are stored in compartments.
Hose that is being shipped to station 20 for repair is also straight rolled.
Lay the hose out straight and flat, with no twists.
Beginning with the male coupling, roll the hose toward the female coupling.
When complete, the hose should be straight and neat with the female coupling on the outside and
exposed. Lay the bundle on its side and step on it to straighten the bundle out, if necessary.
If necessary, or for shipping or storage, use a short piece of sash cord to secure the hose roll.
DEPLOYING SINGLE ROLLED HOSE

Hold the hose in such a manner as to have the female coupling facing the direction of the roll.
Secure the hose just behind the female coupling, by the thumb and index finger.
Lift the remaining hose with the other fingers, call out “Clear” and roll the hose out. When rolling out
the hose, do not let go of the section of hose that is being held by the thumb and index finger.
DRILL #1 HOSE / DEPLOYING ROLLED HOSE 13 NOVEMBER 2003
DOUBLE ROLLING HOSE

The double roll is typically used to secure 1" hose in a compartment for deployment at grass fires.
Lay the hose out straight and flat, with no twists.
Bring both couplings together, placing them along side each other. Before rolling, arrange the hose so
the two lengths are lying close to one another.
This next step is best performed with two Firefighters. From the end of the laid out hose, opposite
from the couplings, fold the semi-circle part of the hose toward the couplings.
As the hose is being rolled toward the couplings, cross the hose once on either end, this will keep the
hose together better during storage and deployment. One Firefighter rolls the hose, while the other
Firefighter crosses the hose and keeps it close together and neat.
When the hose is completely rolled, secure the hose bundle with a large inner tube band.
DEPLOYING DOUBLE ROLLED HOSE

Remove the inner tube band from the hose bundle and face the direction of the roll.
Secure the sections of hose in much the same manner as was done with the single roll, however, both
couplings need to be secured prior to rolling out. The couplings again need to be secured facing the
direction of the intended roll out, call “Clear” and roll out the hose maintaining control of the
couplings.
Once the hose has been rolled out, place the inner tube band on the hose to prevent losing it.
DONUT ROLLING HOSE

The two short 4" sections of hose are secured in a compartment using the “donut” roll.
Lay the section of hose out flat and straight without any twists or kinks.
From the male coupling end, walk the coupling to the female coupling laying the hose on top of itself.
Place the male coupling on top of the hose approximately 18" or 24" from the female coupling. Use
the 18" mark for the 25' section, and the 24" measurement for the 50' section of hose.
At this point, the aid of another Firefighter makes rolling the hose easier. Beginning at the end away
from the couplings, roll the folded section of hose toward the couplings. As the hose is rolled up, it
will begin to gather some slack on the top section of hose. The Firefighter not rolling the hose up,
should lightly pull the slack out of the hose during the rolling operation.
The donut roll is correct when the hose is completely rolled up, and the male coupling is protected by
several inches of hose and the female coupling.
DEPLOYING DONUT ROLLED HOSE

Carry the rolled 25' or 50' section of 4" hose by placing a couple of fingers between the layers of rolled
4" hose, using either one or two hands. Secure the couplings from falling while carrying the roll. Do
not attempt to carry either roll on top of a shoulder.
Lay the roll down on its edge (side). Typically, when a Firefighter is going to deploy one of the short
4" sections of hose, they will be securing the female coupling, leaving the male for the Engineer.
Lay the hose bundle down so the female coupling is facing the direction of the pull. This will enable
the hose bundle to unroll better. Take the female coupling to the appropriate fitting or coupling.
Ensure that no hose remains coiled back at the roll. Work with the Engineer to pull out and straighten
any remaining hose. When working with 4" hose, it is very important to keep as many twists out of the
line as possible. The force of water going through the line will push the twist forward, possibly
endangering other crew members.
DRILL #1 FITTINGS 14 NOVEMBER 2003
FITTINGS - VIDEO
Shutoff butts and nozzles are attached to hose lines by way of a female fitting. There will be evolutions
when the hose couplings and fittings become mismatched. An example is when a hose line has been
pulled with the female coupling being advanced toward the fire (Reverse Lay or unspecified pull). A
fitting (double male) must be placed on the hose so that the female swivel on the hose line can be
attached to the female fitting on the nozzle or shutoff butt. Our pumps carry 2½" and 4" double male
and double female fittings. Whenever a double male fitting has been added to a hose line, a double
female will need to be added to the other end of the hose line (usually where it attaches to one of the
pump’s discharges).
Reducers are used to go from a larger diameter hose to a smaller diameter hose. 2½" lines are
commonly reduced to 1¾" hose lines. There are several reasons to go from a large diameter hose to a
smaller one. Smaller diameter hose lines are used in structures for mobility, because a charged 2½"
hose line weighs much more than a charged 1¾" hose line. At grass fires, 1¾" initial attack lines are
occasionally reduced down to 1" hose lines for mopping up. Again, a reducer is identified by referring
to the female dimension first, then the male thread size. Our pumps typically carry an assortment of
reducers: 1½" to 1", 2½" to 1½" and 4" to 2½". On 1¾" hose, the thread size used on the couplings is
1½". The 1½" dimension should be verbally called out, however, it is understood that if the 1¾"
dimension is called out, it is referring to the same fitting.
The only increaser carried on our pumps, is the 2½" to 4" increaser. It is carried attached to the first
4" female coupling coming off the rear of the apparatus. As previously discussed, this fitting will be
used at the hydrant when no 4Ο discharge is available. Other situations that might call for the use of
this fitting are: supplying a 4Ο portable monitor, ladder pipe operation, or a 4" fire department
connection. These evolutions can be supplied with multiple 2½" hose lines, using the 2½" to 4"
increaser.
When there is a need to go from one 2½" hose line to two 2½" hose lines, a wye fitting is attached.
This fitting has one 2½" female swivel, going to two 2½" male threaded discharges. With the advent
of 4" hose, this fitting is not used very often anymore. It is more common to see the 2½" to 1½" gated
wye.
After a 2½" supply line has been laid to a location, the Officer may call for two 1¾" lines to be placed
into operation. The fitting used to accomplish this, is a 2½" to 1½" gated wye. This fitting once
again has a 2½" female swivel and two male discharges. Instead of two 2½" discharges, this fitting has
two 1¾" male threaded discharges, each controlled by its own valve. 1¾" hose can be attached to one,
or both of the 1½" discharges. We carry two such fittings on each pump: one in the nozzle
compartment and one on high rise hose pack “A”.
DRILL #1 FITTINGS / NOZZLES 15 NOVEMBER 2003
FITTINGS cont.
The fitting closely associated with the 2½" wye is the 2½" siamese. The siamese reduces two 2½"
hose lines to one. The siamese can be used on damaged fire department connections. When one or
more inlets are damaged, the 2½" siamese can be attached to a working inlet, allowing two 2½" supply
lines to boost pressure and volume to the system.
2½" siamese operations can be used to supply 4" fittings found on portable monitors and ladder pipe
controlling valves. The siamese is used in conjunction with the 2½" to 4" increaser. The increaser is
attached to the appliance or fitting. The 2½" siamese is attached to the 2½" to 4" increaser. Two 2½"
supply lines with shutoff butts are brought to the appliance. The supply lines are attached to the 2½"
siamese.
All hose lines must have a way of controlling the flow of water at the nozzle. Shutoff butts are placed
on all hose lines, at the nozzle, for this reason. Shutoff butts come in three sizes: 1", 1½" and 2½".
Shutoff butts are designed to be placed on the hose so that the male threads point toward the fire.
When the shutoff butt is placed on the hose properly, the flow of water will be stopped when the
handle is pushed forward (toward the fire, or male threads of the shutoff butt). Pulling the handle
towards oneself (the female fitting of the shutoff butt) will allow water to flow. The shutoff butt does
not need to be fully opened to flow water. At times, the handle may be partially closed in order to
reach the desired flow. Partially closing the shutoff butt will reduce nozzle reaction, stream reach and
gallons per minute flow. All of these effects can be beneficial, under the right circumstances.
NOZZLES - VIDEO
A nozzle is the piece of equipment that creates the type of water stream, and dictates the water flow
(gallons per minute - g.p.m.). There are a variety of nozzles carried on our apparatus. They come in
three different size nozzles: 1", 1¾" and 2½". The size is determined by the female fitting on the
nozzle. Typically, the nozzles are matched with a hose line of similar dimension. At times however,
smaller nozzles can be attached to larger hose lines to suit fire conditions.
Nozzles come in two varieties: smooth bore and select-o-flow (fog). Smooth bore nozzles are
designed to produce a solid stream of water, which will penetrate further into the fire. The stream is
not easily broken up by the thermal effects of the fire. Smooth bore nozzles can produce larger flows
of water with lower nozzle pressure demands. Except for the wildland 3/8" tip, smooth bore nozzles
are typically used in a defensive posture. Wildland hose lays often incorporate smooth bore tips with
low flow, low nozzle pressure capabilities. Due to the potential length of wildland hose lays, friction
loss is a major problem. Smooth bore nozzles help reduce friction loss rates. Water streams produced
by these tips can also be used to “hydraulic” out deep seated embers.
2½" smooth bore nozzles come in two varieties: hand held and portable monitors. The 2½" playpipe is
the hand held nozzle with a variety of tip sizes, designed to be controlled by hand. The playpipe does
not come with a pre-connected shutoff butt, one must be attached prior to charging the line. Portable
monitors can flow over 1000 gallons of water per minute, with the ability to reach far into the fire.
DRILL #1 NOZZLES 16 NOVEMBER 2003
SELECT - O - FLOW NOZZLES

The Select-o-Flow (S.O.F.) nozzle is the workhorse of our department. The select-o-flow nozzle
offers the flexibility necessary to control different fire conditions. This nozzle produces stream
patterns made up of many small water particles. These water particles absorb heat much better than a
solid stream. For this reason, it is the nozzle of choice for most interior attack needs. The nozzles also
come with a variety of preset g.p.m. flows. This enables the Firefighter to adjust the flow rate as fire
conditions dictate. By manipulating the stream collar, the stream pattern can be changed from a wide
fog pattern, to a straight stream. The fog pattern is used to protect the Firefighter from heat and aid in
hose control, the straight stream setting is used to reach further into the seat of the fire.
We use 1", 1¾" and 2½" select-o-flow nozzles. 1" select-o-flow nozzles are typically used on 1" hose
lines but can be placed on any hose line with the appropriate reducers. 1" select-o-flow nozzles have
flow rates that range between 5 to 60 gallons per minute.
1¾" select-o-flow nozzles are pre-connected to the crosslay hose lines. They have flow rates from 30
to 200 gallons per minute. Our most commonly used hand lines are the 1¾" crosslays with the select-
o-flow nozzles already attached. This combination offers the most efficient method of getting an
attack line to the fire. We carry a 30 to 125 g.p.m. nozzle connected to the 100' crosslay. This is the
hose line that is most likely going to be used at a vehicle fire. The nozzle has a 60 g.p.m. setting that
can be used to flow foam. The other crosslay or pre-connect nozzles have maximum settings of 200
g.p.m. Turbojet select-o-flow nozzles also have a flush setting on the g.p.m. ring. This setting is used
to clear any debris that might be introduced into the nozzle.
When fire conditions dictate larger flows, 2½" hose lines will be used. 2½" select-o-flow nozzles can
deliver up to 250 gallons of water per minute. Our 2½" and 1¾" nozzles look very similar. They are
both manufactured by Turbojet, and have a 1½" female fitting. The only way to tell some of them
apart is to look at the g.p.m. flow ring. The 2½" nozzle will have a 250 g.p.m. maximum setting; the
1¾" will have lower g.p.m. settings, with a high of 200 g.p.m.
As previously mentioned, our nozzles are controlled by shutoff butts. If necessary, we can stop the
flow of water at the shutoff butt, remove the nozzle and add additional hose. With the 2½" nozzle, a
2½" to 1½" reducer is attached to the shutoff butt, and then the Turbojet nozzle is attached. The
reducer and nozzle can be removed, and additional 2½" hose or the gated wye can be added. Leave the
reducer on, and add 1¾" attack lines to the shutoff butt, turning the 2½" hose line into a supply line for
interior attack.
Since the Turbojet is the most commonly used nozzle, it gets banged around and dragged through
burned out debris constantly. It is one of the pieces of equipment we will be taking into a very
dangerous environment. If the nozzle does not work properly, or we are unfamiliar with its operation,
injuries to ourselves and others can occur. We must check, clean and lubricate select-o-flow nozzles
often, to insure their proper operation. The more we work with a piece of equipment, the more
familiar with it we become. In a fire environment, visibility can be very limited. It is imperative, that
every Firefighter be able to operate these nozzles and change settings by feel. Remember, “Practice
makes permanent.”
DRILL #1 NOZZLE CHECKS / CALLING FOR WATER 17 NOVEMBER 2003
NOZZLE CHECKS - VIDEO

PRIOR TO CALLING FOR WATER, perform and call out the proper nozzle checks:
“Butt shut - nozzle tight - low g.p.m. - full fog pattern.”
Ensure that the handle on the shutoff butt is pushed forward, into the closed position.
Ensure that the nozzle is attached to the shutoff butt tightly. Nozzles work their way loose over time.
Nozzles can come off the shutoff butt when adjusting the stream pattern collar if the nozzle is not
attached to the shutoff butt tightly.
The g.p.m. adjusting ring will be set to a low g.p.m. flow by turning the ring to the right. Lower g.p.m.
flows mean lower nozzle reaction. Less nozzle reaction makes control of the hose line easier.
Ensure that the nozzle stream adjusting collar is set on full fog. Once again, the concern is hose
control when opening a nozzle. A wide fog hose stream creates less nozzle reaction. During exterior
applications, wide fog also offers protection from the radiant heat of the fire.
CALLING FOR WATER ON AN ATTACK LINE

Prior to calling for water, the Firefighter will be in full personal protective equipment (P.P.E.)
Full P.P.E. will include:
Full turnouts, coat and pants. Brush jacket may be worn on the “Grass Fire.”
Helmet
Hood
Gloves
Breathing Apparatus:
Whenever the Firefighter has the potential of entering an I.D.L.H.
Vehicle fires
When directed to do so by the Officer
Carried in the “Stand by” position if directed by the Officer during an exterior exposure
scenario. Face mask on, regulator off (during the act of calling for water only) for an interior
attack.
Call for water verbally, and by hand and arm signal. At times, a portable radio may be needed. These
signals or transmissions are usually directed to the Engineer. When using the portable radio, the
Firefighters are identified as “Portable engine __” and the Engineer is identified as “Apparatus __.”
There may be circumstances when the signal needs to go through another Firefighter. Always get an
acknowledgment that the call for water has been received.
DRILL #1 MAKE AND BREAK 18 NOVEMBER 2003
MAKING AND BREAKING COUPLINGS - VIDEO

Never make or break a coupling directly behind the apparatus during fire ground operations.
Keep this area clear for other firefighting operations. Exception: while reloading hose.
When making and/or breaking a coupling or fitting, the turning force is directed upon the female
swivel or fitting, while the male fitting or coupling is held stationary. All couplings, fittings and
nozzles being attached to each other and/or the pump, will be made hand tight. If there is a leak after
the line is charged, fix it using a pocket spanner or hydrant wrench.
EXCEPTION: Any coupling or fitting attached to an appliance or fire protection system, will be
made spanner tight PRIOR to charging the line.
When making and breaking 2½" and 4" couplings by yourself, do so with the coupling on the ground.
Take a wide stance, placing either foot on the hose directly behind the male coupling. Securing the
coupling in this manner, prevents movement of the coupling, and props it up, making the procedure
easier. Bend at the waist and knees, and turn the female swivel or fitting to the left to loosen, or to the
right to tighten.
Making and breaking smaller dimension couplings or fittings (1" or 1¾") can be performed standing
upright. Working together, two Firefighters can make or break any dimension couplings standing
upright. When two Firefighters are making a coupling, one Firefighter presents and secures the male
coupling while looking away, as the other Firefighter checks for a gasket and attaches the female
swivel.
If the coupling will not come loose in an attempt to break it, prop the male coupling up on the hose
directly behind the coupling. This will place the female coupling on top. Kneel on a folded section of
hose coming directly out of the female coupling. This action will compress the gasket, and may help
loosen the coupling. If that doesn’t work, try a pocket spanner, using the same technique.
GASKET CHECK
Within every female coupling and/or fitting, a rubber gasket is in place to prevent leaks. It is
imperative that the presence and condition of the gasket is checked every time a fitting, nozzle or
coupling, is attached to another. Leaks can cause unnecessary water damage within structures. Severe
leaks on a hose lay can drastically reduce the flow of water.
Gaskets will be checked both visually and physically. Visually check to see that a gasket is present
within the fitting. Physically manipulate the gasket with either the thumb or index finger to ensure its
condition. The gasket should be pliable (flexible) and soft to the touch. If the gasket is stiff or hard it
may not work, and should be replaced as soon as possible.
DRILL #1 LEAKS 19 NOVEMBER 2003
LEAKS - VIDEO
A leak is a continuous spray of water coming from a hose line. If water is not spraying out from a
particular fitting, it is not considered to be leaking.
In the Academy, if an attempt is being made to stop a leak correctly and safely, the Officer will call out
“That’s well.” While making an attempt, call out “Leak” then count to ten. Sometime during that
count, the Officer should state: “That’s well,” if not, it may mean the coupling is being turned in the
wrong direction.
NOTE: A properly maintained and attached coupling and/or fitting will not leak. New gaskets and
lubricant can be found in the Engineer’s compartment. Spray lubricant on a rag, and wipe the male
threads of couplings and fittings. Remove the gasket, then direct spray lubricant or powdered graphite
into any coupling or fitting with a female swivel. Lastly, tighten the coupling or fitting sufficiently to
prevent leaks. Proper maintenance, and a good hard twist, is a good way to prevent leaks.
STOPPING LEAKS
Once a hose line has been charged and is found to be leaking (water spraying into the air) the
following steps will be made to stop or diminish the leak:
HOSE LYING ON THE GROUND: The coupling must be off the ground to tighten the swivel. Pick up the
hose and place it on top of a foot. Secure the male coupling with one hand. With a pocket spanner,
apply the correct turning force to the female swivel until the leak stops or diminishes. Pay attention to
the direction of the turning force. Depending on how you are looking at the coupling, you may be
turning the swivel in the wrong direction. Righty - tighty, lefty - loosy.
HOSE LINE CONNECTED TO A HYDRANT: These leaks will be stopped utilizing the hydrant wrench.
Apply the turning force to the female swivel on the hose line. Facing the hydrant - right to tight.
HOSE LINE CONNECTED TO THE APPARATUS or ANOTHER APPLIANCE: These leaks may require the
use of one or two spanners depending on the fittings used. If only one spanner is necessary, first try
your pocket spanner. If the pocket spanner doesn’t offer enough leverage to stop the leak, use the
spare hydrant spanner which is kept in the Engineer’s compartment. If two spanners are necessary
(double female), use one of the spanners on the apparatus and a pocket spanner to correct the leak.
FITTINGS THAT HAVE OVERSIZED HANDLES OR EARS: this type of fitting is found on the 4" intakes on
most pumpers. To fix a leak at this fitting, use a rubber mallet and the spare hydrant wrench. Secure
the male coupling from movement using the hydrant spanner. Strike the female swivel’s ear in a
clockwise direction with the rubber mallet until the leak stops or diminishes.
DRILL #2 RELOADING HOSE 20 NOVEMBER 2003
RELOADING HOSE - VIDEO

After completing hose evolutions, the hose lines need to be drained and reloaded properly back into the
appropriate hose bed or compartment. All equipment used during the evolution will be picked up and
secured back on the apparatus, prior to securing any hose. Small diameter hose should be picked up
before large diameter hose. All hose should be returned to the area of the apparatus prior to reloading
any hose, unless otherwise directed.
The short sections of 4" hose are considered equipment, and will be secured first along with the other
pieces of equipment. The best way to secure either one of the short sections of hose is to drain the
hose first. Lay out the section of hose so it is flat and straight. Pick up the hose near the female
coupling while leaving the female coupling on the ground. Drain the hose by walking toward the male
coupling as the hose plays out hand over hand. When you have made it to the male coupling, the water
will have been drained from the hose section. Bring the male coupling back to the female, laying it on
top of the hose along the way.
The best way to drain all the other sections of hose is to shoulder load the hose. If at all possible, start
the shoulder load from the uphill side at the male coupling. If there is no discernible uphill side, begin
at the coupling farthest away from the apparatus. Break all the couplings on the hose line so they can
begin to drain. Pick up a coupling (male if possible) and place it on the chest. Using a hand-over-hand
motion, load the hose onto a shoulder, going from the front, up and over the shoulder to the back. Do
not let any of the loops in the front or back go below the knee level. This action will drain the hose,
and create a neat bundle that can be laid down at the apparatus in an orderly fashion. 2½" and 4" hose
is brought to the back of the apparatus and laid down approximately eight to ten feet behind the
tailboard. Leaving this area clear of hose behind the tailboard will allow a safe area from which to
conduct hose loading operations. 1¾" hose is brought to the non-traffic side of the apparatus, and laid
down in the same manner. Lay the hose down neatly and carefully, without damaging any couplings.
DRILL #2 4" HOSE BED 21 NOVEMBER 2003
4" HOSE BED

When hose is secured into hose beds, it is loaded in one of two methods: Flat / “Bacon” load, or the
“Accordion” load.
The 4" hose bed is loaded in the flat (bacon) method. This method allows for quick and simple loading
and removing. Working together, two to three Firefighters can easily load the 4" hose bed. The flat
load also makes it easier for one Firefighter to secure 4" hose from the hose bed. Additionally, when
laying a 4" supply line, the hose leaves the apparatus without damaging the apparatus or hose, and in a
fairly straight line.
LOADING THE 4" HOSE BED - VIDEO

Attach the 4" to 2½" reducer to the male coupling on the first section of 4" hose to be loaded. Lay that
coupling and reducer on the rear edge (tailboard) of the hose bed. The hose will be laid flat on the
hose bed, up against the hose bed divider that separates the 4" hose bed from the 2½".
Beginning at the male coupling, lay the hose toward the front of the apparatus. When the front of the
hose bed is reached, turn the hose back toward the tailboard and lay the hose down next to the first
length.
Make a turn in the hose when it reaches the edge of the hose bed at the tailboard. These turns will be
straight across the edge of the hose bed. The turns stagger on every layer. The first layer will come to
the edge of the hose bed. The second will be staggered back from the one below approximately six
inches.
Double the layer on each edge of the hose bed before going back the other way. The third layer of
hose should be even with the first layer. The second layer of hose which is six inches in from the first
will be even with the fourth, and so on. Stagger the layers in the front of the hose bed as well. The
reason for doing this is to prevent bowing of the hose bed. It also gives the hose bed a better
appearance.
When a coupling is reached, lay it in the hose bed so the female coupling is facing the rear of the
apparatus. This is done so the hose does not have to flip over as it leaves the apparatus. Couplings
that need to be flipped over prior to leaving the hose bed, can get hung up in the hose bed, causing
damage to the hose, apparatus or personnel.
Continue this layering and staggering process until the last female coupling is in the hose bed. That
coupling will be connected to the 2½" to 4" increaser.
Fasten the hose controlling strap to the hose behind the last female coupling. One disadvantage of the
bacon load, is that the hose in fact does come out of the hose bed very easily. If the hose is not secured
in the hose bed by a retaining strap, it may come out of the hose bed inadvertently while responding to
an emergency. Fold the increaser back over the hose where it is connected to the retaining strap and
lay it a couple of feet back into the hose bed.
If the 4" hose is being reloaded from a hose lay, and all the hose was not pulled from the hose bed,
begin at step 3.
DRILL #2 MANIFOLD LAY / (#4) HYDRANT OPERATIONS 22 NOVEMBER 2003
DEPLOYING 4" HOSE

There are several situations that call for the deployment of 4" hose from the rear of the apparatus. 4"
hose is typically used to supply water from a fire hydrant to the pump, or to supply water from the
pump to another apparatus. 4" hose can also be used to supply portable monitors and fire protection
systems.
“LAYING A LINE” FROM A HYDRANT TO THE FIRE - VIDEO

This task is the first half of the “MANIFOLD LAY.” It is the process by which a 4" supply line is laid
from a fire hydrant to the fire, using the apparatus to lay out the hose. Subsequent actions will take
place, whereby the 4" supply line is ultimately attached to the pump intake. Once that has been
accomplished, the Firefighter at the hydrant (Drop Off - #4) will be advised to charge the supply line.
HYDRANT OPERATIONS - #4 (DROP OFF)

On the call “Manifold Lay – Drop off” the #4 secure the portable radio. Check for traffic before
dismounting then proceed to the rear of the apparatus. The first coupling coming out of the 4" hose
bed is a female coupling with a 2½" to 4" increaser attached. The 4" hose is secured to the apparatus
by means of a retaining strap, which is used to prevent the hose from falling out of the hose bed during
transit. From the tailboard, unfasten the hose retaining strap from the hose and secure the female
fitting. From the street, secure the hydrant wrench.
In one hand, secure the hydrant wrench and the increaser, which is securely fastened to the hose. With
the other hand, grab the hose approximately five to six feet up from the increaser. Call out “Clear”
anytime hose is being moved away from the apparatus to prevent injury to other Firefighters.
Move out in the direction of the fire hydrant. Approach the hydrant so the hand holding the hose will
be on the inside as the hydrant is circled. Proceed to the backside of the hydrant (the side away from
the apparatus). At the base of the hydrant, lay the hose down where the five to six foot mark was being
held. From that position, either wrap the hydrant with the remaining hose, completely encircling the
hydrant, or walk the hose around the hydrant until it is completely encircled at the base.
Lay the increaser down near the hydrant pulling any slack out of the remaining hose. This keeps the
wrap tight against the hydrant. Step on the hose where it crosses itself on the backside of the hydrant
(the side away from the apparatus). Anchoring the supply line in such a manner, prevents the hose line
from being pulled away from the hydrant as the apparatus moves to the fire. The hydrant should be
between the apparatus and the Firefighter, who should be facing the apparatus.
When the hose is properly anchored, Drop Off signals their crew to “Take it away.” Do not unwrap
the hydrant until the first coupling coming from the hose bed has hit the ground, or the
apparatus spring brake has set. Watch the hose coming out of the hose bed as the apparatus drives
down the street. If a coupling gets hung up in the hose bed, the hose lying on the street will get pulled
toward the apparatus. If this happens, quickly move away from the hydrant and apparatus. If the
coupling in the hose bed does not come clear, the loose female coupling at the hydrant will be pulled
from around the hydrant with the potential of causing serious injury to any personnel in the area.
CONNECTING A 4" SUPPLY LINE TO THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

Whenever possible, the 4" discharge will be used on the hydrant to supply the pump. The 2½" to 4"
increaser is left on the hose because not all hydrants have 4" discharges. Once the presence and
condition of the 4" discharge is verified, the reducer is removed and taken back to the apparatus.
Using the hydrant wrench if necessary, check the 4" hydrant discharge cap for ease of removal. Once
assured that the cap will come off, place the hydrant wrench on the proper discharge controlling stem.
Leave the handle pointing downward to prevent injury. With the 4" discharge available, the increaser
needs to be removed from the 4" hose line. Step on the hose directly behind the female coupling to
prop up the coupling and increaser. While holding the increaser by the male fitting, apply the turning
force to the hose line’s female swivel.
After removing the increaser, lay it against the base of the hydrant, with the male threads facing
upward. Remove the hydrant cap and place it female side down, against the hydrant if necessary.
Take the female coupling from the supply line, and after checking for a gasket, correctly connect the
hose to the hydrant. Do not straddle the hose while fastening the female swivel to the hydrant.
Wait for the call for water from the Engineer then charge the hydrant slowly and completely. Leave
the hydrant wrench on the discharge stem, pointing straight down.
OPENING THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

The hydrant supply line to the pump will not be opened (charged) until the Engineer calls or signals
for water. The hydrant must be opened slowly at first to prevent whipping of the hose, which can
cause injury to personnel and/or damage to the pump. Once the line is filled, increase the opening
pace.
The hydrant wrench is placed on the discharge stem of the port being used. The wrench will then be
turned counter-clockwise until it is fully opened (unable to turn stem any further). From the fully
opened position, turn the wrench clockwise until the handle is pointing straight downward. The handle
is left in this position when it is on the hydrant to prevent injury.
Hand position on the wrench is critical to prevent the wrench from coming off the stem. When
opening the hydrant, one hand will rotate counterclockwise holding onto the handle of the wrench.
This hand will rotate with the handle so as not to lose contact. The palm of the other hand will be used
to keep the wrench on the stem. As the wrench rotates through its turn, the free hand must be removed
from the stem momentarily. As the wrench passes through, set your palm on the stem again.
CLOSING DOWN THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

Close the hydrant down only after obtaining permission from the Engineer. Ensure that the
hydrant discharge valve is completely turned off (turned fully clockwise). Replace the
discharge cap back onto the discharge. Return the hydrant wrench to the apparatus.
DRILL #2 MANIFOLD LAY / (#4) APPARATUS AT SCENE 24 NOVEMBER 2003
DROP OFF (#4) COMPLETING HYDRANT OPERATIONS

With the supply line charged, it is time to leave the hydrant area and report to the apparatus. Check for
any leaks or kinks around the hydrant area that could affect the flow of water down the supply line.
Push kinks in the supply line out using your legs, not your back. If any of the fittings attached to the
hydrant are leaking, fix the leak using the hydrant wrench or the long handles on the increaser.
Replace the wrench back onto the discharge stem properly when finished. If the increaser was not
used on the hydrant, pick it up and return it to the nozzle and fitting compartment. If the increaser was
used, tell the Engineer that you had to hook up to a 2½" discharge, and the increaser is at the hydrant.
Along the way to the apparatus, quickly fix any leaks and/or kinks that would affect the flow of water
in the supply line.
FOLLOWING LINES - CHECKING FOR HAZARDS

EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS:
The hydrant spanner left on the ground or not pointing straight down from the hydrant.
Hose or couplings left where they can be damaged (oily or fuel area, glass, heat).
It is very important, for obvious reasons, to check hose lines for leaks, kinks and hazards. Many small
leaks, or several large ones, can cause enough loss in pressure as to make the flow of water ineffective.
A major kink can cause severe water flow loss. With 1¾" attack lines, kinks are killers. Hazards
associated with the hose are generally heat or embers from fire and exhaust from the apparatus. Other
hazards include mechanical, chemical and trip hazards from improperly placed hose lines.
There are other, equally important, reasons to check the hose line for leaks, kinks and hazards. It
teaches the Firefighter to follow the correct hose line (when there are multiple hose lines out) all the
way to the proper location. At night, or in structures where visibility is poor, following the correct
hose line is very important. The Firefighter is expected to eventually arrive at the correct location.
Following the proper hose line will ensure that the Firefighter will ultimately end up where they
belong.
DROP OFF (#4) AT THE APPARATUS

Follow the supply line up to the pump panel. There more than likely you will find the Engineer.
Report to the Engineer anything out of the usual concerning the supply line, i.e. leaks or kinks that you
couldn't fix, having to use the 2½" discharge etc. Ask for any additional instructions. The Officer will
have forwarded instructions to the Engineer. The Engineer will pass along to Drop Off the tasks
needed to be performed to assist in the operation. Return the increaser to the nozzle/fitting
compartment and complete the tasks called for.
* Once again, the "Manifold Lay" is a means of supplying the pump with water. Once that task is
complete, the "Manifold Lay" is over. Tasks associated with Engine Company responsibilities will
now typically be performed. At real incidents (fires), it is not uncommon for Engine Company
personnel to be assigned Truck Company tasks. There are usually more "Pumpers" available at fires
than "Truckers." Be prepared to accomplish any tasks ordered by "Command" and/or your Officer.
(#3) APPARATUS AT SCENE
#3 POSITION (LINE BREAKER) AT THE HYDRANT

On the call "Manifold Lay – drop off" check for traffic then dismount the apparatus. Report to the
tailboard and offer any assistance necessary for Drop Off to reach the hydrant. This may mean pulling
additional hose from the hose bed. It may mean doing nothing but ensuring that Drop Off has
everything they need to accomplish their task. When Drop Off advises you to "Take it away" go back
to your seat and buckle up. Once safely fastened into your seat, signal the Engineer to "Take it away."
A verbal command and hitting the engine cowling or crew compartment roof once will suffice.
COMPLETING THE SUPPLY LINE OPERATION INTO YOUR PUMP’S INTAKE (#3) - VIDEO
The 4" supply line will be laid down the street to the fire. The supply line from the hydrant now needs
to be attached to your pump’s 4" intake. The Captain's side 4" intake is the proper intake to use. On
most apparatus it is the safest intake for the Engineer to work from.
APPARATUS AT SCENE (#3)

When the apparatus comes to a stop, an air release will be heard coming from the apparatus. This is
the spring brake being set, and the signal that the LINE BREAKER may leave their seat to complete the
4" supply line operation. Before leaving your seat, make sure that there are no further instructions
from the Officer i.e. "Supply the 1st In Pump or Ladder Pipe Operation." These instructions would
have been passed along to you by the Officer on the way to the fire scene if this were a real incident.
When a supply line is needed to accomplish extinguishment of a fire, the supply line has top priority.
The reason for this is simple: It is better to know you have a sufficient water supply than to hope you’ll
get one in time. Another reason for obtaining a water supply prior to entering a structure is; the danger
associated with a “change over” is eliminated. A “change over” is when the Engineer changes from
water tank supply to hydrant supply. There are flow and pressure changes that take place. If the
nozzle person is in a delicate position within the structure, problems can arise during this operation.
Drop Off (#4) is back at the hydrant waiting for the supply line to get connected to the pump. The 4"
supply line needs to be broken from the hose bed and connected to the pump’s intake. This will be
Line Breaker’s responsibility. Line Breaker needs to determine the length of hose necessary to reach
the pump’s intake from the last 4" coupling lying in the street.
THERE ARE THREE CHOICES:

1. If the last coupling lying in the street is within twenty-five feet of the Captain’s side 4" pump
intake, use the twenty-five foot section of 4" rolled hose to reach the intake.
2. If the coupling is more than twenty-five feet but less than fifty feet away from the intake, the
fifty foot section of 4" rolled hose will be used.
3. If the last coupling on the ground is farther away than fifty feet, the next coupling in the hose
bed needs to be cleared. When that coupling is cleared and broken, determine if it will reach
the intake. Usually that broken coupling’s male end will reach the intake. If it is determined
that more hose is needed, add the twenty-five foot section of rolled hose.
DRILL #2 MANIFOLD LAY / (#3) APPARATUS AT SCENE 26 NOVEMBER 2003
COMPLETING 4" SUPPLY LINE OPERATIONS (#3)

COUPLING IS WITHIN FIFTY FEET
LINE BREAKER determines that the last coupling in the street is within fifty feet of the Captain’s intake.
Properly carry the coupling away from directly behind the apparatus, if necessary. Properly break the
coupling by stepping on the hose directly behind the male coupling and applying the turning force to
the female swivel. As soon as possible, call out to the Engineer which short length of 4" hose (25' or
50') needs to be secured. The Engineer will secure the proper hose and take it over to the Captain’s
side 4" intake.
Return the female coupling to the tailboard. Place as much of the remaining hose as possible under the
tailboard. Leave the female coupling folded back over itself, completely under the tailboard to prevent
a trip hazard.
The Engineer will be connecting the male coupling from the short 4" roll to the pump’s intake. Line
Breaker will secure the female coupling from the roll and take it to the 4" male coupling lying on the
street. Secure the male coupling with a foot, and then properly connect both couplings.
Straighten the short section of hose out, if necessary, to remove any kinks or twists. Call out to the
Engineer when the supply line is ready for water. That completes Line Breaker's responsibilities for
the "Manifold Lay." Be listening for additional orders from the Captain. The Officer will direct Line
Breaker to perform tasks typically associated with Engine Company responsibilities.
COUPLING IS FURTHER THAN FIFTY FEET - VIDEO

From the rear of the apparatus, LINE BREAKER has determined that the last coupling to leave the hose
bed is further away from the Captain’s intake than fifty feet.
Step up onto the tailboard and make an attempt to determine which 4" fold or section of hose, when
pulled will clear the next coupling and necessary hose, in as short of a pull as possible. Turn away
from the hose bed, place the fold over either shoulder and grasp the end of the loop. Call out “Clear”
then properly step down and move away from the apparatus.
When the next coupling hits the ground, drop the loop from the shoulder and return to the rear of the
apparatus where the coupling is on the ground. If the Engineer is not breaking the coupling, Line
Breaker must do it, in the proper location. Once broken, hand the male coupling to the Engineer.
Line Breaker is responsible for replacing the 4" female coupling and hose under the tailboard if they
aren’t going to use it during the next evolution.
Flake out any excess hose on the ground to eliminate any kinks or hazards in the supply line. With that
done, the "Manifold Lay" is complete as far as Line Breaker is concerned. Listen for and respond to
any additional orders coming from the Officer. They will typically be tasks associated with Engine
Company responsibilities.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: HAND LAYING A SUPPLY 27 NOVEMBER 2003
LINE BACK TO THE HYDRANT
HAND LAYING A 4" SUPPLY LINE BACK TO THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

There will be times, due to changing conditions that a 4" supply line will need to be hand laid back to a
nearby hydrant. Typically, this is a one Firefighter operation at distances up to one hundred-fifty feet.
From the rear of the apparatus, remove the hose retaining strap from the hose. Turn away from the
apparatus and toward the hydrant. Place the 4" hose over either shoulder so the increaser comes to rest
on the mid-chest area. Secure it there with either hand.
Secure the hydrant wrench from the tailboard (inform the Engineer), then secure both the hydrant
wrench and the increaser in such a way as to prevent injury while advancing the line to the hydrant.
Keep the hydrant wrench in a hand, not in a pocket.
Advise the Engineer to break the supply line when you have reached the hydrant. Check the area and
call “Clear,” then proceed toward the hydrant at a pace that will maintain momentum as the hose plays
out of the hose bed. Never run away from the apparatus with hose at such a pace that would cause
injury if the hose were to get hung up by an obstacle.
When the hydrant has been reached, call back to the Engineer to “Break the supply line.” There is no
need to wrap the hydrant, because the apparatus will not be moving. Lay the increaser and hose line
down near the hydrant in a clear and safe location. Check the 4" discharge cap and secure the hydrant
wrench on the proper discharge stem.
Remove the increaser and secure it properly. Check for a gasket in the hose line and attach the 4"
female swivel properly to the discharge. Wait for the call for water from the Engineer, and then
properly open the hydrant. Leave the hydrant wrench on the discharge stem with the handle pointing
downward.
Check the area for leaks and/or kinks that could hamper the flow of water. Pick up the increaser and
follow the supply line back to the apparatus. Fix any leaks and/or kinks that could hamper the flow of
water. Return the increaser to the nozzle and fitting compartment then report to the Engineer for
additional instructions.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: "SPOT THE PUMP" 28 NOVEMBER 2003
SPOT THE PUMP - VIDEO

The "Spot the Pump" evolution is used when the fire emergency is in close proximity to a fire hydrant.
The apparatus spots near the hydrant so that a short section of 4" rolled hose can be used to supply the
pump with a constant source of water. Hose lines are then secured from the pump for fire ground
activities.
Drop Off (#4) is typically assigned to help the Engineer with any pump supply evolutions.
Upon hearing the command: "Spot the pump – drop off" check to see which side of the apparatus the
hydrant is located. Whenever possible, large diameter intake lines will be attached to the Captain's
side intake. If the hydrant is located on the Captain's side of the apparatus, the 25' section of 4" rolled
hose will most likely be used. If the hydrant is located on the Engineer's side of the apparatus, the 50'
section of 4" rolled hose will most likely be used. In either case be guided by any instructions offered
by the Engineer.
Secure the portable radio prior to leaving your seat. Call out which section of hose you intend to use to
complete the operation. Secure the hydrant wrench. Bring the rolled section of 4" hose over to the
Captain's side intake. Lay the roll down and either secure the male coupling under the running board
or hand it to the Engineer. Carefully advance the female coupling to the hydrant. If the hydrant is
located on the Engineer's side of the apparatus, take the female coupling around the front of the
apparatus. This will leave the tailboard area clear of the charged 4" supply line, making for safer fire
ground operations.
At the hydrant, lay the female coupling down. Check the 4" discharge cap for ease of removal. Once
ensured that the cap will come off, secure the hydrant wrench to the appropriate discharge valve stem
properly (handle pointing downward).
Check for a gasket in the female coupling of the rolled section of hose. Properly attach the female
coupling to the hydrant. Flake out any unused hose to ensure that there will be no problems as the
supply line gets charged. If you have gone around the front of the apparatus, make sure the hose has
not been pulled under the Captain's side front tire.
When the call for water comes from the Engineer, charge the supply line slowly and completely.
Leave the hydrant wrench so the handle is pointing downward. Check the hydrant area for leaks
and/or kinks that could affect the flow of water, then report to the Engineer for additional instructions.
* If the hydrant used for this operation did not have any 4" discharge ports, the 2 ½" to 4" increaser
would need to be secured. Call out to the Engineer that you are securing the increaser. Check for a
gasket in the 2 ½" female swivel on the increaser. Remove the appropriate discharge cap. Attach the
increaser to the hydrant tightly. Check for a gasket in the 4" female coupling of the rolled hose section
that was secured. Tightly attach the hose line to the increaser. Charge the supply line when called for
by the Engineer.
Line Breaker will listen for additional orders from the Officer. Depending on the scenario, any
number of tasks associated with Engine Company responsibilities will be ordered.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: "REVERSE LAY" 29 NOVEMBER 2003
REVERSE LAY - VIDEO

When the fire emergency or assigned fitting has been approached prior to the nearest fire hydrant, a
"Reverse Lay" supply operation is used to obtain a supplemental water source. A supply line will be
laid from the fire area to the fire hydrant. Some hydrants cannot supply large volumes of water
through long supply lines. With the apparatus now "spotted" on the hydrant, the pumper can be used
to push large volumes of water through the supply line. The “Reverse Lay” can be used to supply
water to a fire department connection. Most commonly, fire department connections are supplied
using either the “Manifold” or “Spot the Pump” hose lay. There are times however, that due to the
potential of falling debris, the pumper should not be placed directly below the building. Use a
"Reverse Lay" to spot the apparatus on a hydrant down the street, thus protecting crew members.
The apparatus will spot near the fire area or assigned fitting. A command will be given "4" Reverse
Lay – Supply the Pump, drop off." Typically Drop Off will secure the 4" female coupling from the
hose bed. Take the female coupling and increaser toward the assigned fitting to ensure that enough
hose has been cleared from the hose bed to reach the assigned fitting. Once enough hose has been
removed from the hose bed to reach the assigned fitting, bring the female coupling over to the
Engineer's side of the apparatus if it is not already on that side. Make several folds in the hose line
laying each fold on top of the prior one. The female coupling will then be placed on top of the hose
bundle with the coupling facing the tailboard of the apparatus. This bundle of hose will create an
anchor point for the Firefighter who will be staying at the fire (Line Breaker typically). Once the
anchor is set up, the increaser is removed if it is not needed at the assigned fitting. Check with the
Officer for any additional instructions. If there are none, return the increaser to the nozzle and fitting
compartment then prepare to go to the fire hydrant with the apparatus.
The other Firefighter (Line Breaker typically) will be securing equipment needed to complete the
supply line operation (4" or 2 ½" double male). Along with the Officer, the Firefighter will also
secure any additional fire ground operation equipment i.e. S.C.B.A's.
Line Breaker will be responsible for anchoring the hose line as the apparatus advances to the fire
hydrant. Make sure the anchor position is in view of the Engineer. Kneel on the folded hose bundle so
that most of the bundle is between you and the apparatus. Pick up the coupling with both hands so that
you are facing the apparatus and looking at the Engineer in their side view mirror. Signal the Engineer
to "Take it away." As the apparatus moves away, keep an eye on the hose coming out of the hose bed.
If there are any indications that the hose may get hung up, let go of the coupling then step back and
away from the hose bundle. Under normal conditions, secure from the anchor position when either the
first coupling has hit the street or the spring brake sets, which ever one comes first. Bring the hose line
and double male to the assigned fitting and complete the operation.
Use the "Spot the Pump" evolution at the hydrant to supply your pump with water first. The
Firefighter will then secure the laid out supply line to the 4" discharge on the Captain's side pump
panel. Much like Line Breaker's job on the "Manifold Lay" determine the best way to get the next
male coupling over to the proper pump panel. Either break the coupling in the street and add a short
section of 4" rolled hose, or pull additional hose from the hose bed. Take the male coupling to the
pump panel, handing it to the Engineer who has secured a double female to the discharge. Upon
completion of the supply line operation, ask the Engineer for any additional instructions.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: "SPECIFIED" SUPPLY 30 NOVEMBER 2003
LINE
Other fire ground operations that often require securing 4" hose are: laying a 4" supply line to a ladder
pipe operation or portable monitor. Other situations may require an Engine Company to lay a supply
line to the first-in pump.
SECURING 4" SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPLY LINE – VIDEO

If either one of the short 4" sections of hose are available and will reach the assigned fitting, they
should be used. They are easier and quicker to deploy. Simply lay the hose bundle down underneath
the proper discharge, and then extend the male coupling to the assigned fitting. If the short 4" sections
of hose are not available, 4" hose needs to be secured from the 4" hose bed.
There are two methods for removing hose in an orderly manner from the rear 4" or 2½" hose bed.
They are the “SPECIFIED” and “UNSPECIFIED” method. A specified pull of hose is performed when a
known amount of hose is to be secured, i.e., the Officer has called for one hundred feet of 4" hose. In
this case, the hose is secured in such a manner as to enable the male coupling to be advanced to the
fire. Advancing the male coupling to the fire is advantageous because fewer fittings are required to
accomplish the hose lay.
An unspecified pull is performed when an unknown amount of hose is to be pulled, i.e., the Officer
calls for a 4" supply line to be hand laid to the first-in pump. In this case, the female coupling will be
advanced to the fire or fitting. At some point, a 4" double male and double female fitting will need to
be added. If the tailboard is facing the assigned fitting, the unspecified pull is quicker and more
efficient than the specified pull.
SPECIFIED PULL
From the tailboard, remove the hose retaining strap from the hose, then remove and secure the
increaser. Step away from the tailboard and face the direction of travel. Fold the female coupling back
over itself approximately eight to ten inches. This action will result with a small section of hose being
available for the pulling action. When the hose is then placed on the shoulder, the coupling will come
to rest where it will not cause injury while advancing the line.
Call “Clear” and move away from the back of the apparatus at a slight angle away from the fire.
After going out approximately fifty feet, stop and turn away from the direction of the fire.
Keep the hose and coupling on the shoulder and return to the rear of the apparatus. Place the female
coupling under the corner of the tailboard away from the fire, or hand it to the Engineer. The Engineer
will attach the female coupling to the proper discharge.
Step up on the tailboard and grab a fold of hose which when pulled out from the apparatus
approximately twenty-five feet, will allow the one hundred foot coupling to fall to the ground. Turn
and step off the tailboard, place the fold over either shoulder securing it while the hose is pulled away
from the apparatus. Call “Clear” and move out, angling slightly toward the fire.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: "SPECIFIED" SUPPLY 31 NOVEMBER 2003
LINE
SPECIFIED PULL cont.

Stop pulling the hose out when the first turn of 4" hose laying in the street has been reached. If the
correct fold was chosen, the one hundred foot coupling should have cleared the hose bed, and the
sound of the coupling hitting the ground should have been heard. *If not, stop and look back at the
tailboard to determine the location of the next coupling. Continue the pull until the one hundred foot
coupling is clear of the apparatus. At that point stop the pull, and lay the folded section of hose down.
Calling out the number of the coupling cleared, (“One”) then return to the apparatus.
* When pulling hose, always continue to look in the direction of travel. It is hazardous to look
backwards while moving forwards with hose or equipment.
The Engineer and Line Breaker will work together to complete pump operations. In other words, the
Engineer may be available to break couplings at times. For the most part, the Engineer will be
responsible for making all connections at the pump. It is however, important that the Recruits learn
how to make these connections also. During the hose lay scenarios, the Recruits not directly involved
with the hose lay, may be assigned typical Engineer functions.
Go to the last couplings to hit the street (one hundred foot coupling). Take those couplings away from
directly behind the apparatus and toward the fire if the Engineer hasn’t already done so. Correctly
break the couplings if the Engineer hasn’t done so, bringing both couplings back to the rear of the
apparatus.
If the Engineer doesn’t take the female coupling, lay it under the tailboard correctly, placing as much
hose as possible under the rig to prevent a trip hazard.
Place the male coupling over either shoulder in the same manner as before, folding the coupling over
on itself with approximately eight to ten inches left for a hand hold. Remind the Engineer if necessary,
about the secured female coupling under the tailboard. Call “Clear” and proceed to the assigned
fitting.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: 32 NOVEMBER 2003
"UNSPECIFIED" SUPPLY LINE
UNSPECIFIED PULL - VIDEO

Depending on the situation and how the apparatus is spotted in relation to the assigned fitting,
unspecified pulls can be performed very easily. Typically, there will be other Firefighters to assist in
flaking the hose out of the hose bed, while the Firefighter pulling the hose advances to the assigned
fitting. If the apparatus tailboard is facing the direction of the pull, this manner of securing hose is
made even easier. If no Firefighters can help, or the direction of the pull is not off the rear of the
apparatus, the Firefighter responsible for the pull must first flake out sufficient hose as to reach the
assigned fitting. If the pull is going to be made toward the front of the apparatus, the initial flakes of
hose out of the hose bed, must be exaggerated toward the side of the eventual pull.
From the rear of the apparatus, if necessary, release the hose retaining strap from the hose (the female
coupling may already be under the tailboard from a previous operation). Pull enough hose out of the
hose bed to allow the female coupling to be placed under the corner of the tailboard toward the fire.
Determine whether the assigned fitting is 4". If the assigned fitting is a 2½" one, different fittings will
need to be added to the hose line depending on which ones are available. Secure the 4" double male
from the fitting compartment (inform the Engineer). Take the female coupling and the double male off
to the side of the pull, away from directly behind tailboard. Correctly attach the double male to the
hose.
If the pull can be achieved without flaking any additional hose out of the bed (the assigned fitting is in
easy reach off the rear of the apparatus), or (other Firefighters are preparing to flake additional hose),
place the coupling and double male over either shoulder so the double male comes to rest in the lower
chest area. Remind the Engineer to break the supply line when advised, call out “Clear” and advance
to the assigned fitting. When the fitting has been reached, call back to the apparatus for the supply line
to be broken.
If the assigned fitting cannot be reached without flaking additional hose out of the hose bed, replace
the attached female coupling and double male back under the corner of the tailboard. The double male
fitting is placed on the hose first, because at any time, additional help to flake hose may arrive. When
help comes, the supply line can immediately be advanced while additional hose is being flaked by
other Firefighters.
From the tailboard, determine which folds of hose to pull that would enable the most efficient means of
getting the needed hose on the ground. On the 4" flat load hose bed, pulling two folds will clear
approximately forty feet of hose at a time. This is a workable amount of hose that can be pulled off to
the side of the apparatus if necessary.
Correctly place the proper folds over the shoulder as before. Pull the hose out of the hose bed and
toward the direction of the assigned fitting. The pulls only need to be made approximately twelve to
fifteen feet (the length of the hose bed). On subsequent pulls of hose, flake away from the previous
pull. In this manner, the hose will not get crossed, making advancement easier. When sufficient hose
has been cleared from the hose bed to reach the assigned fitting, or help comes to flake hose out, place
the female coupling over a shoulder and advance to the assigned fitting. Remind the Engineer to break
the line once the fitting has been reached, calling back again once you get there.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: SUPPLY LINE TO THE 33 NOVEMBER 2003
"FIRST IN PUMPER"
A typical "First alarm" structure response consists of three Engine Companies, One Truck Company
and a Battalion Chief. If fire conditions are not apparent from a distance, the "First in" Engine
Company may respond directly to the address. Once at scene, the Officer may decide that an
additional water source will be required to handle the fire. They will call for the "Next in" Engine
Company to lay them a Line.
There are several ways to supply the "First in" Engine Company with water if you are assigned to do
so. The one thing to remember with this assignment is, the "First in" pumper can be supplied directly
from the fire hydrant as if they had laid the supply line themselves. There is no reason to go through
your pump then lay a supply line into their pump.
SUPPLY LINE TO THE "FIRST IN PUMP" - VIDEO

A "Manifold Lay" can be used to lay a 4" supply line from the hydrant to the "First in" pumper.
When the second pumper arrives at scene, Line Breaker needs to determine the distance from the last
4" coupling to leave their hose bed to the "First in" pumper's intake. Two things can happen:
1. They will pull additional hose from their hose bed, break the coupling then take the male to the
"First in" pumper's intake.
2. Line Breaker will break the last coupling to leave the hose bed and add a short section of 4" hose.
In this case, bring the 4" rolled section of hose to the male coupling left in the street. Attach the
female coupling from the rolled hose to the male. Extend the male coupling from the rolled hose
to the proper intake and notify the Engineer of that pumper that "Their supply line is here."
Firefighters from the "Next in" company can "Hand Lay" a supply line from the "First in" pump to a
nearby hydrant. The Firefighters will secure the 4" female coupling from the "First in" pumper's hose
bed. They will advance the hose line with a hydrant wrench to a nearby hydrant. A crew member
from either apparatus will break the supply line when advised, and attach the male coupling to the
"First In" pumper's intake. The supply line will be charged when the Engineer from the "First in"
pumper calls for water.
Another option is the "Reverse Lay." As previously discussed, the "Reverse Lay" is used when the
pump has arrived at the fire or assigned task before coming to a fire hydrant. The female coupling is
secured and anchored. The double male and any additional equipment needed to conduct fire ground
operations is secured to a safe area near the anchor point. The Engineer and Firefighter take the pump
to a nearby fire hydrant and complete the supply operation. Remember the supply line does not need to
go through your pump. Attach the laid out supply line directly to the hydrant.
1. The Engineer should pull past the hydrant to allow for an easier supply operation.
2. When the apparatus stops at the hydrant the Firefighter will determine the method of securing
hose to the hydrant. They will either break the last coupling to leave their hose bed securing a
short rolled section of hose, or pull additional hose from their hose bed. In either case, the male
coupling is then brought to the fire hydrant.
3. The Engineer will secure the 4" double female and hydrant wrench. They will attach the double
female to the appropriate hydrant discharge and secure the hydrant wrench.
4. The Firefighter will attach the supply line to the double female. The line will be charged when the
Engineer from the "First in" pumper calls for water via the radio or standard hand signals.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: SUPPLY LINE TO A 34 NOVEMBER 2003
LADDER PIPE AND/OR PORTABLE MONITOR
SUPPLYING A LADDER PIPE OR PORTABLE MONITOR OPERATION - VIDEO

This supply line operation will be a little different than that of supplying the "First in" pumper. The
difference is that this supply line needs to go through a pumper to control the water before going to the
Ladder Pipe or Portable Monitor. When considering this type of operation, it is important to remember
that your pump has the first priority. Supply your pumper with water first, then the assigned task. It
does no good to supply the assigned task first then run out of water from your tank at an inopportune
time.
Once again, there are several ways to supply either one of these operations. A "Manifold Lay" can be
used. A "Manifold Lay" is performed as usual, supplying your pumper with water first. Next a 4"
supply line is advanced from your pumper to the assigned fitting. One thing to check is if the assigned
fitting is a 2½" female fitting or a 4" fitting. Two 2½" supply lines can be pulled, or one 4" line with
the appropriate fittings attached. 2½" supply lines will be discussed later in this guide. If a 4" supply
line is being advanced to a 2½" fitting, the 2½" increaser and a 2½" double male can be used to
complete an "Unspecified" supply line operation. If it is a "Specified" pull or one of the short sections
of 4" hose is going to be used, the 4" to 2½" reducer can be attached to the male coupling going to the
assigned fitting.
A "Reverse Lay" can be an option if the assigned fitting has been approached prior to the nearest fire
hydrant. Secure and anchor the 4" supply line in the street near the assigned fitting. Secure the
required fittings to complete the assigned task. The 4" double male will be required for sure.
Additional fittings may be required depending on the assigned fitting. The supply line is anchored in
the street and the pump is driven down the street to the fire hydrant. Remember once at the fire
hydrant, your pump has priority. A Firefighter will typically go to the hydrant with the pump. Once
there, a "Spot the Pump" operation is performed. Once the pump has been supplied with water, the
assigned operation is supplied. As with the "Manifold Lay" the Firefighter needs to determine how to
complete the supply line operation from the assigned fitting to their pump. In this case however, the
supply line male coupling is attached to a 4" discharge not an intake. They are both located in the
same general area on the pump panel so the measurement shortcuts can be applied here as well. When
the hose line coming from the assigned fitting has been broken, take the appropriate male coupling to
the pump panel. The Engineer will have attached a 4" double female to the discharge. Hand them the
male coupling or check the gaskets on the double female and attach the supply line yourself.
Another option is to "Spot the Pump" at a nearby fire hydrant then "Hand Lay" a 4" supply line to the
assigned fitting. Once again, supply your pump first then supply the assigned fitting. Work together
with the Engineer to supply your pump using the short sections of 4" hose. Next, secure the 4" female
coupling from the hose bed using the "Unspecified" method for securing a supply line (attach a 4"
double male). Coordinate efforts with the Engineer to advance the supply line to the assigned fitting.
* Any hose connections made to an Appliance (portable monitor) or Ladder Pipe, will be made
spanner tight. Use a pocket spanner to tighten the female swivels on the couplings and/or fittings.
DRILL #3 4" HOSE OPERATIONS: MASTER STREAMS 35 NOVEMBER 2003
MASTER STREAMS – MONITOR NOZZLES

Master streams are delivered through large flow monitor nozzles. These monitor nozzles are attached
to the pumper and can flow water directly from the pump. If need be they can be removed from the
apparatus and deployed to a remote area (Portable monitor nozzle). Due to the large flows anticipated,
master streams are typically supplied by way of a 4" supply line. The supplying pumper is supplied by
a 4" supply line from a hydrant. Subsequently the monitor is either supplied directly from the pump
(monitor attached to the pumper), or through a hand laid 4" supply line (portable monitor).
MONITOR NOZZLE LEFT ON THE PUMPER:

By whatever means directed by the Officer, the pump is supplied with an adequate water supply. The
Engineer will directly control the supply of water to the monitor while a Firefighter controls the
monitor from on top of the apparatus. Start off flowing water at a lower g.p.m. flow until assured of
adequate supply. Not every monitor we have comes from the same manufacturer. There are some
slight differences among the manufacturers, but for the most part their operating functions are similar.
The monitor will have a detent device to prevent the nozzle from being lowered below a certain level.
They also typically have large knobs which control the horizontal movement.
PORTABLE MONITOR NOZZLE: - VIDEO

As in the above case, the pump needs to obtain an adequate water supply by whatever means directed
by the Officer. Next the Engine Company works together to remove the monitor nozzle from the
apparatus, relocate it to the directed area, and then secure supply lines for the portable monitor nozzle.
The monitor's have portable stands that need to be set up in the directed area. The monitor needs to be
properly attached to the stand. A 4" supply line needs to be secured to the portable monitor nozzle.
The manufacturer will have recommendations for properly supplying the monitor nozzle in the
portable mode. Typically the 4" supply line is made into a large circle. The supply line is then brought
up the middle to the monitor and attached. Using the chain that is supplied or utility straps, the
portable stand is then secured to the hose line.
If need be, two 2½" supply lines can be used by means of a Siamese. There are two different methods
used to accomplish this scenario:
1. Two 2½" supply lines are laid to the portable monitor nozzle. A 2½" siamese is used to join
the two lines. The siamese is attached to the 2½" to 4" increaser. The increaser is attached to
the portable monitor nozzle. If the portable monitor is being supplied by two 2½"
supply lines, place 2½" shutoff butts on the hose lines at the siamese.
Emergency One's are equipped with a 2½" portable monitor and a triamese. The system is
designed to have three - 2½" supply lines.
2. If the increaser is not available, a 2½" double female is attached to the siamese. Next attach a
4" double male to the portable monitor. Attach the 4" to 2½" reducer to the 4" double male.
Lastly, attach the 2½" double female to the reducer.
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: HOSE BED 36 MARCH 2004
2½" HOSE BED

2½" hose is used for many evolutions. Nozzles can be attached for direct fire attack or exposure
protection. Shutoff butts can be attached for supply lines to other apparatus, appliances, or fire
protection systems. 2½" supply lines can be hand laid back to the hydrant to conduct sustained fire
ground operations. With all the potential uses of 2½" hose, the hose bed needs to be loaded in a
manner which permits easy and orderly deployment. The “Accordion” load is used to fulfill these
demands. The hose remains secure during transport, while maintaining the ability for easy flaking by
hand.
LOADING THE HOSE BED - VIDEO

In regards to the 2½" and 4" hose bed, the forward or front part of the hose bed, is the end closest to
the front of the apparatus. The rear or back of the hose bed, refers to the area closest to the tailboard.
Place the female coupling in the forward most part of the hose bed first. The coupling is placed on the
left side of the hose bed because the hose bed will be loaded from left to right. Place the coupling in
such a way as to make the hose lay on its folded edge.
Bring the trailing hose back to the tailboard keeping it on the side of the hose bed. At the back edge,
make a fold in the hose, then run the hose back up to the front of the hose bed keeping it tight against
the last run to the left. At the front, make another fold and run the hose back to the rear. Stagger the
folds on both ends of the hose bed approximately six inches, for a neater and more efficient hose bed.
One fold will be brought to the edge of the either end of the hose bed, then the next fold over will be
set back approximately six inches.
Continue this process until a coupling is reached. Once connected, the male coupling will be laid into
the hose bed facing the rear of the apparatus. Like the 4" hose, we do not want the 2½" hose to flip as
it leaves the hose bed. Manipulate the hose using a “Shorty” or “Dutchman” to allow the male
coupling to face rearward. This process also prevents the couplings from lining up. Staggering the
couplings in the hose bed, will prevent bulging of the hose across the hose bed.
Continue loading hose into the hose bed until the right side is reached. From the tailboard edge, make
a fold back to the left, then lay the hose in between the last two runs of hose. Now the hose is led back
up toward the front. About two thirds up, bring the hose out from between the last two runs and lay it
on top of the first layer of hose. Follow the hose bed edge around until you’ve come to the left
tailboard edge. At that point, make an inward fold and begin loading from left to right again,
following the same process as above. When all the 2½" hose is loaded, bring the last male coupling to
the tailboard edge of the hose bed. Attach the 2½" s.o.f. nozzle to the hose line and tuck the nozzle
into a fold of hose to prevent it from falling out when the apparatus is moved.
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: HAND LAID SUPPLY 37 MARCH 2004
LINE BACK TO FIRE HYDRANT
2½" SUPPLY LINE BACK TO THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

As previously stated, 2½" hose can be used to supply the pump with water. This situation typically
occurs at grass fires, or stubborn rubbish and vehicle fires.
1. From the rear of the apparatus, call out your intentions to the Engineer
2. Secure the s.o.f. nozzle, placing it on the ground in a safe and clear area
3. Remove the shutoff butt and nozzle
4. Bring the fittings and male coupling back to the tailboard
5. Place the male coupling under the tailboard
6. Return the fittings to the nozzle and fitting compartment and secure a 2½" double female
7. In a safe and clear area attach the double female to the male coupling, checking for gaskets
8. Secure the hydrant wrench and remind the Engineer to break the supply line when advised
9. Check and call out "Clear" then proceed to the hydrant
9a. If the hydrant is located forward of the apparatus, additional 2½" hose needs to be flaked out
prior to advancement. If other personnel are not available to help flake out the hose, you
will need to do it
9b. Lay the hydrant wrench and male coupling under the tailboard facing the direction of the
hydrant
9c. Securing multiple folds of 2½" hose, flake hose out behind the tailboard and in the direction
of the pull. The secured flakes of hose need to be pulled far enough to the side so they will
clear the rear tires during advancement
9d. When enough hose is flaked out to reach the hydrant, pick up the hydrant wrench and hose
line and proceed to the hydrant
10. At the hydrant, call back to the Engineer to break the supply line
11. Check the hydrant discharge cap that is facing the apparatus, for ease of removal with the hydrant
wrench
12. Place the hydrant wrench on the appropriate discharge stem then remove the discharge cap
13. Check for a gasket one more time, and tightly attach the hose line to the hydrant discharge
14. Standby for the call from the Engineer to charge the supply line. When the Engineer calls for
water charge the line slowly and completely
15. Leave the hydrant wrench on the discharge stem valve with the handle pointing downward
16. Fix any leaks and/or kinks in the hydrant area that could affect the flow of water
17. Follow the supply line back to the apparatus fixing any leaks and/or kinks that could affect the
flow of water
18. Report to the Engineer and ask for any additional instructions
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: "SPECIFIED PULL" 38 MARCH 2004
SECURING 2½" SUPPLY / ATTACK LINE USING THE "SPECIFIED" METHOD

Whether a supply or attack line is called for by the Officer, the hose is secured pretty much the same.
The Officer is either going to call for a specific amount of hose they want secured, or they are simply
going to order a 2½" line be laid to a certain area. It is important that the 2½" hose be laid out in an
orderly and neat manner.
If the amount of hose to be secured is known (the officer calls for one hundred-fifty feet of 2½" hose),
use the "Specified" method. If the amount is unknown (the Officer calls for a 2½" line to be secured
to a specific location), use the "Unspecified" method to secure the 2½" hose.
2½" SPECIFIED PULL - VIDEO

A 2½" specified pull is used when the Officer has determined the exact amount of hose they want
secured to the ground prior to advancing to the fire or assigned fitting. In the case of an attack line,
they have included the working line (fifty feet of extra hose) in their call. The term "Attack Line" is
used to describe a hose line that is being secured with a nozzle. The intent is to use this hose line to
put water on the fire or protect exposures.
The male coupling is going to be advanced to the fire or assigned fitting. Depending on the order, any
number of fittings can be attached to the hose line. If the call is for an "Attack Line" the 2½" s.o.f.
nozzle is most commonly used (that is why the nozzle is kept on the hose line in the hose bed).
Another nozzle that can be placed on the hose line is the 2½" Playpipe. If the hose line is being
secured as a supply line, the shutoff butt is left on, and the reducer and nozzle are removed.
Sometimes the Officer may want a gated wye attached for the "Condo Lay" evolution.
* LISTEN FOR: 1. The amount of hose to be secured

2. The direction of the pull (especially during drills)
3. Whether a supply or attack line is being secured
4. What, if any additional fittings need to be secured
SPECIFIED ATTACK LINE - 2½" S.O.F. NOZZLE / FROM THE HOSE BED:
1. From the tailboard, inform the Engineer of your intentions
2. Secure the nozzle and two to three folds of 2½" hose in both hands
3. Carefully step off of the tailboard calling out "Clear"
4. Move away from the tailboard in the direction of the fire. Exaggerate this move to clear the
"Working Line" coupling (fifty foot coupling)
5. When you feel the weight of the hose fall to the ground, stop your pull and lay the bundle of hose
down. If the advancement is going to be made forward of the apparatus, exaggerate all of the
flakes more
6. On your way back to the tailboard, look for the first coupling and call out "One" (this indicates the
first coupling cleared, or the first fifty feet of hose to be secured)
7. At the tailboard secure two or three more folds of hose, call "Clear" and continue flaking the hose
out behind the tailboard, working away from the direction of travel (fire)
8. Continue calling out the coupling numbers as they are cleared from the hose bed (each coupling
represents fifty feet of secured hose
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: "SPECIFIED" PULL 39 MARCH 2004
SPECIFIED ATTACK LINE - 2½" S.O.F. Nozzle continued:

9. When the called for amount of hose is on the ground, call out that coupling number and the total
amount of hose secure, i.e. "Three – one hundred and fifty feet"
10. Go to the last coupling to leave the hose bed that represents the called for amount of 2½" hose,
and break it in a clear and safe area
11. Take both couplings back to the tailboard
12. Either hand the female coupling to the Engineer or place it under the tailboard advising the
Engineer of its location
13. Place the male coupling and any additional hose safely under the tailboard (make the male
coupling assessable for any future needs)
SPECIFIED SUPPLY LINE - FROM THE HOSE BED:

4. Move in the direction of the assigned fitting until the weight of the hose is felt falling to the
ground
5. Lay the bundle down and remove the reducer and nozzle
6. Return the fittings to the nozzle and fitting compartment
7. Go back to the tailboard and secure two to three more folds of 2½" hose
8. Move away from the tailboard calling "Clear" and continue to flake the hose out working away
from the direction of the assigned fitting
9. As before, if the advance is going to be made forward of the apparatus, exaggerate the flakes
toward that direction
10. Continue calling out the cleared couplings until the called for amount of hose is laying on the
ground
11. Go to the last coupling to be secured from the hose bed that represents the called for amount of
hose and safely break it in a clear area
12. Take both couplings back to the tailboard
13. Either hand the female coupling to the Engineer or place it under the tailboard advising the
Engineer of its location
14. Place the male coupling and any additional hose back under the tailboard, leaving the male
coupling assessable for future use
Specified pulls once again mean: that the Officer wants all the called for hose on the ground behind the
apparatus before the male coupling is advanced to the assigned fitting or fire.
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: "UNSPECIFIED" PULL 40 MARCH 2004
2½" UNSPECIFIED PULL - VIDEO

Just like the 4" unspecified pull, the 2½" unspecified pull is at times, the simplest and quickest way to
deploy a 2½" attack or supply line. If help is available for securing additional hose and/or the
apparatus is positioned properly, the unspecified method is a good choice.
One important factor is whether the pull is for a 2½" supply line, or attack line. An attack line needs
to have the working line (50' of hose) secured initially. A supply line only needs to have the male
coupling initially cleared away from the tailboard. If the assigned fitting is to the rear of the apparatus,
the hose can be pulled straight from the hose bed to the fitting. If the fitting is off to the side or to the
front of the apparatus, additional hose needs to be cleared before advancing. The Firefighter assigned
the task is responsible for pulling any additional hose until help is offered by another Firefighter or
Engineer.
UNSPECIFIED ATTACK LINE - 2½" S.O.F. NOZZLE / FROM THE HOSE BED:
ground
5. Lay the hose bundle and nozzle down
From this point, the fifty feet of working line has been secured along with the nozzle. The attack line
can now be advanced to the fire if the fire is located off the back of the apparatus. If the fire is toward
the front of the apparatus, additional hose needs to be flaked out behind the tailboard. Flake hose out
by securing additional folds and flaking them out away from the direction of the advance. When
enough additional hose has been cleared from the hose bed to reach the fire, prepare to advance the
attack line.
UNSPECIFIED SUPPLY LINE - FROM THE HOSE BED:

2. Secure the nozzle and a couple of folds of 2½" hose in both hands
ground
5. Lay the hose bundle and nozzle down
6. Remove the reducer and nozzle from the shutoff butt
7. Replace the fittings back into the nozzle and fitting compartment (if a 2½" gated wye was called
for, it can be secured at this point and placed on the male coupling)
8. If the assigned fitting is located off the back of the apparatus, the supply line is ready to be
advanced
8a. If the assigned fitting is located toward the front of the apparatus, additional hose needs to be
flaked out behind the tailboard
8b. Continue to flake out hose working away from the direction of the advance until enough
hose has been secured to reach the assigned fitting
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: ADVANCING HOSE LINES 41 MARCH 2004
ADVANCING AN ATTACK LINE - VIDEO

Attack Lines are advanced with 50' of working line. Place the nozzle over a shoulder so it comes to
rest in the upper chest area with the hose playing off the back. Go to the first coupling back from the
nozzle. Pick up the hose approximately 18" up from that coupling (toward the nozzle). Take a fold in
the hose and place the section of hose that is connected to the nozzle onto the other shoulder. The
coupling should be on top with the remainder of the secured hose playing off the back.
Check with the Engineer, making sure that the female coupling secured earlier on the "Specified" pull
has been secured. If you are securing an "Unspecified" attack line, tell the Engineer to break the line
when advised. Check and call "Clear" then advance to the directed area. At the directed area, lay
down the 50' coupling and prepare to flake out the hose if necessary. It you have secured an
"Unspecified" attack line, call back to the Engineer to "Break the line" as soon as you get to the
assigned area.
FLAKING OUT WORKING LINE

* All attack lines will be advanced in such a way as to have fifty feet of hose at the fire. That fifty
foot section of hose is called “Working line.” At a safe distance from the fire, or when the slack in the
line has been extended out, lay the fifty foot coupling down. The trailing hose should have been flaked
out on its own while advancing the hose line, if not, lay the nozzle down. Walking back from the
nozzle and coupling to the loop in the hose, approximately twenty-five feet back, straighten the hose
out. Properly flaking the hose out behind the nozzle and fifty foot coupling (working line) will aid in
controlling nozzle reaction. A properly flaked out working line is twenty-five feet of hose laid out
straight behind the nozzle. Flaking out also requires ensuring that the fifty feet of hose is not crossed
or twisted, and that all turns are made wide and gentle. Kinks are killers, widen out any turns in the
working line to eliminate the potential of kinks.
KINKS
A kink is a bend in the hose sufficient enough to cause a crease in the hose. Kinks must be removed
from all hose lines. Removing kinks allows the water to flow freely and unimpeded through that hose
line. Think ahead, prevention is usually easier than the cure. To remove a kink the hose needs to be
moved into a different position. Judgment is required and may result in a trial-and-error situation,
particularly with larger diameter hose.
NOTE: An easy mistake to make while attempting to remove a kink from the hose is to step or walk
backwards. This is a dangerous act and is considered a safety violation. To remove a kink, move
forward with the hose. If you are pulling the hose, you are probably moving backwards. When
moving large diameter hose, remember safe lifting procedures. Always lift with the legs, not the back,
and keep the head up.
ADVANCING SUPPLY LINES:

Supply lines are advanced by placing the hose over either shoulder, letting the shutoff butt come to rest
in the mid-chest area. Check and call "Clear" then advance. If you are advancing an "Unspecified"
supply line, advise the Engineer to break the line when called to do so, and then advance. At the
assigned fitting, call back immediately to have the Engineer break the supply line.
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: SHOULDER LOADING 42 MARCH 2004
SHOULDER LOADING 2½" HOSE - VIDEO

Occasionally, due to the location of the fire and obstacles along the path, 2½" hose must be shoulder
loaded from the hose bed to advance on the fire or application.
1. From the tailboard, secure the nozzle, then move down to the street and face the hose bed
2. Place the nozzle at chest level with the hose going up and over either shoulder and down the back
2a. The nozzle and reducer can be removed if fire conditions indicate that a nozzle will not be
needed
2b. Remove any fittings not called for by the Officer before loading hose onto your shoulder
3. Let the hose go down the back to about the inner knee area. Do not let any hose go below the
knee causing a trip hazard
4. Maintain control of the 2½" hose coming out of the hose bed. Stop passing hose over the shoulder
when the turn in the hose reaches the inner knee
5. Pull more hose out of the bed until the front turn is at about the knee cap area. Maintain that
length on the turn and pull the hose back up and over the same shoulder repeating the previous
steps
6. When you get to the fifty foot coupling, make it end up on your back
7. Another fifty feet of hose can be loaded on the other shoulder at this time if need be
If a solo shoulder load is called for, proceed to the fire calling out “Clear, hose coming through.” If the
evolution calls for a multi-Firefighter shoulder load effort:
Step away, and toward the fire or application about 10 feet.
Stop and wait for the second Firefighter to shoulder load fifty feet of hose. When everyone is
ready, proceed to the fire.
In essence, this is an unspecified lay. Remind the Engineer that the hose line will need to be
broken when advised.
At the assigned task, call back to the Engineer to break the line.
Additional Firefighters getting shoulder loaded should set up facing away from the apparatus. A
Firefighter at the tailboard will pass hose over the shoulder of the Firefighter being loaded. The
Firefighter being loaded secures the hose on the shoulder and sets the turns in the front while the
Firefighter at the tailboard takes care of the turns on the back side. Stop shoulder loading at fifty feet
and either move away from the tailboard or proceed to the fire.
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: 43 MARCH 2004
WATER STREAM APPLICATION
SELECT-O-FLOW NOZZLES - VIDEO

Nozzles are carried in the wide fog - low g.p.m. setting for safety considerations. These settings offer
better initial hose control. Wide fog pattern offers protection from heat produced by the fire. Low
g.p.m. flows will produce less nozzle reaction, thus enabling the Firefighter to control the hose line.
Usually, 2½" attack line operations are conducted on the outside of a structure. For better hose control
and protection, opening a nozzle set on full fog is appropriate. Once control of the nozzle is obtained
and the conditions warrant, changing the settings to the desired flow can and should be performed. It
is also acceptable to open 1¾" nozzles outside in this manner. Initially opening the nozzle set on a
lower g.p.m. is appropriate to ensure hose control and proper nozzle pressure. If conditions demand
higher g.p.m. flows and hose control is assured, changing these settings is appropriate.
When attack lines are going to be operated using full g.p.m., a water source other than the pump’s
water tank must be secured. Front line pumps carry 500 gallons of water. A 2½" nozzle flowing 250
gallons of water per minute will drain the tank in two minutes. A 1¾" nozzle is capable of flowing 200
g.p.m., giving 2½ minutes of water for firefighting use.
EXTERIOR WATER STREAMS – EXPOSURE LINE

The choice of water stream to be used is based on fire conditions and the task that has been ordered. If
an exposure line is called for, a narrow fog pattern is usually the best. Adjusting the stream pattern
boot or collar on a variable stream nozzle will change the stream pattern from straight stream to wide
fog.
An exposure line is directed onto the surface of the building to be protected. Keeping that structure’s
surface cool and wet is the best way to protect it. An exposure line is not to be directed on or into the
structure that is already involved, as this action could adversely effect interior operations.
* Never apply water through an open window or ventilation hole, while interior operations are
underway. This action forces heat and smoke back onto the interior crews.
On multistory structures involved in fire, fire lapping could be a problem. Upper floors are considered
exposures and must be protected. It is a delicate job to protect the upper floors from fire and not affect
interior operations. A narrow fog pattern directed on the exposure surface will protect the exposure
and limit the effect of the stream on interior operations.
WATER STREAM APPLICATION
WATER CURTAIN
A water curtain is used to protect exposures from a well involved structure. Usually this application is
accomplished using a 2½" line or a monitor. Ladder pipes and other elevated streams can also be used.
Create a curtain of water between the involved structure and the building that is being protected. A fog
pattern of varying degree is used to absorb the heat from the fire. The millions of small water droplets
with all of their combined surface area will absorb large quantities of heat.
ATTACK STREAMS
An attack stream is used to direct water onto the fire itself. Depending on conditions, a narrow fog
pattern or straight stream from a variable stream nozzle can be directed on the fire. A fog pattern
absorbs more radiant heat than a straight stream, thus protecting the attack team from heat. The fog
pattern is good to use while advancing into position on the fire. Once a good position has been
achieved, adjust the pattern to a straight stream and direct it onto the seat of the fire.
To get more reach or penetration into the fire, use the straight stream setting on the nozzle. It will not
absorb as much heat going in, but it will have a better chance of reaching the seat of the fire. Cooling
the material that is actually burning will cause the fire to go out.
For better penetration into a large fire, a smooth bore nozzle is a good choice. The 2½" playpipe with
its various tip sizes, is a good portable nozzle for this purpose. The water stream does not get broken
up going through the nozzle. There is relatively little surface area to absorb heat, so the solid stream
passes through the heat and is directed far into the seat of the fire, cooling the material that is burning.
STANDING HOSE CONTROL
STANDING HOSE CONTROL – FIREFIGHTING STANCE - VIDEO

In an outside environment, the proper firefighting stance is standing, with the feet at least shoulder
width apart in a semi-crouched manner. This stance will enable the Firefighter to better handle the
effects of nozzle reaction. During interior operations, the firefighting stance will most likely be on
your hands and knees. It is imperative that every Firefighter be crouched down low. Visibility is
better, and the thermal effects of the water being applied to the fire are not as drastic.
While performing a standing firefighting stance, the hose line is snaked upward from the ground
passing between the rear foot and knee, up against the shin. The knee is slightly bent forward to assist
in maintaining the hose in this position. The hose moves inward, into the groin area where it moves
upward into the stomach and lower chest area.
These subtle turns along the body will help absorb the effects of nozzle reaction. The hose line wants
to move backwards due to the force of water coming out of the nozzle. The friction of the hose against
the body through the turns, combined with the effect of properly flaking out the hose behind the nozzle
will eliminate most of this backward reaction. The shutoff butt is held up at about eye level.
When the line is charged, pull the section of hose just below the shutoff butt in toward the chest with
either hand. At the same time, push the nozzle downward with the other hand so it is pointing toward
the fire.
The hand that is on the nozzle now opens the shutoff butt handle slowly. This action bleeds the air
from the hose and lets the Firefighter gain control of the hose. Once fully opened, adjust the g.p.m.
ring and stream pattern to the desired flow and effect if necessary. Lower or raise the g.p.m. flow in
order to control fire load. Adjust the stream pattern to suit your needs and conditions.
NOTE:
“Angle of Attack” is a fighter pilot term, used to describe the positioning of the aircraft as it relates to
the target or approach. Taking the proper “angle of attack” helps immensely with hose control. A
good “angle of attack” coupled with a good stance and proper hose flaking, will greatly ease the effects
of nozzle reaction. When flaking the hose out and preparing to set up on the fire, visualize a straight
line out from the hose and nozzle. Have this line be about 10 degrees off from the fire. If the fire is
off to the left of this imaginary line, stand on the right hand side of the hose. Call for water after
assuming the proper stance. When the line gets charged, turn slightly into the fire and open the nozzle.
This subtle turn on the hose directs the nozzle reaction into the body mass and hose laid out behind the
nozzle. If you can think about being on the outside curve of the hose line, you will have an easier time
of controlling the nozzle reaction.
SHUTTING DOWN NOZZLES

Shut down hose streams slowly to prevent damage to equipment and the apparatus. Shutting down
lines slowly when multiple lines are coming off the same apparatus, enables the pressure relief valve to
do its job more efficiently. The pressure relief valve is designed to absorb excess pressure within the
pump, when one line is closed down while another is flowing water. If the pump pressure from the
shut down line is transmitted to the flowing line, the Firefighter holding onto the flowing line may lose
control. Once the nozzle has been shut down, reset the g.p.m. ring to low g.p.m., and the stream
pattern collar to wide fog.
UTILITY STRAP HOSE CONTROL
HOSE CONTROLS - VIDEO

Anytime water is going to be flowing from a nozzle, proper hose control is essential. Hand lines with
2½" nozzles can flow up to 250 g.p.m. For every action there is a reaction. Nozzle reaction is the
backward force created by water spraying from a nozzle. Nozzle reaction can be minimized with
proper hose flaking and stance, however, after time, even the best stance and hose flaking will
succumb to nozzle reaction if the water flow is great enough.
UTILITY STRAP
Other than proper stance and hose flaking, 1¾" hose lines rarely need further hose control
considerations. 2½" hose lines are a different matter. When a 2½" hand held hose line is placed into
operation for any period of time, serious hose control measures need to be considered.
Lay out a tied utility strap along the charged hose line. Lay out the strap so the overhand bend (water
knot) lies along the hose and the other end of the utility strap is even with the nozzle.
Where the overhand bend knot lines up on the hose, tie a cow hitch. Tie the knot so the overhand bend
is part of the cow hitch.
Move toward the nozzle with the free looped end of the strap. Turn and face the cow hitch tied on the
hose. Do not straddle the hose; pick either side of the hose to stand on.
Place the loop in whichever hand is nearest the hose (inside hand).
Turn outward away from the hose while placing the loop of the utility strap around the shoulder of the
hand holding it. Let the arm go through the loop. The utility strap will be on the outside shoulder as
the turn is made. Complete the turn (180º) until the hose and nozzle can be picked up. The utility
strap should be secured around the forward or outward shoulder.
Pick up the nozzle and readjust the measurement if necessary. With the utility strap tight between the
shoulder and the cow hitch knot, the nozzle should be easily accessible.
NOTE: Even with the utility strap hose control, it is important to remember the “Angle of attack.”
With any hand held hose control, try to be on the outside curve of the hose line.
ADVANCING A CHARGED 2½" HOSE LINE

No attempt should be made to advance a flowing 2½" hose line. Shut the nozzle off using the shutoff
butt. Place approximately three feet of hose over your shoulder with the nozzle hanging down in front
of you. Grasping the hose line just up from the nozzle, lean forward and walk to the new location. If
more than one Firefighter is available, use the same action just spread so that the drag is dispersed
evenly amongst the Firefighters involved.
"DONUT" HOSE CONTROL
2½" “DONUT” HOSE CONTROL - VIDEO

When the 2½" attack or exposure line operation is going to be stationary, setting up the “donut” hose
control should be considered. The Officer will give directions as to the location, amount of hose (if
known) and nozzle required to accomplish the task. Secure the proper nozzle and amount of 2½" hose
from the apparatus properly.
With the nozzle over one shoulder and the fifty foot coupling (working line) over the other, proceed to
the directed location. Lay the coupling down at the location directed by the Officer.
Take the nozzle and working line forward in the direction of travel or parallel to the fire. After a
couple of steps, or approximately six feet, turn and proceed away from the fire until the slack in the
working line is played out in the street away from the fire. You can aid in forming the eventual oval of
working line, by tossing the hose outward.
Turn back toward the pump, then back toward the fire and coupling lying in the street. There will be
an oval of hose forming as the coupling is approached. This oval will be the flaked out section of hose
that should be directly behind the nozzle.
Once back at the coupling, slide the nozzle and approximately 18 inches of hose under the coupling,
with the nozzle pointing at the fire. Using a utility strap, tie a clove hitch encompassing the crossed
section of hose. The knot is begun on the portion of hose leading from the nozzle, crosses over the
coupling, and is completed on the portion of hose leading away from the coupling and towards the
flaked out section of hose.
Sit down on the crossed area of the hose with legs crossed. Place the hose through the crossed legs so
the hose is being supported by the calves. Perform the nozzle checks and call for water.
If the 2½" hand line was charged and flowing water when the decision was made to go to a “Donut”
hose control, the line needs to be shut down at the nozzle and rearranged:
Properly shut the line down at the nozzle, then lay the nozzle down on the ground.
Beginning at the fifty foot coupling, which should be lying nearby, flip the working line over
the hose line just behind the nozzle.
Work your way back to the turn in the working line, uncrossing the hose, so as to create another
properly flaked out line (twenty-five feet of hose straight behind the nozzle).
Return to the nozzle and rearrange the hose lines so the nozzle is approximately eighteen inches
forward of the crossed hose lines.
Tie off the crossed hose lines as described above.
Sit on the crossed sections of hose as described above.
Slowly and carefully open the nozzle.
DRILL #4 2½" HOSE OPERATIONS: 48 NOVEMBER 2003
"DONUT" HOSE CONTROL
2½" “DONUT” HOSE CONTROL - VIDEO

When the 2½" attack or exposure line operation is going to be stationary, setting up the “donut” hose
control should be considered. The Officer will give directions as to the location, amount of hose (if
known) and nozzle required to accomplish the task. Secure the proper nozzle and amount of 2½" hose
from the apparatus properly.
With the nozzle over one shoulder and the fifty foot coupling (working line) over the other, proceed to
the directed location. Lay the coupling down at the location directed by the Officer.
Take the nozzle and working line forward in the direction of travel or parallel to the fire. After a
couple of steps, or approximately six feet, turn and proceed away from the fire until the slack in the
working line is played out in the street away from the fire. You can aid in forming the eventual oval of
working line, by tossing the hose outward.
Turn back toward the pump, then back toward the fire and coupling lying in the street. There will be
an oval of hose forming as the coupling is approached. This oval will be the flaked out section of hose
that should be directly behind the nozzle.
Once back at the coupling, slide the nozzle and approximately 18 inches of hose under the coupling,
with the nozzle pointing at the fire. Using a utility strap, tie a clove hitch encompassing the crossed
section of hose. The knot is begun on the portion of hose leading from the nozzle, crosses over the
coupling, and is completed on the portion of hose leading away from the coupling and towards the
flaked out section of hose.
Sit down on the crossed area of the hose with legs crossed. Place the hose through the crossed legs so
the hose is being supported by the calves. Perform the nozzle checks and call for water.
If the 2½" hand line was charged and flowing water when the decision was made to go to a “Donut”
hose control, the line needs to be shut down at the nozzle and rearranged:
Properly shut the line down at the nozzle, then lay the nozzle down on the ground.
Beginning at the fifty foot coupling, which should be lying nearby, flip the working line over
the hose line just behind the nozzle.
Work your way back to the turn in the working line, uncrossing the hose, so as to create another
properly flaked out line (twenty-five feet of hose straight behind the nozzle).
Return to the nozzle and rearrange the hose lines so the nozzle is approximately eighteen inches
forward of the crossed hose lines.
Tie off the crossed hose lines as described above.
Sit on the crossed sections of hose as described above.
Slowly and carefully open the nozzle.
DRILL #5 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: HOSE BED 49 NOVEMBER 2003
1¾" hose is carried pre-connected in hose beds that run across (side to side) the apparatus. This hose
bed is called a "Crosslay" or "Mattydale." The crosslay nearest the front of the apparatus carries one
hundred feet of 1¾" hose with a 125 g.p.m. nozzle attached. The middle crosslay carries one hundred-
fifty feet of 1¾" hose with a 200 g.p.m. nozzle. The crosslay furthest from the front of the apparatus
carries 200' of 1¾" hose with a 200 g.p.m. nozzle. All crosslays incorporate a short section of 1¾"
hose called a “whip.” This whip is attached to the discharge port and the first female coupling of the
mattydale line. The whip’s purpose is to enable quick and easy disconnect of the crosslay hose line.
Firefighters disconnect the whip to remove and shoulder load hose beds for progressive hose lays.
NOTE: When the 1¾" hose line is broken at the whip, the whip will be placed back into its hose bed.
All three pre-connects have large pull down ears (loops) placed across the bottom of their hose bed.
These ears are used to pull the hose out from the hose bed. When the hose is being pulled from the
hose bed, the nozzle must be secured. On a shoulder load, if the whole bundle is not being secured to
the shoulder, use these ears to clear the remaining 1¾" hose from the hose bed prior to leaving the
apparatus.
LOADING THE 1¾" HOSE BED - VIDEO

As described in the section that dealt with reloading 2½" hose, 1¾" hose must be drained, shoulder
loaded and brought to the non traffic side of the apparatus. If the hose is dirty from fire ground
operations, wash it in the street prior to loading.
Personnel loading the hose bed should be positioned as follows when possible. Two Firefighters
standing on either side of the hose bed, either on the running board or the street. These Firefighters are
responsible to maintain the turns on the edges of the hose bed and connect the new sections of hose.
All the Firefighters involved, count and call out the couplings as they pass up into the hose bed. One
Firefighter standing up in the hose bed is responsible for pulling the hose up and laying it back and
forth into the hose bed neatly. Finally, the Firefighter on top is responsible for securing the nozzle
properly. While reloading hose, check the condition of every coupling. Also perform a gasket check
on every female coupling. Proper maintenance on the couplings while loading will ensure proper
performance during a fire.
All the 1¾" hose beds are to be “flat or bacon” loaded. They are also pre-connected. The crosslays
incorporate whips attached to the discharge ports. To begin loading the crosslay bed, lay the whip in
the hose bed back and forth, from edge to edge. The whip will not be part of any pull down loop. If
the whip were part of the pull down loop, the hose wouldn’t be able to clear the hose bed to shoulder
load. Once the whip is secured within the confines of the hose bed, the first section of 1¾" hose is laid
into the hose bed. Depending on the hose bed, two or three courses of hose can lay across the bottom.
Across the first course of hose, lay in the pull down loops. They should extend out of the hose bed far
enough to allow easy securing. Six to eight inches is usually considered adequate. Loops are made on
both sides of the hose bed. The finished loops must not interfere with any compartment door.
Once the bottom course on both sides of the hose bed have loops, stop and move up to the next course.
This course will be laid even to the edge of the hose bed. Continue until the required amount of hose is
in the hose bed. Attach the shutoff butt and proper nozzle then perform the required checks (shutoff
butt closed, low g.p.m., full fog and everything is tight). Lay the nozzle in the middle of the hose bed.
DRILL #5 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: "DROP AND GO" 50 NOVEMBER 2003
1¾" HOSE “DROP AND GO” - VIDEO

The “Drop and Go” method of securing 1¾" hose from the apparatus can be used when there are no
obstructions between the apparatus and the fire. Vehicle, grass and rubbish fires are a few scenarios
where the “Drop and Go” method works well. At structure fires, if the apparatus has spotted where
there will be a limited amount of turns and/or obstructions between the apparatus and the fire, the
“Drop and Go” method can also be used.
Make sure the area where the 1¾" hose will be laid down is clear. Call “Clear,” and using the pull
down ears, begin to pull the hose from the hose bed. When the nozzle begins to clear itself from the
hose bed, stop pulling. Reach up with either hand and control the nozzle. With the other hand and
arm, cradle the hose bundle coming out from the side. As the hose bundle comes out of the hose bed,
begin to move forward in the direction of your intended travel to the fire. Do Not Walk Backwards!
As you move away from the hose bed, let the back of the bundle fall to the ground as you continue to
support the front section and nozzle. At some point, usually six to eight feet (the length of the 1¾"
whip), there will be tension on the hose bundle. This is the point where all the slack from the whip has
been removed from the hose line. Stop walking and lay the hose bundle down neatly, protecting the
nozzle. Return to the hose bed and clear it of any remaining 1¾" hose. Look up into the hose bed.
Sometimes the whip or a section of hose gets hooked around the discharge port.
Once the hose bed is cleared of all remaining 1¾" hose, return to and pick up the nozzle with one hand.
With the other hand, slide down the hose leading from the nozzle. Check to see that the area is clear
calling out “Clear” and toss the hose in the direction of travel. Do this a few times to clear the next
coupling. This clears the fifty feet of working line from the rest of the hose bundle. As with 2½"
attack lines, there needs to be fifty feet of 1¾" working line flaked out and brought to the fire’s
location or entry point. Secure the fifty foot coupling the same way as the 2½" working line coupling.
Take a fold on the hose section coming from the nozzle about eighteen inches up from the female
coupling. Place that folded section of hose over the shoulder not used to secure the nozzle. The
coupling should come to rest on top of the hose and on the upper back. Secure the nozzle over the
other shoulder with one hand, and the fold of the 1¾" hose with the other hand. Call “Clear” then
advance toward the fire. Stop at a safe distance from the fire or when the slack in the line is out. Lay
the working line coupling on the ground and then prepare to call for water.
An important item to remember when performing the “Drop and Go” method is to make certain that all
of the slack is out of the line leading up to the fire entry area. A common mistake is to leave a pile of
hose back at the pump. The nozzle person will be at the door with fifty feet of flaked out working line.
While advancing into the structure, the line comes up short. Most of the time, it is because there is still
hose laying on the street back at the pump or in the front yard. Attempt to pull as much slack out of
the line as possible while advancing to the fire. Back-up personnel should consider this also. Do not
walk past a pile of hose on the way to the fire. Pick up a section of hose and stretch it to the fire. Get
all the slack hose line up to the structure, then feed it in as needed.
DRILL #5 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: SHOULDER LOAD 51 NOVEMBER 2003
SHOULDER LOAD / FLIP METHOD - VIDEO

The Shoulder load method of securing 1¾" hose is used when stairs, obstacles or several turns will be
encountered on the way to the fire. Load what you need to onto your shoulder, clear the rest from the
hose bed and go to the fire. More hose means more difficulty controlling it coming off the shoulder.
From the running board face the appropriate hose bed. Grasp the 1¾" hose by the pull down loops.
Pull slowly outward until the nozzle can be controlled. From underneath the nozzle, grab several folds
of hose representing the amount of hose you need. Place the thumbs of each hand on top of the bundle
and in contact with the nozzle. Work the fingers from both hands through the layers of hose under the
nozzle until they touch each other. Fingertip to fingertip underneath, thumb to thumb on top. The
thumbs control the nozzle and the fingers control the hose during the flip maneuver.
In one motion, pull the hose outward, flip the bundle of hose over so the thumbs are now on the bottom
and the fingers are on top. Turn away from the hose bed and place the hose bundle on either shoulder
with the hands coming to rest at the mid chest level. The nozzle should be on the bottom, against the
chest and the hose should pay off the top.
Call “Clear” and step down off the running board (If necessary) to help set the hose bundle on the
shoulder. Using the pull down ears, clear any remaining hose from the hose bed.
Do not let any hose pay off the top of the bundle until the slack from around the apparatus is taken out.
Once the slack is out, start letting some of the hose fall off the shoulder. Control the amount of hose
coming off by applying pressure on the hand and arm securing the bundle. At the fire or the last
coupling, stop and lay the bundle down neatly. Secure the fifty feet of working line properly, then
prepare to call for water.
NOTE: At times, shoulder loading the entire hose bed using the “flip method” is appropriate. Pull the
hose bundle out by the ears to gain control of the nozzle. Grab the nozzle and bring it further out so it
is over the cleared sections of hose. The ears represent the entire hose bed. The whip is not part of the
hose bundle, it is only attached to the bundle.
CLEARING THE ENTIRE HOSE BED

USING THE SAME HAND TECHNIQUE AS BEFORE:
Secure the nozzle with the thumbs, and the cleared hose bundle with the fingers.
Turn, flip and place the hose bundle on the shoulders, nozzle underneath against the chest, hose on top.
Step down off the running board (if necessary).
Move away from the hose bed until the tug from the whip is felt.
Turn back to the hose bed and ensure that the bed is cleared of any remaining hose.
Call “Clear” and advance to the fire, letting the hose pay off the top of the bundle. Remember, you
always want to have fifty feet of working line at the fire.
DRILL #5 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: 52 NOVEMBER 2003
ADVANCING CHARGED HOSE LINE - EXTERIOR
ADVANCING OUTSIDE ATTACK LINES WHILE CHARGED - VIDEO

1¾" ATTACK LINES
The safest and easiest way to advance a charged line is to shut it down at the nozzle before moving.
However, there are times when the line needs to be flowing while it is being advanced. 1¾" attack
lines can be advanced while flowing water.
The fire’s proximity or intensity may warrant the protection offered from a fog pattern while
advancing. Set the fog pattern so it protects the advancing personnel while maintaining ease of
mobility. This technique is used while approaching vehicle fires. On grass fires, having the nozzle set
on a slight fog pattern works well. The fog pattern offers less nozzle reaction making it easier to
advance the hose line. Using a narrow fog pattern along the burn, cools and wets down the area better.
Again, this is not a wide fog pattern, it is a very narrow fog pattern.
If a straight stream is needed while advancing, lower the g.p.m. setting and keep one hand on the
shutoff butt handle. A low g.p.m. setting will cause less nozzle reaction. By keeping the hand on the
handle, the nozzle can be quickly shut down. The hose line should be advanced holding the hose
below the armpit with a hand on the hose line and the other on the nozzle. A utility strap can be used if
necessary. A less secure, but at times more advantageous method for advancing an 1¾" line, is to
place the hose over a shoulder. If this method is used, lower the g.p.m. setting and again, keep one
hand on the shutoff butt. When opening from or moving the nozzle to the shoulder position, have the
stream pattern set on wide fog. Not only is this the proper way to open and/or close a nozzle, it is the
proper way to move a nozzle from one location to another. Once comfortable with the nozzle reaction,
move the stream pattern to the desired effect and advance.
Although 1¾" can be advanced by one Firefighter, help never hurts. When a team of Firefighters are
going to advance an 1¾" attack line, they must spread out. Do not congregate at the nozzle. Let the
nozzle person handle the application of water. The support Firefighters spread apart and help advance
the line around obstacles and to the fire. Let the nozzle person set the pace, do not push them toward
the fire.
DRILL #5 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: 53 NOVEMBER 2003
PROGRESSIVE HOSE LAYS
PROGRESSIVE HOSE LAYS - VIDEO

Progressive hose lays are used when the originally laid hose line cannot reach the fire. This calls for a
coordinated effort to bring and add additional hose line to the original line. The fire is, or will soon be
too far away to be reached by any of the pre-connects.
The Officer will direct a certain diameter and amount of hose be added to the original line. A safety
circle is made around the area where the change over will occur. On a grass fire, wet the area around
the extended line to ensure that the area cannot be overrun by fire during the change over. Within the
confines of a structure fire, locate a sanctuary of sorts, where personnel involved will be protected
from the fire during the change over. In a structure fire, because of visibility and the stress of the
situation, it will take longer to complete the change over. Take that into consideration when
determining the location and timing of the change over. It is not always required or possible, but if a
shutoff butt and nozzle is brought with the additional hose line, the change over is made much simpler
and safer.
GRASS FIRES
On the call for a progressive hose lay, the Officer will call for a specific diameter and length hose to be
added. The Firefighter returning to the apparatus to secure the hose will relay the call to the Engineer.
The call may be for a section of pre-rolled hose or an amount of hose from one of the crosslays. In
either case, a shutoff butt is always brought with the hose line.
The original attack line’s nozzle will be switched over to the new line during the change over. It is
also possible for the Officer to call for a different nozzle or for a smaller diameter hose. In that case a
reducer will need to be secured. Pay close attention to the directions and act accordingly.
With rolled hose, go to the nozzle person call out “Hose” and roll the hose back toward the apparatus.
With a bundle of hose from one of the crosslay beds, secure the called for hose line using the shoulder
load method. If the nozzle is not called for, leave it at the apparatus. Hand the nozzle to the Engineer
or secure it under the running board.
Have the Engineer break the line at the whip or proper coupling. Secure the last female coupling and
shutoff butt. Advance to the coupling fifty feet from the nozzle. Drop the bundle at that point while
holding onto the last female coupling and shutoff butt. Call out to your partner “Hose” while
advancing to them, letting the hose flake out behind.
With either method of hose delivery, hand the nozzle person the new shutoff butt and take the original.
Attach the new female coupling to the original shutoff butt. Charge the line when the nozzle person
calls for water.
DRILL #6 1¾" INTERIOR ATTACK LINES: 54 NOVEMBER 2003
TWO IN – TWO OUT / DOOR CHECKS
TWO IN - TWO OUT POLICY

The “Two in - Two out” policy assures that we will have a partner when entering an I.D.L.H. area. An
I.D.L.H. is any area or structure that has an environment which is Immediately Dangerous to Life or
Health. We will not enter or leave such an area without our partner. Complying with the “Two in -
Two out” policy does not mean that we must always be at our partner’s side within a structure. The
true spirit of the policy means that we must enter and leave together staying in contact with each other
once inside. Staying in contact with each other doesn’t mean that we must be touching each other.
Firefighters are in contact with each other, if there is a line of communication between them.
Meaning: if Firefighters are in contact with the same hose line within a reasonable distance, a line of
communication has been maintained. The nozzle person can be at the nozzle advancing on the fire,
and the other Firefighter can be at the entry area pulling more hose line into the structure. The back-up
Firefighter can leave the nozzle person to follow the line back to an obstruction in an attempt to
advance more line to the fire. A Firefighter cannot leave the structure alone to obtain additional hose
or a forcible entry tool.
DOOR CHECKS
With the "Two in / two out" policy, there will be two Firefighters at the entry door. One Firefighter
checks the fire conditions of the entry door, while the other prepares the attack line for entry. The
Firefighter checking the door (For reference purposes only, that Firefighter will be referred to as the
support Firefighter) communicates their findings to the nozzle person. Before entry is made, a proper
door check must be performed. This operation will be conducted in full P.P.E. The breathing
apparatus will be fully donned. Whether the regulator is on or off the face mask is dependent on fire
conditions. If interior fire conditions aren't obvious at the entry door, check the door for heat. With
the back of a partially ungloved hand, check if the door is hot (from bottom to top). Next with a
gloved hand check to see if the door is locked (In the academy the Officer will indicate entry door
conditions). If forcible entry needs to be made, the nozzle person covers the support Firefighter with a
charged hose line while support conducts forcible entry.
There will be times in Operations as well as in the academy, where the nozzle person may get to the
entry area before their partner shows up. There partner will most likely be Drop Off or the Officer.
The nozzle person can perform the door checks. If there is obviously a fire within the structure, flake
the working line out and call for water prior to going to the door. When the hose line is ready, go
ahead and check the door. When your partner gets to the door, advise them of the entry door's fire
condition and prepare for entry. Under no circumstances is a Firefighter going to enter an I.D.L.H.
environment alone. If necessary wait outside until a partner shows up.
DRILL #6 1¾" INTERIOR ATTACK LINES: MAKING ENTRY 55 NOVEMBER 2003
MAKING ENTRY - VIDEO

Before entry into an I.D.L.H. environment can be made, there must be at least two Firefighters going
in. No one goes into a building on fire alone. Our R.I.C. protocols also say that at least two
Firefighters must be ready to make entry for a Firefighter rescue when any Firefighters enter an
I.D.L.H. In Operations the entry and R.I.C. team can comprise of any Firefighters in full P.P.E. First
Firefighter to the nozzle usually keeps it. That Firefighter can be either Line Breaker or Drop Off. In
the academy, the two Recruits performing the hose lay will be the entry team. The Instructor and
Driver will act as Accountability and R.I.C. In the academy, Line Breaker will always be the nozzle
person and Drop Off will always act as support for Line Breaker.
The nozzle person (Line Breaker) will be responsible for flaking out the working line and preparing
the attack line for entry. If the door is hot, or it is obvious that a fire exists within the structure, the
nozzle person will perform the required nozzle checks and call for water. Like the door checks
previously discussed, mask up but leave the regulator off the mask unless heat and smoke from the fire
forces you to "Click in." Leaving the regulator off the mask, allows for better communication and
saves precious air for interior operations. Once the line is charged, check the nozzle for adequate
pressure, and the pattern setting (P.P. test) by momentarily opening the nozzle. With an interior attack,
the stream pattern should be set to the straight stream setting. Check the attack line for any major
kinks that would limit water flow. The working line will be getting pulled into the structure real soon,
so unless there is a major kink in the line, "Click in" and get ready to make entry. The support
Firefighter (Drop Off will be opening the door. Line Breaker will drop back from the entry door, and
staying low and off to the side, cover Drop Off while they secure entry.
Each Firefighter checks the other for full P.P.E. and whether accountability has been addressed.
Drop Off (Support) will if possible check the entry door for fire conditions. Drop Off will be
responsible for securing the opening. They will check to ensure that the nozzle person is ready and
protected. Drop Off will open the door and place their forcible entry tool in the door way while
conducting a "Back draft" / "Flash over" test. This test will last approximately 5 seconds. When entry
is found to be safe, Drop Off will prop the entry door open with a door wedge. The forcible entry tool
will not be used to prop open a door. Support secures the door in the open position and lets the nozzle
person enter the structure. Support stays at the entry, ensuring that all the needed hose is advanced into
the structure. Support will advance up the line when either all the hose is inside the structure, the
nozzle person asks for assistance up the line, or they are relieved by additional support personnel. If
the entry door is left unattended, secure the opening with a door wedge. Support should always bring
their forcible entry tool up the hose line.
Once the entry door has been secured, Line Breaker (nozzle person) will make entry with the attack
line. Staying low, the nozzle person will work their way to the fire. Along the way, they should be
wary of any fire victims. If possible, they should drag the hose line with one hand while sweep
searching using a flash light with the other hand.
ADVANCING INTERIOR ATTACK LINES
ADVANCING 1¾" INTERIOR ATTACK LINES - VIDEO

Advancing interior attack lines in a fully charged structure is very difficult. The goal is to get as close
to the fire as possible, so water can be applied at the seat of the fire. Lack of visibility, obstructions
and sharp turns, make advancement more difficult. The “Two in - Two out” policy ensures that help
will be available with this task.
NOZZLE PERSON
The nozzle person staying as low as possible, will drag the line toward the fire. Staying low helps in
several ways: there is better visibility, less heat, and the danger of stumbling over obstacles is less.
There is another reason to stay low, when you are lower, you are usually wider. With one hand on the
hose line and the other reaching out along the floor trying to find your way to the fire, you just might
find a victim. There may come a point where the line can no longer be advanced. Call out to another
Firefighter for help. If necessary, follow the line back to the obstruction and attempt to pull it through.
The back up Firefighter will eventually work up to the obstruction and offer assistance. Return to the
nozzle and continue the advance.
BACK UP FIREFIGHTER
The Firefighter backing up the nozzle person will be tasked with making sure that no slack is left
behind as the nozzle person advances. The back up Firefighter is usually the #4 Firefighter or any
Firefighter assigned to assisting the fire attack team. First, make sure that all necessary hose is passed
into the structure. Follow the line up to the next obstruction or turn and continue pulling the hose in,
and pushing the line forward, toward the nozzle person.
NOTE:
“Assisting” and “backing up” are two different terms frequently used together but have different
meanings. In the proper context, to back up a Firefighter is to offer assistance to that Firefighter. On a
typical two Firefighter attack team, one Firefighter “backs up” the other by “assisting” them in
advancing the hose line. This could mean pushing and/or pulling the slack out of the hose line, or
forcing entry into an area.
When a team of Firefighters is tasked with “backing up” a crew that is already inside the structure,
they are to pull and advance another interior attack line. This line is used to “back up” the crew that is
inside. The “back up” line is then placed in a position to “assist” the initial attack team if needed.
Once the slack is out of the line, advance and continue pulling hose to the fire area. Listen for the
nozzle person’s call for help. If the call comes, follow the line up to the obstacle or turn that is causing
the problem, and pull the hose through the area. Continue this process of pulling the hose through
obstacles and around turns until all the hose is stretched to the fire. Join up with the nozzle person and
complete the assigned task. Advise the Officer of position, progress and needs, if separated from them.
INTERIOR WATER STREAMS
INTERIOR WATER STREAMS - VIDEO

Interior operations are typically conducted using 1¾" attack lines. Operating these hose lines set on
full g.p.m. could drastically affect conditions within the structure. When making an interior attack, it
is assumed that the building is not being “written off.” An attempt is being made to stop the spread of
fire to unaffected areas. For that reason, consideration must be given to the g.p.m. flow and its effect
on the rest of the structure. Water that is not absorbed by the heat from the fire may cause unnecessary
damage to the structure. Our first priority is life preservation, followed by property conservation. It is
important to remember that the objective is to overcome the fire load (heat put out by the fire) with the
minimum amount of water possible, and in turn extinguish the fire.
One way to reduce unnecessary damage to the structure from water is to be patient. Wait until the seat
of the fire can effectively be reached before opening the nozzle. Directing the water stream at the seat
of the fire will cause rapid extinguishment. Another technique is to direct short bursts of water onto
the seat of the fire. There is no set time limit on these short bursts. The duration of the bursts will
depend on fire conditions. It is only important to remember that once the fire is out, the heat once
produced by it, will no longer absorb the water being applied. Put the fire out, ensure that there is no
extension of fire onto adjoining surfaces, then stop flowing water for a moment.
APPLYING WATER STREAMS

There are several reasons why the fire service uses water to put fires out. It has an incredible heat
absorbing quality which enables it to cool burning material quickly when applied correctly. Water
expands 1700 times when it turns to steam after absorbing enough heat from the fire. These qualities
provide an advantage while fighting a fire, but these same qualities can hinder firefighting operations
as well.
Nozzles are stored in the wide fog position, as previously stated, this is for safety reasons. In a
confined structure fire, the heated atmosphere will assemble in layers within the structure or room
(thermal balance). When a nozzle is opened on full fog in a superheated atmosphere, the heat from the
ceiling area will turn to steam and move downward. Thermal and steam burns can be expected on
personnel caught in this situation. There is a time for fog stream application, but that time is not when
Firefighters are in a confined, superheated room.
When working in the abovementioned environment (a typical interior structure fire attack), adjust the
water stream pattern to a straight stream setting (“right to fight”). The straighter the water stream, the
less it will affect the thermal balance when applied to the fire. Direct the stream onto the burning
material. At the correct g.p.m. setting, the burning material will rapidly cool and the fire will go out.
By not disturbing the thermal balance, the interior conditions remain tolerable and visibility is less
affected. This type of water application within a structure fire is called a “DIRECT ATTACK” and
should be used whenever possible. This is also why we perform a “PRESSURE PATTERN TEST” prior
to entry. Prior to making entry, open the shutoff butt to test the attack line pressure and set the nozzle
on straight stream. Shut the line down, leaving the nozzle set on straight stream and make entry. If the
nozzle is left for any reason during the advance, check to ensure the nozzle is still set on straight
stream.
INTERIOR WATER STREAMS
APPLYING INTERIOR WATER STREAMS cont.

An “INDIRECT ATTACK” is used when the water stream is applied into the upper atmospheres of a
superheated room or area. The water stream pattern is adjusted to a fog pattern. Every situation is
different, but between 45 and 90 degrees is appropriate. The desired effect from the water stream is to
have as many water particles as possible engulf the ceiling area all at once. The wider the fog pattern
the more individual water particles available to absorb heat.
Ensure that no Firefighters are inside the involved area. From outside the room, apply the water
stream into the superheated ceiling area of the room involved. Swirl the nozzle in small clockwise
circular patterns for a couple of seconds. This will ensure that most of the heat in the ceiling area will
be absorbed and turned to steam. Move back away from the opening and close the door if one is
available. The smothering effect of the steam will extinguish the fire.
A condition known as “FLASH OVER” occurs when ceiling temperatures are superheated and the fire
gases begin to burn. A series of short bursts with a straight stream pattern directed up into the ceiling
area will control the situation. Water streams applied correctly during this condition will not
drastically affect the thermal balance. Visibility will remain good down low and the heat from the
ceiling area will not be forced downward.
PROGRESSIVE HOSE LAYS
PROGRESSIVE HOSE LAY – STRUCTURE FIRE

Within the confines of a structure fire, the progressive hose lay becomes more difficult. It is dark, hot
and smoky, communication is bad and visibility is usually worse. The area is probably confined and
crowded. Properly flaking out hose is difficult, at best.
Interior attack lines typically consist of either 2½" or 1¾" hose. The Officer will, more than likely,
direct that a certain amount of 1¾" hose be added to the original hose line. The 2½" forward lay
nozzle comes with a 2½" shutoff butt and a 2½" to 1½" reducer. The nozzle is attached to the reducer
even though it is called a 2½" nozzle. There is no need to bring a reducer to add 1¾" hose to a 2½"
attack line. Simply remove the nozzle from the reducer and extend the new hose line.
SHOULDER LOAD
The Officer has called for one hundred feet or less, of additional 1¾" hose to be added to the original
attack line. There are two options available. One is to secure hose from one of the remaining
crosslays or rear 1¾" hose bed. Shoulder load the hose bundle into the structure. Attempt to flake it
out and add on as before with the grass fire progressive lay. Charge the line when the nozzle person
calls for water. This option works, but is not easy and takes a good deal of practice and coordination.
HIGHRISE HOSE PACK DEPLOYMENT-- VIDEO

The second option is to bring in a unit of the highrise hose pack. If the progressive lay is off a 2½"
attack line, bring unit “A.” Unit “A” has a 2½" to 1½" gated wye and one hundred feet of 1¾" hose.
Unit “A” with the gated wye, offers the Officer several options off the 2½" attack line. If the
progressive line is going to be attached to one of the 1¾" pre-connects, secure high rise hose pack unit
“B.” This pack has a 2½" to 1½" reducer with one hundred feet of light weight hose. Both packs
come with a shutoff butt and a 200 g.p.m. nozzle.
The high rise hose packs are rolled in such a way as to self flake when charged. They can be laid
down right at the nozzle person and added to the original line. With the correct pressure, the charged
coil unrolls and the nozzle person can advance on the fire with a good attack stream.
Lay the pack down, remove the retaining strap, and from the middle, spread the pack outward into a
circle. Add the female coupling or gated wye from the hose pack to the original line. Secure the
original nozzle in a pocket, if it isn’t needed. Charge the line when the nozzle person calls for water.
Inform the Engineer, via portable radio, that the progressive line is ready for additional water pressure.
If the gated wye was used, secure the gated wye valves using the webbed harness. Secure the valve in
use in the open position and the valve not being used in the closed position. Assist the nozzle person
or other crew members in advancing the hose line.
DRILL #7 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: ADVANCING A HOSE 60 NOVEMBER 2003
LINE UP STAIRS
SHOULDER LOADING 1¾" HOSE UP STAIRS - VIDEO

When 1¾" attack line is going to be advanced up stairs, a shoulder load should be used. The sharp and
continuous turns associated with stairwells makes pulling hose up stairs very difficult. The Officer
will call out the fire floor number and location. Ensure that all of the 1¾" hose is stretched to the
stairwell opening and that no slack is left behind. Make one last check before entering the building.
CLOSED STAIRWELL
While ascending the stairs, call out the floor landing number. Keep the hose along the inside rail of
the stairwell. At each landing, turn and pull the slack out of the hose coming up the stairwell. At the
fire floor, secure the remaining hose bundle and nozzle to a safe and clear area. This area should be an
area where the hose bundle will not cause a trip hazard, and allow for safe access to the entry door.
Flake the hose out to make advancement easier once the hose line is charged. If there is an option to
flake the hose up the stairwell, do so. It is easier to pull charged line down stairs than up. If the option
to go upstairs does not exist, flaking downstairs is permitted. In either case, the last coupling going
up the stairs must be tied off properly.
TYING OFF HOSE OR THE LAST COUPLING - VIDEO

Go to the last coupling coming up the stairs if near by. Using a utility strap, tie a cow hitch around the
hose just below (pump side) the male coupling. Next, tie a clove hitch and safety around a fixed
object. A double wrap and two half hitches may be used on the fixed object in place of a clove hitch
and safety. If the coupling is farther back down the stairs, and it would be better to tie off the hose line
closer, do so around any part of the hose line.
OPEN STAIRWELL
Some stairwells are not closed, meaning they are open from floor to floor. Take advantage of this
stairwell design when possible. Instead of wasting valuable time and hose laying a line up through the
stairwell, go to the proper floor and pull the hose straight up the opening.
Quickly ascend the steps paying the hose off the shoulder when necessary. Use your free hand to
move the hose over the handrail, so it pays out into the opening. Maintain good control of the hose
because the weight of the suspended hose will begin to pull the hose off the shoulder. If the hose gets
to be too heavy, start letting it pay off onto the steps. Pull the hose up the opening after reaching the
fire floor. At the fire floor, secure the hose bundle and nozzle to a safe and clear area. Pull all of the
slack out of the hose line and properly secure the last (fifty foot) coupling to a fixed object. Flake the
hose out and prepare to call for water.
Suspended couplings should be secured when time permits or when directed by the Officer. Use the
appropriate knots to secure the couplings to a fixed object. This task is usually left to back up
personnel.
DRILL #7 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: ADVANCING A DRY 61 NOVEMBER 2003
HOSE LINE UP A LADDER
ADVANCING ATTACK LINE UP A LADDER - VIDEO

Sometimes stairwells are not available or accessible and a ladder is the only way to gain access to
upper floors. There are several methods used to get hose lines to upper floors using a ladder. A hose
line can be advanced up the ladder dry or charged. The Firefighter can gain access to the appropriate
floor via the ladder, then drop a rope down and pull the hose line up.
ADVANCING THE HOSE LINE - DRY

After advancing to the foot of the ladder, lay the fifty foot coupling down near the base of the ladder.
Flake the hose out neatly, leading straight away from the ladder if possible.
Pick up the nozzle and face the ladder. Bring the nozzle under either arm and across the chest to the
opposite shoulder. Bring the nozzle up and over that shoulder so the nozzle comes to rest on the back.
Example: Nozzle comes from under the right arm, across the chest to the left shoulder, up and
over that shoulder with the nozzle coming to rest on the back.
Ask for a Firefighter to foot the ladder. Once properly footed, both hands are free to climb the ladder.
Carefully ascend the ladder being mindful of the hose and nozzle.
Before dismounting a ladder into an upper window, or onto a roof or balcony, checks of the supporting
structural members, roofs and/or floors, must be made. When possible, use a tool to perform the
preliminary test while maintaining a firm hand hold on the ladder. Once confident that the tested
surface can be stepped on, do so while continuing your grip of the ladder. Before leaving the ladder,
make sure the area can support your full weight.
While advancing a hose line into a window, or onto a roof or balcony, you may not have a hand tool to
test the surface onto which you will be stepping. In that case, carefully use your foot to make the same
tests. While maintaining a firm hand hold on the ladder, stomp progressively harder on the surface
being tested. Once certain that the surface will hold your weight, call out “Sill, floor, roof etc. – safe.”
Once the area has been checked, dismount from the ladder. Lay the nozzle down near the area you will
be pulling the hose up. While advancing the line into the upper area, secure the hose line near the
nozzle with a foot. If possible, pull up and secure at least fifty feet of working line. Secure as before,
the last coupling (fifty foot) to a fixed object. If you cannot get the first coupling into the area, tie off
as much hose as possible using the required knots.
Call for water and advance to the fire.
DRILL #7 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: ADVANCING A 62 NOVEMBER 2003
CHARGED HOSE LINE UP A LADDER
TYING OFF A CHARGED HOSE LINE – DEMONSTRATION -VIDEO

Whether a charged line is going to be brought up a ladder or if a hose line is inadvertently charged
while ascending a ladder, it must be properly tied off. Tying off the hose line enables the Firefighter to
use both hands on the rungs of the ladder.
Using a utility strap, tie a cow hitch around the hose near the coupling and shutoff butt. Tie two half
hitches on the nozzle, one before the shutoff butt handle and one after. Have the webbing between the
two half hitches pass over the shutoff butt handle. This will prevent the shutoff butt from being
inadvertently opened.
ADVANCING A CHARGED LINE UP A LADDER – DEMONSTRATION -VIDEO

If access is going to be made through a window, place the right arm through the remaining loop
portion of the utility strap. Place the utility strap loop on the shoulder. The nozzle should come to rest
along the side of the mid back. The right shoulder is used so the loop can be easily placed over the
right beam of the ladder. Ladders are normally positioned to the right side of window openings. On a
balcony or roof it doesn’t matter on which shoulder the loop is placed. Keep in mind, if the hose is
coming from the left, having the strap secure the hose on the right shoulder will offer better stability
going up the ladder.
If the hose line should inadvertently get charged while ascending the ladder, lean forward and cradle
the ladder around the beams. Look away from where the nozzle will be coming up. The hose line will
fill with water and move the nozzle up and off the back, coming to rest against the ladder. Leg lock
into the ladder then properly tie off the hose and nozzle. Once tied off, continue the ascent.
Once set and with the ladder properly footed, ascend to the top of the ladder. Place the loop of the
strap over the top of the beam on the same side of the ladder as the shoulder carrying the hose. Strap
on the right shoulder - loop over the right beam.
Properly dismount from the ladder calling out checks. Lift the loop up, over and off the beam. Pull
the nozzle into the window or onto the roof or balcony. Pull enough hose (eight to ten feet) into the
area to safely secure the nozzle while removing the utility strap. The utility strap needs to be removed
from the hose and nozzle so it can be used to secure the fifty foot coupling later. Safely secure the
nozzle from falling back to the ground by stepping or kneeling on the hose near the nozzle while the
utility strap is removed.
Either alone or with help from another Firefighter, pull enough hose into the fire area to enable the
proper securing of the hose or fifty foot coupling to a secure object. Using the utility strap, tie off the
working line coupling. Tie a cow hitch around the hose on the pumper side of the coupling and a clove
hitch with safety around a fixed object. Because of the “Two In / Two Out policy” a Firefighter will
not be alone in a fire environment. Maintain a position near the ladder until another Firefighter arrives.
Once the second Firefighter is on the fire floor and briefed on the required tasks, advance to the fire.
DRILL #7 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: ADVANCING A HOSE 63 NOVEMBER 2003
LINE USING ROPE
HOISTING HOSE USING A ROPE - VIDEO

When the structure involved is multistory, it is standard operating procedure to bring along a drop bag.
In this case, the rope will be used to hoist up the attack line. Two drop bags are carried in the B.A.
compartment on the apparatus. They contain 75' of lightweight 7mm to 8mm nylon rope. In addition
to the drop bags, 150' of ½" utility rope is also carried on the apparatus.
FROM ABOVE
From the elevated area, locate a fixed object to anchor the end of the rope. Use the carabineer on the
end of the line to tie a tensionless anchor to the fixed object. If there is no carabineer, tie a bowline
with safety.
Look below to the drop zone to check that it is clear. Call out “Clear, rope coming down” then toss the
bag down and away from any opening into the building.
After properly tying the nozzle, the Firefighter below will call out “Ready on the nozzle.” Pull the line
up, hand-over-hand, preventing the nozzle and shutoff butt from being damaged against the building.
Grasp the nozzle and call out “My nozzle.” Place the nozzle flat on the floor or roof, stepping on the
hose behind the nozzle. Untie the knots securing the nozzle, and let the slack rope fall back down to
the ground. Resume pulling the hose up, hand over hand. With the required amount of hose secured
(at least 50') properly tie off the last coupling to a secure object. Flake out the hose properly then
advance to the fire.
FROM BELOW
When the drop line is on the ground, take it and the nozzle away from directly below the upper work
area and/or any entrance to the building.
Tie a clove hitch on the section of hose directly behind the coupling attached to the shutoff butt. Tie
one half hitch around the female coupling on the shutoff butt and with the rope going over the shutoff
butt handle, tie another half hitch around the nozzle. Make sure the nozzle is on tight.
When ready call out to the Firefighter above “Ready on the nozzle.” Keep the shutoff butt and nozzle
away from any part of the building while they are being raised by maintaining tension on the tag line
(down rope).
When the Firefighter above calls out “My nozzle,” release the rope and continue with the required
tasks of the evolution.
DRILL #7 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: TOSSING ROPE 69 NOVEMBER 2003
TOSSING LINE - VIDEO

When equipment or hose needs to be hoisted to upper levels and there is no rope at those upper levels,
one solution is to toss rope up. The height that rope can successively be tossed upward is based on
several factors. Typically three stories is the limit for tossing any rope upward.
DROP BAG
Secure enough slack line to tie off the equipment or hose and maintain a tag line from below. When
all is ready, call out “Clear” and toss the bag up to the upper level. Keep the carabineer on the ground
to be used on equipment if necessary. From above, lower the slack back down to the ground, then tie a
bowline and a safety around a proper anchor.
UTILITY ROPE BAG

Take enough rope out of the bag to more than reach the upper level. The idea is to have the rope
uncoil neatly from the ground, not out of the bag on its flight upward. Make three or four small coils
with the rope. These coils are going to be the tossing coils. Layer the remaining rope back and forth
on the ground under the area where the rope will be tossed up. Be careful not to form any knots in the
line on the ground. Call “Clear” and as if making a “hook shot” in basketball, toss the line to the upper
level. Another way to throw the line, is to face away from the area, and throw it straight back over
your shoulder.
Tie a bowline and a safety around an anchor prior to having any equipment secured to the line. Ensure
that enough line is on the ground to maintain an adequate tag line.
USING ROPE TO PERFORM SEARCH AND RESCUE

As previously mentioned, drop bags should be secured anytime there is a possibility of going to upper
levels to secure equipment. Another reason to take a drop bag into a structure is for search and rescue
purposes. Once the fire is knocked down, the drop bag can be anchored to the hose line and used as a
tag line to conduct a search. To find your way back out, simply follow the tag line back to the hose
line. To secure the tag line to the hose, tie a clove hitch around the hose line near the shutoff butt.
Take the carabineer and attach it to the shutoff butt handle. Take the drop bag in hand or using another
carabineer and attach it to your S.C.B.A. harness then conduct the search. If another Firefighter comes
along to use or move the hose line, the carabineer on the shutoff butt will indicate that the nozzle is
being used as an anchor.
DRILL #7 1¾" HOSE OPERATIONS: LOWERING THE HOSE 65 NOVEMBER 2003
"DROP METHOD"
LOWERING HOSE - VIDEO

There will be times when hose must be lowered from buildings. The hose may have been used on a
roof to protect exposures or extinguish a fire. There may have been charged lines on upper floors and
no way to drain the hose without causing additional property damage. Whatever the reason, there must
be a systematic method for lowering the hose line safely.
DROP METHOD
The “drop method” of lowering hose from an upper elevation is the most common. Equipment and
couplings cannot be dropped, only hose. Therefore, the height limitation is approximately twenty feet,
because the coupling and nozzle must be on the ground before the hose can be dropped.
Make certain that the line has been shut down at the pump and bled. Bring the nozzle to the window,
landing guard rail or roof edge. Secure the nozzle by standing on the hose while the hose or coupling
retaining knot is untied.
Look down and call out “Clear, hose coming down.” Make certain that it is clear below. Lift the
coupling out over the edge, if it was in the room, and lower it to the ground, hand over hand. Stop
lowering the hose when the fifty foot coupling is on the ground.
Place the nozzle over the edge. Call “Clear below” then open the shutoff butt to drain the line. Start to
lower the nozzle hand over hand, making certain not to stand within the loop of the remaining hose.
There will be hose looped on the floor or roof because both ends are going over the side. The chances
of being pulled over the edge or getting hung up on the hose are greater within the looped hose, so
avoid it.
Continue to lower the nozzle slowly until it is lying flat on the ground. While the area is still clear,
carefully continue to pass the remaining hose over the side. When the last of the hose is at the window
sill, roof edge or landing guard rail, ensure that the area is still clear. Call out “Stand clear, hose
coming down” and drop the loop of hose over the edge.
"ROPE METHOD"
ROPE METHOD - VIDEO

If the “drop method” is not used, the “rope method” should be performed whenever possible. The
reason for this is safety. It is far safer to lower equipment by rope, than carrying it down a ladder.
Using utility rope or drop bag line, the nozzle and hose can be lowered from upper levels.
Make certain that the hose line has been shut down at the pump and bled. Bring the nozzle to the
window, landing or roof edge.
If a hoisting line is already in place, pull up enough rope to tie off the nozzle and lower it back down to
the ground. It is better to bring up too much rope, than too little. The nozzle needs to be lowered all
the way to the ground without being dropped. If a Firefighter has tossed up a line from below, or a
drop bag is going to be used from above, secure the proper amount of line.
With the above scenario, make certain that the upper line is anchored properly, and that sufficient
lowering line is available at the upper elevation. Tie off the hose and nozzle with a clove hitch and
two half hitches. This knot will be tied so the nozzle is facing upward as it is lowered to the ground.
The clove hitch is tied on the hose, and with the up side line, tie two half hitches on the nozzle and
shutoff butt encompassing the shutoff butt handle.
Secure the hose that is going over the rail or edge with a foot as the hose coupling retaining knot is
untied. Untie the utility strap and remove it from the hose. At this time get assistance from below.
The Firefighter on the ground will keep tension on the hose and tag line to prevent the nozzle from
striking any part of the building. Place the hose on a smooth surface or over a protected one, look
below and call out “Clear hose coming down.” Lower the hose, hand over hand until the nozzle is at
the edge.
* Do not pass couplings or nozzles over hard or sharp surfaces. This action could cause damage to the
coupling and/or nozzle. Lift them up and over the edge, then resume the lowering procedure.
At the nozzle, secure the rope attached to the nozzle. Place the nozzle over the edge. Lower the rope
hand over hand until the nozzle is flat on the ground. Do not let the nozzle make contact with the
building on the way down.
When the hose and nozzle are clear of the rope, untie the anchor. Either lower the carabineer down
with the line hand over hand, or remove the carabineer if one is attached to the line. Look below and
call “Clear rope coming down.” Toss the remaining rope to the ground, clear of any area where
Firefighters might be entering or exiting the structure. Another method for securing the rope may be to
simply pull the line back up once the nozzle has been untied. This option is usually available when the
drop bag has been used, and most of the line is already out of the bag.
"LADDER METHOD"
LADDER METHOD - VIDEO

When a ladder is available and/or the height is too great to use the “drop method,” the “ladder method”
can be used. When equipment is carried up or down ladders, extreme caution should be practiced by
everyone involved. The ladder must always be footed. The Firefighter footing the ladder must watch
for falling equipment. The Firefighter climbing down the ladder must maintain good footing and a
secure grasp on the ladder and equipment. If equipment is being carried up or down a ladder, both
hands will maintain constant contact with the beams.
Make certain that the line has been shut down at the pump and bled. Bring the nozzle to the window,
landing or roof edge. Secure the hose by standing on it with a foot while the hose coupling retaining
knot is untied. Immediately retie the utility strap to the nozzle (cow hitch on the hose, two half hitches
on the nozzle). Place the free loop of the utility strap over a beam on the ladder. The beam chosen
should be one that will keep the descending hose off the ladder rungs.
Look below to ensure that the area is clear and call out “Clear, hose coming down.” Lower the hose
hand over hand until the hose is held on the ladder with the utility strap. Make sure that you are not
standing inside any loops of hose on the floor or roof. Call out for a Firefighter to “Foot the ladder.”
When the ladder is properly secured, mount the ladder in a safe manner and place both hands on either
beam.
Secure the utility strap loop from the beam using the nearest hand. Grasp the loop in a “monkey grip”
fashion so that if the hose gets pulled from below, the grip on the ladder will not be lost. If this
happens, let the hose go. Don’t fall off the ladder trying to save a nozzle. Descend the ladder in a safe
smooth manner. To maintain constant contact with the ladder, slide both hands down the beams.
DRILL #8 FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS (F.D.C.) 68 NOVEMBER 2003
2½" SUPPLY LINES – FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS - VIDEO

The procedures used to secure the proper lengths of hose have already been covered. A “specified”
and/or “unspecified” method will be used to pull the hose from the hose bed. This is a supply line
operation, therefore, the proper fittings will be attached (double male-shutoff butt / shutoff butt) prior
to advancing on to the fire department connections (F.D.C.).
Once at the fire department connection, call back to personnel at the apparatus, to break the line if
necessary depending on the method of hose line advance. Lay the shutoff butt down on the ground,
under the F.D.C. protecting it from damage and becoming a trip hazard. Remove the standpipe inlet
protection plug (cap). If this plug comes completely off, lay it down on the ground against the building
with the male threads down. In the real world, these caps are made to be broken off the inlet with a
pocket spanner. Next, a series of five checks must be performed on the inlet. If this is the first line
into the system and there are two inlets, remove both plugs and check both inlets. Loudly call out all
of the checks:
1. Gasket Look for and check the condition of the gasket, just like any other coupling.
2. Threads Check the condition of the threads and whether they will accept the shutoff butt.
3. Swivel Manipulate the swivel to make sure that it will spin.
4. Clapper Valve Push on the clapper valve to see if it is functional.
5. Obstructions Check for and clear any obstructions found in the inlet.
Connect the shutoff butt to the most difficult inlet to reach: the bottom inlet on a vertical stack or the
most difficult inlet to reach on a horizontal system.
Make all connections on the F.D.C. spanner tight. Initially secure the shutoff butt by hand until the
coupling is set, then use a pocket spanner - (clockwise from the swivel’s perspective). Call for water
and open the shutoff butt slowly. Fix any leaks and/or kinks in the area.
RESTORING THE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

Fire Protection Systems must be restored after being used. A Firefighter with a portable radio will go
to the roof. When they have been told that the system has been shut down, they will take off the roof
discharge cap and open the valve. A Firefighter with a portable radio will go to the shutoff butts at the
ground level f.d.c., close and then remove them. At the same time the Engineer will be shutting down
and draining the supply lines at the pump. Other Firefighters will be securing the highrise hose packs
and bringing down equipment.
The clapper valves in the ground level f.d.c. prevent the system from being drained. A Firefighter will
take a section of 2½" hose to the second floor f.d.c. and attach the line to the discharge. They will
locate an area to drain the system so that the water will not affect the structure. The Firefighter will
then open the valve and let the system drain. When the system has been drained to that point, they will
contact the Firefighter at the ground level f.d.c. and tell them that the system has been drained down to
the 2nd floor.
The Firefighter at the ground level f.d.c. will slowly place a round handle into one of the f.d.c. inlets
and allow the system to drain completely. When the system has been drained, restore all valves to the
closed position and replace all caps and/or plugs.
DRILL #8 HIGHRISE OPERATIONS: SECURING EQUIPMENT 69 NOVEMBER 2003
HIGHRISE OPERATIONS – SECURING EQUIPMENT - VIDEO

Once you get to the fire floor, highrise operations are not that much different than any other structure
fire for Engine Companies. Typically an Engine Company will be assigned the responsibility of
charging the fire department connection (Standpipe). Other Engine Companies are assigned to respond
to the fire floor with hose packs. Still other Companies are assigned "Lobby Control," "Staging,"
"Supply," "Stairwell Support" etc.
It doesn't matter who takes what up to the floor below the fire, as long as all the required equipment
makes it up. In the early stages of a highrise response, the elevators should not be used. Therefore the
stairwells are the primary avenues of access to the fire floor. Getting the required equipment to the fire
floor can be quite an ordeal. Personnel should share the load on the way up to the fire, so the
Firefighters will be able to work when they get there. In Operations, for the most part, an Engine
Company will respond to their assignment as a four member team. The Engineer and obviously the
Officer will respond with the two Firefighters to their assignment. They will all share the load in
securing equipment to the fire floor. The following is an example of what equipment should be
advanced to the fire floor unless otherwise directed by "Command," "Operations," or your Officer:
Both highrise hose packs, four spare air bottles, highrise escape pack and forcible entry tools. Two air
bottles can be tied off using a utility strap with two cow hitches tied on either end.
Depending on the configuration of the stairwell being used, the floor below the fire is the standard
landing from which the hose packs are to be supplied. The spare air bottles can be dropped off two
floors below the fire, but the rest of the equipment needs to be advanced to the fire along with the
crew.
DEPLOYING THE HOSE PACKS - VIDEO

In between each floor, there is a midway landing. This is where the stairs take a turn and create a
straight shot to the next floor. It is from this landing that hose pack "A" should be deployed. Lay hose
pack "A" down on the landing. Remove the retaining strap. A Firefighter will then take the gated wye
and retaining straps down to the f.d.c. on the landing below. Once there, the Firefighter will call back
to their crew above that they are at the f.d.c. It is important that the nozzle not be removed from the
"Cleveland Roll" prior to the gated wye reaching the supply discharge. If the nozzle comes out of the
pack first, a twist is made, making deployment difficult. Once the standpipe has been reached with the
gated wye, the hose pack can be made into a circle and the nozzle removed. When the hose pack gets
charged, the line can easily be advanced straight up the stairs to the fire floor.
The Firefighter at the f.d.c. will remove the discharge cap and place it safely on the floor if it comes
off. They will then check for a gasket and connect the gated wye to the discharge valve. All hose and
fitting connections associated with fire department connections will be made spanner tight. Next the
Firefighter will use one snap buckle set to secure the unused gated wye valve in the closed position.
Once advised, they will charge the attack line then secure the opened valve with another snap buckle
set. They will next mask up and advance up the attack line in support of their crew members.
DRILL #8 HIGHRISE OPERATIONS: 70 NOVEMBER 2003
DEPLOYING THE HOSE PACK
HIGHRISE OPERATIONS – DEPLOYING THE HOSE PACKS

Once the gated wye makes it to the f.d.c. below, hose pack "A" can be deployed in preparation for
advancement. As previously stated, it is important that the nozzle is not removed from the center of
the hose roll prior to the gated wye reaching the supply discharge. Once the supply has been secured,
make the roll into a circle and remove the nozzle.
The nozzle can be place off to the side while the nozzle person "Masks up." When all P.P.E. is in
order, the nozzle person will check the nozzle and call for water. Although it would be nice to know
that we have good pressure on the attack line, it is not always possible to perform a "Pressure pattern"
test on the nozzle in a stairway. When and where you can however, a test should be performed.
ADVANCING THE ATTACK LINE

When at least two Firefighters are ready to advance to the fire, "Click" in on the S.C.B.A. mask and
advance to the fire floor. If you are on the nozzle, make entry into the fire area as you would any fire
area. If the door to the fire area is closed, use the two Firefighter method of entry. If the door is open,
enter the area staying low where the visibility is better. Advance the nozzle to the fire staying alert to
changing fire conditions and fire victims. If possible use a flashlight to help locate obvious victims.
Understand that getting to the fire and extinguishing it, may be the best thing to do for potential fire
victims. At the fire, check the stream collar ensuring that it is set on straight stream. Let other
Firefighters in the area know that you are about to open the nozzle.
If you are acting in support of the nozzle person, you should be pulling and/or pushing hose line to the
fire. A Firefighter should be at the top of the landing leading into the fire area. From that position,
they will face the hose pack below and pull hose up into the fire area as needed. Forcible entry tools
should also be advanced up the line. Support personnel can also be using a flash light to search the
immediate area for fire victims. Like any other interior attack, there needs to be one Firefighter on the
nozzle, and all the other Firefighters working in support of them.
When the fire is knocked down, the crew needs to make certain that there is no fire extension. Use the
forcible entry tool to check walls and ceilings for extension. They should also conduct a "Primary
Search" of the immediate fire area. Other Companies will have been given this task, but if conditions
permit, the area should be searched. The Officer will notify "Command" or "Operations" that the fire
is out, and await additional assignments if any.
SECURING THE "CLEVELAND ROLL" - VIDEO

After draining the hose, lay each section out flat. Beginning with the female coupling, make a
"Straight Roll." Begin with the female coupling so it ends up in the middle of the roll. Place the
shutoff butt and nozzle on the free male coupling when the roll is complete. Begin the "Cleveland
Roll" with the nozzle in what will become a 3' oval. Lay out approximately 3' of hose behind the
nozzle then make a turn back to the nozzle. Continue making turns around the nozzle and the first turn
until 100' of hose is secured. Place the appropriate fitting on the last female coupling and fasten the
retaining straps tightly.
FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: 71 NOVEMBER 2003
FINAL PUMP OPERATIONS / REPORTING TO THE OFFICER
FINAL PUMP OPERATIONS - #4 (DROP OFF)

Each hose lay is slightly different regarding the tasks, and the order in which they are completed.
Depending on the hose lay, Drop Off may not be required to complete any final pump operations.
Prior to leaving the apparatus for the last time to join with the rest of the crew, Drop Off must address
these last issues, when applicable.
Make sure that all leaks associated with the pump and supply line have been addressed.
If a supply line has been laid into the pump, take note of the pump intake pressure.
Have an S.C.B.A. on and in stand-by position. (not needed on a grass fire)
If entering a structure that falls under the Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health policy, turn
accountability tag over to the Engineer.
Secure and inform the Engineer about the acquisition of any piece of equipment or hose that is called
for or indicated by the scenario.
Ask the Engineer if there are any further instructions or orders.
Follow the attack line quickly from the proper discharge to the Captain’s location, checking for leaks,
kinks and hazards along the way.
REPORTING TO THE OFFICER - #4 (DROP OFF)

Anytime a Firefighter has been separated from their Officer for whatever reason, they need to report
back to that Officer. For the most part in the Academy, Drop Off will be the only Firefighter
responsible for reporting in to the Officer. Line Breaker will always be in contact with their Officer
(instructor).
Once separated from their crew, Drop Off needs to find out from the Engineer if there are any orders
from the Officer. Drop Off will then carry out those orders (if any). Next, they need to follow the
proper attack line to their Officer and partner (Line Breaker). If the hose line is an exterior one, and
there is no chance of following the wrong one, Drop Off can make a straight run to the Officer. If
however, there are multiple lines coming off the apparatus, or it is night time and visibility is poor,
they will need to follow the hose line. If the Officer is inside the structure with Line Breaker, Drop Off
needs to stay low, and maintain contact with the hose line at all times.
When Drop Off makes contact with their Officer, they will be in the proper P.P.E. for the fire scenario.
Let the Officer know about any information the Engineer wanted to pass along. Drop Off needs to
inform the Officer about any additional equipment, hose or tools that they have brought. Relay the
pump intake pressure to the Officer if applicable. Finally, be guided by the Officer’s directions as to
what tasks to perform.
FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: SUPPLYING THE PUMP 72 NOVEMBER 2003
SUPPLYING THE PUMP

A hose lay is an evolution, where a team of Firefighters on a pumper (Engine Company) work together
to achieve a final goal. Within that hose lay are several smaller goals (tasks) that need to be met in
order to reach the final goal (fire extinguishment). An Engine Company’s initial task, other than
rescue when appropriate, is to provide the pump with an adequate water supply to handle the fire
emergency.
OFF THE TANK

Supplying the pump with water can be accomplished in several ways. The pump can be supplied from
the water tank carried on the apparatus. This is generally referred to as going “Off the Tank.” Five
hundred gallons of water can extinguish a lot of fire when applied correctly. Going off the tank is the
quickest and simplest method of securing a water source for fire ground operations. Line Breaker and
Drop Off don the appropriate P.P.E. The Engineer places the pump in gear and "Dumps the tank."
The Officer "Sizes up" the fire emergency. Depending on the scenario, the crew will work together to
secure attack and back-up lines. The nozzle person (typically Line Breaker) advances the hose line
while the support Firefighter (typically Drop Off) assists. Again, depending on the scenario, the
support Firefighter may be responsible for pulling additional hose in direct support of the nozzle
person. Drop Off may be responsible for securing forcible entry tools to gain access into structures
and/or vehicles.
HAND LAY
For larger more complex fire ground operations, a constant and ample water source must be secured.
We secure that source of water by laying 4" or 2½" supply lines from a fire hydrant to the pumper.
Supply lines can be secured by hand or apparatus. A Firefighter can be expected to “Hand Lay” a 2½"
supply line between 150' to 200'. That same Firefighter, should not be expected to hand lay a 4"
supply line further than 125' on a single pull.
MANIFOLD LAY
The most common method to secure a constant water source is to lay a supply line from a fire hydrant
to the fire. This method is called a “Manifold Lay” and it takes a coordinated effort from everyone on
the team to complete this operation. The apparatus stops at a hydrant where Drop Off secures the 4"
female coupling and wraps the hydrant. The pumper then repositions in front of the fire, where the
Engineer and Line Breaker work together to complete the supply line operation to their pump.
SPOT THE PUMP

When the fire emergency is in close proximity to a fire hydrant, the “Spot the Pump” evolution can be
used. The Officer spots the pumper on a hydrant (within 50'). The Engineer and Drop Off work
together to secure water from the hydrant to the pump. In Operations, this hose lay is typically
accomplished by the Engineer alone. The two Firefighters don the appropriate P.P.E. while the Officer
sizes up their options. Orders are issued and the two Firefighters conduct fire ground operations. As
with any task however, help usually makes accomplishing the task go quicker and easier. If the
Officer advises, or the Engineer asks, Drop Off will assist the Engineer with the "Spot the Pump"
operations.
FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: VEHICLE EMERGENCIES / FIRES 73 NOVEMBER 2003
VEHICLE EMERGENCIES - VIDEO

Vehicle emergencies are a common occurrence in our city. From the simple finder binder to a fully
involved tanker, we must be ready to perform our duties professionally and safely. The hazards
associated with modern vehicle safety equipment have been covered in the "Vehicle Safety Class."
When a vehicle is involved in an accident and the occupants are trapped, safety lines need to be
secured. Safety lines can be charged with water or foam depending on emergency conditions. If there
are indications that the vehicle's fuel system might have been involved in the collision or fire, foam
lines should be considered.
The Officer will spot the apparatus where it will not become part of the problem. The vehicle also
spots in such a way as to protect the crew during fire ground operations. It is still very important that
the Firefighters keep aware of the environment they are working in:
Stay visible to traffic and other crew members.
Stay within the protective screen of the apparatus on road ways.
Be aware of the potential for fuel vapor explosions, liquid fuel burning and vehicle safety
equipment failure.
VEHICLE FIRES
All Firefighters associated with the extinguishment of the vehicle fire will be in full P.P.E. and have
their S.C.B.A. donned.
The term “proper angle” is used to describe the approach of the attack line to the vehicle fire. Proper
angle refers to drawing an imaginary line off the bumpers of the vehicle. That line is drawn at an
angle of approximately 45 degrees outward from the corners of the vehicle. Do not approach or
conduct operations within the 45 degree arc off the front or rear of any vehicle. Be mindful of the
hazards associated with the front and rear bumpers of fully involved vehicle fires. The piston
assemblies on modern vehicle bumpers can heat up, and then become a lethal projectile. Come in
from the side of the vehicle, staying clear of the bumpers. Another concern is traffic; ensure that while
conducting fire ground operations, all personnel remain out of traffic lanes. Make an attempt to stay
out of the smoke, so as to remain visible to your crew and traffic.
Work from the sides of the vehicle. Secure entry into the passenger compartment through an open
door or by forcing a window. Gain entry into the engine compartment by means of a Haligan Bar.
From the side of the vehicle, “tent” the hood creating an opening for the nozzle. The hood is “tented”
by placing the claw or adz of the Haligan Bar in the space between the hood and fender. Make an
opening by twisting and prying with the tool. Spray water into the opening until the fire is out.
If the vehicle fire is in the passenger compartment, it is usually nothing more than a class "A" fire.
Approach from the side of the vehicle, gain access to the compartment and extinguish the fire. Be
mindful of very hot vehicle body parts and broken glass. A Firefighter should be standing back from
the vehicle watching for fire condition changes (fuel problems).
FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: VEHICLE FIRES 74 NOVEMBER 2003
FUEL FIRE INDICATIONS

Due to the inherent hazards associated with fuel and the limited water supply, it is very important that
the Firefighters recognize early, the potential of fuel involvement.
Two good indications that fuel is involved in the vehicle fire are:
1. The street is on fire. Streets do not generally burn unless there is burning fuel on them.
2. The normal tendency of a fire is to diminish in intensity when water is applied. If fuel is
involved, the opposite appears to happen. When water is applied to the fire, and the fire
expands or intensifies, more than likely fuel is the problem. Some exotic engine components
(magnesium) also exhibit this tendency when water is applied during a fire. In either case, the
standard application of water is not the answer.
FOAM APPLICATION
Foam is a mixture of AFFF, water and air. To get the proper mixture, foam proportioner equipment
needs to be added to the line and proper pump pressure calculated. Several apparatus have built-in
foam systems on the pumper. In order to get the best quality foam, the shutoff butt on the foam nozzle
needs to be fully opened. The large foam nozzle will mix the air and apply the foam. Let the foam
float over the vehicle or spill. When foam is being applied, water streams will be shut down and
placed in “standby” as protection lines for crew members approaching the vehicle.
VEHICLE FIRE - SCENARIO

A well trained fire company will automatically fall into their roles at most vehicle fires. All personnel
involved with the extinguishment of the fire will have their S.C.B.A.'s on. Both Firefighters should
assume that the first thing they will do upon arrival is don their S.C.B.A.'s.
The Engineer will spot the apparatus in such a way as to protect the crew during fire ground activities.
They will place the apparatus in pump gear and set the wheel blocks. Most vehicle fires can be
handled with the water supply carried on the apparatus. The Engineer will "Dump the tank" to supply
the attack lines. With the water supply for a typical vehicle fire coming from the water tank, the
nozzle person needs to consider g.p.m. flows. Try to control the fire using lower g.p.m. flows if
possible.
The Officer may secure the attack line. If not, one of the Firefighters will secure the attack line
(typically Line Breaker). Drop Off typically secures a forcible entry tool and assists their partner with
advancing the attack line. The Firefighters will approach the vehicle together with a charged hose line
and breathing air from their S.C.B.A.
If a backup line is placed into operation, typically the Officer and/or Engineer will secure it. This hose
line can easily be changed over to a foam line if fuel becomes a problem. If a foam line is needed,
Drop Off usually assumes responsibility of that hose line and foam application. They will go back to
the apparatus and secure the foam nozzle if one is needed, while the Engineer changes over to a foam
application. If a backup line wasn't secured, Drop Off will secure the second hose line. If a foam
nozzle is needed, they will switch out nozzles at the apparatus then advance on the fire. Stay back
from the vehicle so the foam can be applied over the entire area involved. The original attack line will
be used to protect the foam operation and exposures.
FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: GRASS FIRES 75 NOVEMBER 2003
GRASS FIRE - SCENARIO

Like the vehicle fire, most grass fires evolutions are supplied by the water tank. It is important at most
grass fires to keep the apparatus mobile. Unless your pumper is protecting several houses during a
wildland fire, most Officers will not tie their apparatus to a fire hydrant. That doesn't exclude the
Officer from calling for a supply line latter in the fire. Usually it will be a 2½" supply line hand laid to
a nearby hydrant.
The Firefighters will respond to the emergency wearing their brush gear. Brush gear consists of
double layer protection using brush pants and coat. Consideration should be given to wearing a long
sleeve shirt under the brush coat. A brush helmet can be worn with the nomex heat shield or nomex
hood. Gloves will also be worn.
Once at scene, the Engineer will prepare the apparatus to pump. The Officer will size up fire
conditions. The Firefighters need to be patient and let the Officer determine what hose lines and
nozzles need to be placed into operation. It can be anything from small diameter hose with a 3/8"
nozzle, to a 2½" supply line with 1¾" hose and nozzles added.
As with most evolutions, the Line Breaker will be responsible for securing the called for attack line
and nozzle. Drop Off will assist with securing any additional equipment or hose. Every fire is
different and grass fires are no exception. With that in mind, the Firefighters may at times change rolls
depending on the evolution. Stay flexible, listen to orders then complete the evolution.
With the attack line decided upon, the two Firefighters will advance on the fire and control it. The
nozzle person needs to keep in mind the limited water supply. Lower the g.p.m. flow when possible to
conserve water. When possible, work from the burn. The one problem with working from the burn is
that the ground area is usually hot. Hot spots can burn through the attack line. Wet down the area the
hose is going to be drug through. Continuously check the hose line behind your position, wetting it
down frequently. A tight fog pattern is a good choice to use while advancing a flowing attack line.
This pattern wets down a larger area and is easier to advance. If you need to burrow down into a deep
seated fire area, go to a straight stream. If you are using the small smooth bore nozzle, placing a finger
over the tip will create a broken fog stream effect. Another way to get the same effect is to slightly
close the shutoff butt.

FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: PROGRESSIVE LAY / GRASS 76 NOVEMBER 2003
PROGRESSIVE LAY / GRASS FIRE

Grass fires are not usually confined to one localized area. These fires are usually moving, and
typically moving away from the apparatus. Progressive hose lays are used to add hose to the original
attack line. While the nozzle person controls and protects the area around the nozzle, the backup
Firefighter will secure the additional hose called for. In addition to more hose, there may be nozzle
changes.
Typically more crosslay hose is called for. Shoulder load the called for crosslay hose. Once the hose
is cleared from the hose bed, the Engineer will break the line where called for or at the whip. If the
nozzle is not needed at the fire, leave the shutoff butt on and take off the nozzle, handing it to the
Engineer. Take the hose to the coupling just before the original nozzle. At the coupling call out
"Hose." Control the shutoff butt and free female coupling then shrug the hose off your shoulder. Take
the fittings to the nozzle person, handing them the shutoff butt. The nozzle person will hand you the
shutoff butt from the original attack line. Perform the change over and prepare to charge the new
section of hose.
If you are the nozzle person, on the call "Hose" after ensuring that the area is safe, remove the nozzle
from the attack line. When the new hose line arrives take the shutoff butt from your partner. If the
new line comes with the called for nozzle, place the old one in a pocket and prepare to call for water.
If the original nozzle is going to be used, place it on the new shutoff butt and prepare to call for water.
If 1" hose was called for by the Officer, additional fittings will need to be secured if you are adding to
an 1¾" hose line. Along with securing the called for amount of 1" hose, secure the 1½" to 1" reducer.
A different nozzle and shutoff butt will be needed if 1" hose was ordered to extend off an 1¾" line for
the first time. Take the rolled hose and additional fittings to the nozzle person. At the coupling just
before the original nozzle, call out "Hose" then proceed up the line to the nozzle person. Hand them
the 1" shutoff butt and nozzle. Secure the band holding the rolled hose together and roll out the hose.
Typically the hose is rolled back toward the apparatus. Hand the nozzle person the 1" male coupling.
Take the original shutoff butt from the nozzle person and attach the 1½" to 1" reducer. Next attach the
1" hose line to the reducer and prepare to charge the line. Open the shutoff butt when called for then
assist the nozzle person in advancing the attack line.
Once again on an extended attack, be thinking of water conservation. The Officer will be in contact
with the Engineer. If the pump's water level is getting low, a supply line will need to be secured. Be
prepared to assist the Engineer with that task if called upon.
FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS: CONDO LAY 77 NOVEMBER 2003
CONDO LAY
The "Condo Lay" is the name given to an evolution where a 2½" supply line is laid out to a remote
area with the intension of adding 1¾" attack / exposure lines. It doesn't mean that it can only be used
at a condominium complex. This evolution is very useful anytime the fire is located in an area where
none of the pre-connected crosslay lines can reach. Bringing a 2½" supply line to the fire also gives
the Officer several options which are made easier once that supply line is set up. If highrise hose pack
"A" is brought up and added to the 2½" supply line, the Officer has the option to place two 1¾" hose
lines into operation. This is important when you consider that every structure fire should have three
initial needs addressed when it comes to hose lines: 1. Exposure line 2. Attack line 3. Back-up line.
Once the attack line crew makes entry and the exposure problem has been controlled, the exposure line
can then become the back-up line. If the apparatus is spotted in a location where the pre-connects
cannot perform all of these functions, the "Condo Lay" may be an option worth considering.
The "Condo Lay" is commonly used at condominium and apartment complexes, piers, large industrial
areas, construction sites and canyon rim responses. A single 1¾" line can be added to the 2½" supply
line by adding the 2½" to 1½" reducer. If the Officer does not want to use the highrise hose packs, the
extra 2½" to 1½" gated wye can be used. Add the gated wye to the supply line, and then secure the
crosslay hose by shoulder loading it to the fire. If the latter option is to be used, pull the directed
amount of hose out of the crosslay bed then get help breaking the appropriate coupling.
A "Condo Lay" is an evolution that addresses a fire attack problem. If you break it down, it is just a
few simple drills put together to complete an evolution. Initially, the pump water supply will need to
be addressed. Once that is accomplished, the 2½" supply line needs to be secured.
The 2½" line is going to end up being a supply line for eventual 1¾" attack lines. That doesn't mean
the original 2½" line started out as a supply line. If fire conditions call for it, the Officer may want a
nozzle attached to the 2½" hose line. The line now becomes an initial attack line, used to knock down
and control the fire until 1¾" hose lines can be added. The Firefighter tasked with the 2½" hose line
needs to listen to the instructions and act accordingly. If the Officer calls for a nozzle, the Firefighter
will be securing either an "Unspecified" or "Specified" attack line. If no nozzle is called for, the 2½"
hose line will be used as a supply line initially. The Firefighter will secure either an "Unspecified" or
"Specified" supply line.
The Firefighter tasked with securing the 1¾" hose lines will simply secure whatever hose the Officer
calls for. It will either be one of the crosslays, or hose pack "A." If it is hose pack "A" your job is
pretty simple. If the call is for one of the crosslays, the gated wye needs to be secured in addition to
securing the crosslay. The crosslay line should be shoulder loaded. The Engineer will help break the
line at the whip.
The two Firefighters will work together at the directed area to eventually change over from a 2½"
supply/attack line to an 1¾" attack line. Typically Line Breaker will be responsible for handling the
nozzles. Drop Off will act in support of Line Breaker. The "Condo Lay" is a complete team effort
from the beginning. The Officer has the ultimate decision on how best to use their personnel at any
fire.

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ENGINE COMPANY STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES

S.C.B.A. – "Mask Up" 6 "Unspecified" Supply Line 34

Leaks 20 Shoulder Loading 2½" Hose 46

Drill #5 1¾" Hose Operations - 53 Drill #8 Fire Department Connections 73

Drill #6 1¾" Interior Attack Lines 59

Drill #7 1¾" Hose Operations - 65 Grass Fires 81

SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS - S.C.B.A. / B.A. - VIDEO

SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

Attach the regulator.

LIVE BY THESE RULES:

PERSONAL ALARM DEVICE - P.A.D.

RAPID INTERVENTION CREW (R.I.C.)

TITLE STANDARD DEPARTMENT

REAR HOSE BED - 2½" AND 4" HOSE - Video

25' AND 50' - 4" ROLLED HOSE LINES - Video

1¾" HOSE BEDS - VIDEO

“Mattydale” or “Crosslay” hose beds are loaded in the following manner:

1" HOSE - VIDEO

1" RED LINES - VIDEO

TITLE STANDARD DEPARTMENT

ROLLED HOSE - VIDEO

SINGLE (STRAIGHT) ROLLING HOSE

DEPLOYING SINGLE ROLLED HOSE

DOUBLE ROLLING HOSE

DEPLOYING DOUBLE ROLLED HOSE

DONUT ROLLING HOSE

DEPLOYING DONUT ROLLED HOSE

SELECT - O - FLOW NOZZLES

NOZZLE CHECKS - VIDEO

CALLING FOR WATER ON AN ATTACK LINE

MAKING AND BREAKING COUPLINGS - VIDEO

RELOADING HOSE - VIDEO

4" HOSE BED

LOADING THE 4" HOSE BED - VIDEO

DEPLOYING 4" HOSE

“LAYING A LINE” FROM A HYDRANT TO THE FIRE - VIDEO

HYDRANT OPERATIONS - #4 (DROP OFF)

CONNECTING A 4" SUPPLY LINE TO THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

OPENING THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

CLOSING DOWN THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

DROP OFF (#4) COMPLETING HYDRANT OPERATIONS

FOLLOWING LINES - CHECKING FOR HAZARDS

DROP OFF (#4) AT THE APPARATUS

#3 POSITION (LINE BREAKER) AT THE HYDRANT

APPARATUS AT SCENE (#3)

THERE ARE THREE CHOICES:

COMPLETING 4" SUPPLY LINE OPERATIONS (#3)

COUPLING IS FURTHER THAN FIFTY FEET - VIDEO

HAND LAYING A 4" SUPPLY LINE BACK TO THE HYDRANT - VIDEO

SPOT THE PUMP - VIDEO

REVERSE LAY - VIDEO

SECURING 4" SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPLY LINE – VIDEO

SPECIFIED PULL cont.

UNSPECIFIED PULL - VIDEO

SUPPLY LINE TO THE "FIRST IN PUMP" - VIDEO

SUPPLYING A LADDER PIPE OR PORTABLE MONITOR OPERATION - VIDEO

MASTER STREAMS – MONITOR NOZZLES

MONITOR NOZZLE LEFT ON THE PUMPER:

PORTABLE MONITOR NOZZLE: - VIDEO

2½" HOSE BED

LOADING THE HOSE BED - VIDEO

2½" SUPPLY LINE BACK TO THE HYDRANT - VIDEO