Firefighter III

Module B
Nozzles and Fire Streams
3-10.1. Identify the major parts of a fog
nozzle:
• I. Parts:
• a) Nozzle control valve:
• i) Permits regulation of flow.
• ii) Types:
• (1) Ball valve (most common)
• (2) Slide valve
• (3) Rotary valve
3-10.1. Identify the major parts of a fog
nozzle:
• b) Tips:
•   i) Solid
•   ii) Fog
•   iii) Broken
3-10.1. Identify the major parts of a fog
nozzle:
• c) Play pipes:
•   i) Tapered pipe used to accelerate flow.
•   ii) Usually found on 2 ½ inch nozzles.
• d) Stream straighteners- used to prevent the twisting 
motion of a fire stream.
3-10.2. Identify the water flow through
various types of fog nozzles:
• I. Water flow:
• a) Periphery deflected:
• i) Produced by deflecting water from
periphery of an inside, circular stem and then
again by the barrel.
• ii) Position of exterior barrel determines shape
of stream.
• b) Impinging jet:
• i) Developed by driving several jets of water
together at a fixed angle.
• ii) Usually produces wide fog patterns.
3-10.3 Identify the rate of water flow necessary to
control fire in a room of specified volume. (4-12.6)
• Rate of water flow- required flow is determined 
by dividing cubic feet of the area involved by 
100, which provides area flow in gpm.
• Area flow (gpm)= cu. Ft. room/100
3-10.4 Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of solid stream and fog nozzles:
(4-12.7)
• I. Fog nozzles:
•   a)      Advantages:
•     i)        Discharge pattern may be 
adjusted to suit the situation.
•     ii)       May have adjustable gallonage 
settings to control the amount of water 
being used.
•     iii)     May be used in close proximity 
to energized electrical equipment with a 
reduced chance of electrocution to the 
firefighter.
•     iv)     Used for foam.
3-10.4 Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of solid stream and fog nozzles:
(4-12.7)
• I. Fog (cont.)
•   b) Disadvantages:
•     i) Fog streams do not have the reach or 
penetrating power of solid stream.
•     ii) More susceptibility to wind currents.
•     iii) When improperly used during fire attacks:
•       (1) They can spread fire.
•       (2) Create heat inversion.
•       (3) Cause steam burns to firefighters.
3-10.4 Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of solid stream and fog nozzles:
(4-12.7)
• II.  Solid streams:
•   a) Advantages:
•     i) Greater reach than other types of streams.
•     ii) Greater penetration power than other types 
of streams.
•     iii) Less likely to disturb normal thermal 
layering of heat and gases during interior 
attacks.
3-10.4 Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of solid stream and fog nozzles:
(4-12.7)
• II. Solid Stream
•   a) Disadvantages:
•     i) Unable to select different stream patterns 
when desired.
•     ii) May not be used for foam.
•     iii) Less heat absorbed per gallon delivered.
3-10.5. Identify the operation of fog and solid
stream nozzles: (4-12.5)

• I. Fog nozzle operation:
•   a) Water is divided into fine particles.
•   b) Flows through various types of nozzles:
•     i) Fixed gallonage.
•     ii) Adjustable gallonage.
•     iii) Automatic.
3-10.5. Identify the operation of fog and solid
stream nozzles: (4-12.5)

• II. Solid stream operation:
•   a) Water passes through a gradually reducing 
cylinder.
•   b) At a point 1 ½ times the diameter from the 
end it goes through a cylindrical bores.
•   c) Shut off is threaded at both ends.
3-10.6. Identify methods of preventing
damage to a nozzle and associated
equipment:
• A. Open nozzles and other appliances slowly.
• B. Close nozzles and other appliances slowly.
3-10.7. Identify the safe procedures in the
handling of fire hose and directing fire
streams:
• A       Watch for over pressurization- hose line is 
too stiff to move.
• B       Operate hand lines with minimum of two 
firefighters.
• C       Remain aware of fire conditions.
• D       Follow personal safety procedures.
• E        Keep verbal communication.
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire situations:
• 1.       Factors to consider:
• a)      Volume of water needed for extinguishments.
• b)      Reach needed.
• c)      Number of firefighters available to handle the hose.
• d)      Mobility requirements.
• e)      Tactical requirements.
• f)        Speed of deployment.
• g)      Potential fire spread.
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire Situations (cont.) 
• B. Guidelines:
•   1) Booster:
•     i) Small exterior fire.
•     ii) Chimney fire.
•     iii) Overhaul.
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire Situations (cont.) 
• B. Guidelines:
•   2) 1 ½ inches:
•     i) Developing fires.
•     ii) Quick attack.
•     iii) Rapid relocation.
•     iv) One to three rooms involved. 
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire Situations (cont.) 
• B. Guidelines:
•   3) 1 ¾ inches:
•     i) Limited manpower.
•     ii) Fuel load to area is relatively light.
•     iii) Exposure protection.
•     iv) Size of fire beyond reach of flow of a 1 ½ 
inch line.
•     v) One to three rooms involved.
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire Situations (cont.) 
• B. Guidelines:
•   4) 2 inches:
•     i) When both water and manpower are ample.
•     ii) One floor to more fully involved.
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire Situations (cont.) 
• B. Guidelines:
• 5) 2 ½ inches:
•     i) Safety of crew dictates.
•     ii) Larger volumes or greater reach needed for 
exposure protection.
•     iii) When size of fire beyond capabilities of 
smaller lines.
•     iv) One floor or more fully involved.
3-10.8. Given three different fire situations,
identify the proper nozzle and hose for fire
attack: (4-12.1)
• Fire Situations (cont.) 
• B. Guidelines:
• 6)      Master stream:
•     i) Sufficient pumping capacity available.
•     ii) Large volumes and greater reach is needed 
for exposure protection.
•     iii) Interior attacks can no longer be 
maintained.
•     iv) Large structure fully involved.
3-10.9. Identify the four methods by which
foam prevents or controls a hazard: (4-13.1)
• A. Smothering- Preventing air and flammable 
vapors from combining.
• B. Separating- Intervening between fuel and fire.
• C. Cooling- Lowering the temperatures of the 
fuel and adjacent surfaces.
• D. Suppressing- Preventing the release of 
flammable vapors.
3-10.10.    Identify the principle by which foam is
generated: (4-13.2)
• I. Methods of foam 
generation:
•   a) Necessary elements:
•     i) Foam concentrate.
•     ii) Water.
•     iii) Air.
•     iv) Mechanical agitation 
(aeration).
3-10.10.    Identify the principle by which foam is
generated: (4-13.2)

• I. Methods of foam generation:
•   b) Process:
•     i) Water is mixed with concentrate to form 
foam solution.
•     ii) Foam solution passes through the hose line 
to foam maker (nozzle).
•     iii) The solution is aerated and finished foam 
is formed.
3-10.10.    Identify the principle by which foam is
generated: (4-13.2)

• Foam concentrate- raw foam liquid.
• Foam proportioner- device that injects correct 
amount of foam concentrate into the water 
stream to make foam solution.
• Foam solution- mixture of foam concentrate and 
water that is discharged from the porportioner 
and passed through the hand line.
• Finished foam- completed product after the 
foam solution reaches the nozzle and air is 
introduced into the solution. (aeration)
3-10.11. Identify common causes for the poor
generation of foam and identify the procedures for
correcting each: (4-13.3)

• A. Failure to match eductor and nozzle flow. 
Know that eductor controls flow of foam.
• B. Air leaks at fittings causing loss of suction.
• C. Improper cleaning of proportioning 
equipment.
   D. Partially closed nozzle. 
3-10.11. Identify common causes for the poor
generation of foam and identify the procedures for
correcting each: (4-13.3)

• E. Too long a lay on the discharge side of the 
eductor- 150 ft max.
• F. Kinked hose.
• G. Nozzle too far above eductor.
• H. Mixing different types of foam concentrate in 
the same tank.
3-10.12. Identify the difference between
hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuels and identify the
type of foam concentrate required for each fuel: (4-
13.4)
• I.  Fuel types:
•   a) Hydrocarbon: (1-6% foam solution)
•     i) Petroleum based.
•     ii) Floats on water.
       iii) Firefighting foam is effective. 
3-10.12. Identify the difference between
hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuels and identify the
type of foam concentrate required for each fuel: (4-
13.4)
• I.  Fuel types: (cont.) 
•   b) Polar solvents: (6-10 % foam solution)
•     i) Attraction with water
•     ii) Mix with water.
•     iii) Alcohol type concentrate is effective. 
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)
• 3-10.13.1. Protein:
1.Advantages:
a) Excellent water retention capabilities.
b) High heat resistance.
c) Performance not affected by freezing.
d) Can be stored at temperatures from 20 F to
120 F.
e) Can be compounded for freeze protection.
f) Can be made alcohol resistant by adding heavy
metal salts.
g) Applied very gently to polar solvents.
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.1. Protein:
2. Disadvantages:
a. Tends to mix with the fuel.
b. Requires close approach by personnel.
c. Little resistance to burn back (flash back)
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)
• 3-10.13.2. Fluoroprotein:
• I. Advantages:
•   a) Surfactants enable foam to shed hydrocarbons.
•   b) May be used with fresh or salt water.
•   c) Good water retention.
•   d) Extreme resistance to heat.
•   e) Performance not affected by freezing and thawing.
•   f) Can be freeze- protected with nonflammable antifreeze solution.
•   g) Can be stored pre-mixed for a short period of time.
•   h) Compatible with simultaneous application of dry chemical 
extinguishing agents. 
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.3. Film forming fluoroprotein:

• I. Advantages:
•   a) Can be stored pre-mixed.
•   b) Compatible with simultaneous application of 
dry chemical extinguishing agent.
•   c) Performance is not affected by freezing or 
thawing.
•   d) When made alcohol resistant it is multi-
purpose.
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.4. Aqueous film forming foam:

• I. Advantages:
•   a) Can be pre-mixed.
•   b) Can be used through non-aerating nozzles.
•   c) Can be freeze protected.
•   d) Forms a blanket which exclude air.
•   e) Has the ability to “heal” over areas where the 
blanket is disturbed.
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.4. Aqueous film forming foam:

• II. Disadvantages:
•   a) Alcohol resistant AFFF can’t be premixed.
•   b) May be adversely affected if stored 
below 50 F.
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.5. Hazardous materials vapor

mitigating foam:
• I. Advantages:
•   a) Forms a blanket which separates the liquid 
from heat sources.
•   b) Reduces the rate of vaporization.
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.5. Hazardous materials vapor

mitigating foam:
• II. Disadvantages:
•   a) Not designed for fire fighting.
•   b) Not designed for specific types of hazardous 
liquids.
•   c) Cannot be used on chemicals that are 
reactive with water.
•   d) Some are not designed to be used with other 
foams. 
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.6. Medium and high expansion

foam:
• I. Advantages:
•   a) Performance is not affected by freezing and 
thawing.
•   b) Minimizes water damage.

Medium Expansion Foam Ratios: 100:1 to 300:1

High Expansion Foam Ratios: 500:1 to 1200:1
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.6. Medium and high expansion

foam:
• II. Disadvantages:
•   a) Poor heat resistance.
•   b) Cannot have prolonged contact with 
galvanized or raw steel.
•   c) Not recommended for outside use.
3-10.13. Identify the advantages, characteristics and
precautions for use of the following types of foam:
(4-13.5)

• 3-10.13.7. Class A foams: (know how it 

works)
• I. Advantages:
•   a) May be used with regular water stream 
equipment.
•   b) Low proportion rate.
•   c) Residual solution may mix with water and 
soaks into materials.
•   d) Can be premixed.
3-10.14 Identify the precautions that must be taken
when using high expansion foam to attack structural
fires. (4-13.6)
• KNOW: Coordinate with ventilation: Prevent 
pushing heat & gases to other areas.
• Heat reaction
• wind
• 3-10.15. Demonstrate the operation of fog
nozzles: (4-12.5)
• 3-10.16. Demonstrate the operation of
solid stream nozzles: (4-12.5)
• 3-10.17*. Extinguish or control the following live fires
working as a member of a team using the appropriate
protective equipment, fire fighting tools and extinguishing
agents: (4-14.1)
• 3-10.17.1. An exterior combustible liquid fire at lease 100
square feet using a foam fire stream:
• 3-10.17.2. A fire in an elevated location within a structure:
• 3-10.17.3. A hidden fire within a structure:
• 3-10.17.4. A fire involving energized electrical
components:
• 3-10.17.5. A fire involving a flammable gas cylinder
(exterior):
• 3-10.17.6. A fire in a below grade area or other location
requiring initial attack from above:
• 3-10.18. Demonstrate the procedures for
inspecting nozzles for damage: (4-12.3)