Ch13 set 04: Fire Hose Deployment Techniques

What is a forward lay?

Deploying hose from the water source toward the incident.

Which coupling should leave the hose bed first during a forward lay?

A female coupling; with two-way Storz couplings, either end works.

What is the basic forward-lay sequence?

Stop at the hydrant, let a firefighter safely exit and anchor hose, then proceed toward the fire on the firefighter's signal, laying one or parallel lines.

What must the firefighter making a forward-lay connection know?

How to secure and connect the hose, operate the hydrant, and use any hydrant valve correctly.

What are the main advantages of a forward lay?

The pumper, equipment, and tools remain at the incident, and the pump operator can observe suppression operations and react to changes.

What equipment does the hydrant firefighter commonly take for a forward lay?

A hydrant wrench, hose finish section, and radio; a four-way valve may be preconnected or carried in a nearby bag.

Why is communication between the hydrant firefighter and driver/operator essential?

To coordinate opening the hydrant so water reaches the pump before its onboard tank is depleted.

What communication alternatives are needed if radios are unavailable?

Practiced visual or audible signals and agreed timing; horns and sirens can be confused with responding apparatus.

How is hose anchored at the start of a forward lay?

Pull enough hose to reach and wrap around the hydrant base; a foot against the hose and hydrant can help anchor it before signaling the driver.

What if the finish section cannot reach and wrap around the hydrant?

Place it and the wrench near the tailboard and pull a second hose section.

When might a second pumper be needed at a forward-lay hydrant?

For inadequate hydrant pressure or a long 2½- or 3-inch supply lay.

What permits changing a forward-laid line from hydrant pressure to pump pressure without stopping flow?

A four-way hydrant valve installed by the first crew.

What staffing disadvantage can a forward lay have?

One firefighter remains at the hydrant to connect hose and open the valve, temporarily reducing the fireground crew.

What can a later-arriving pumper do through a four-way hydrant valve?

Supply additional lines or boost pressure in the original line while it continues flowing.

What benefit does a preconnected four-way hydrant valve provide?

The firefighter can secure the valve and hose to the hydrant in one action.

What is a reverse lay?

Deploying hose from the incident toward the water source.

When is a reverse lay especially useful?

When the laying pumper must remain at the source for drafting or boosting hydrant pressure, or must visit the fire before laying hose.

Which coupling should leave the hose bed first during a threaded reverse lay?

The male coupling.

How is a reverse lay used in relay pumping?

It places the supply pumper at the source to boost pressure, particularly for long 2½- or 3-inch supply lays.

What are the disadvantages of a reverse lay?

Unloading equipment before leaving can delay attack, and the operator stays with the pumper at the water source.

How do two pumpers commonly perform a reverse-lay operation?

The first attacks using tank water; the second lays from the attack pumper to the source, connects the supply line to its discharge and intake to the source, and pumps.

Why might a four-way valve be used during a reverse lay?

It lets the supply pumper disconnect when demand falls and return the line to hydrant pressure without interrupting flow.

How can a reverse-laid line serve a lone pumper working for an extended period?

It becomes an attack line, often feeding a reducing wye and two smaller lines for attack from two directions.

Which intake hoses can be used after a reverse lay?

Soft or pressure-rated hard intake for hydrants; hard intake is required for drafting.

Where may preconnected hoselines deploy from an apparatus?

Either side or the rear, depending on the load and apparatus.

How does a minuteman load deploy?

Hose unfolds from the top of a shoulder-carried stack as the firefighter advances, reducing dragging, kinks, and bends.

How is a triple-layer load initially advanced?

Place the nozzle and first-tier fold on the shoulder and walk away from the apparatus toward the fire.

How may 2½-inch or larger attack lines be deployed?

As preconnects or from supply hose used as attack hose; adapters may be needed for nozzles or FDCs.

How are individual sections deployed from flat, accordion, or horseshoe loads?

Place a section on each firefighter's shoulder, disconnect from the remaining bed load, and carry the hose to position.

Why can several folds of flat or accordion loads be lifted directly onto a shoulder?

Their folds are of similar length.

What indicates a burst hoseline, and what is required?

Water pressure drops or flow stops; replace the burst section.