Backing-Up and Supplementing The Long Line

In a previous post I discussed additional hoselines, specifically the difference between a “back-up” line and a “second” line.  For further information on this topic, reference this link: Previous Post On Additional Hoselines Since we have already identified the differences in these hoselines, I’m going to talk about how to put these hoselines in service.  I know, simple right?  Unfortunately, real life experience has shown me this is easier said than done for some folks.  Fortunately, as with many of our job skills, a little training of the muscles and brain will improve your efficiency and effectiveness when performing this task.

As I’ve stated previously, the majority of Engine companies in the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area utilize preconnected hoselines.  Generally, the preconnected hoseline deploys quickly and water is on the fire in a timely manner.  However, as I’ve also stated, I believe many folks have become too reliant on preconnected hoselines.  With that said, they lack the ability to operate efficiently and effectively in the instance that a preconnected hoseline won’t reach the fire.  This doesn’t only apply to the initial hoseline stretched and, in fact, may apply in more instances to additional hoselines that are stretched.

Hopefully the preconnected hoselines on an Engine company reflect the needs of their response district and facilitate efficient and effective operations.  With that said, many folks have a preconnected “long line”.  In most instances, preconnected hoselines are 300’-400’ in length.  Some folks use a leader line, some use a long 1.75” line, and some are using 2”.  With that said, I’ve yet to see an Engine company that has two preconnected long lines.  I’m not saying there isn’t an Engine somewhere that does, however I am saying the majority of Engine companies do not.  Generally more than one hoseline should be stretched at a structural fire.  If the first Engine company leads off with their long line, are you ready to back them up or provide an additional hoseline?

An Engine company may lead off with their long line for a variety of reasons including: setback, access, apparatus positioning, size of the structure, or incident nature(it’s good practice to position further back on a gas leak than a house fire, however it’s good practice to stretch a protective hoseline too in the instance that the gas leak ignites thus creating a house fire).  Regardless of why the first due Engine led off with their long line, subsequent Engine companies must be prepared to back-up the long line or supplement it.  In most instances, the hoseline used to back-up or supplement the first hoseline needs to be at least the same length as the first hoseline.  If the first due Engine stretched their long line, additional hoselines will likely need to be “made up” to make this happen.  Waiting until the task needs to be performed is not the time to figure out if your company can efficiently and effectively carry it out.

Training on this skill before an incident occurs will allow an Engine company the opportunity to perform with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.  Get out and identify the hose loads and nozzles on the Engine companies you run calls with.  Figure out how long the hose loads are, how the hose loads pull, and what the nozzles will flow.  This information will allow educated decisions to be made when your company is tasked with “making up” a hoseline to back-up or supplement the initial hoseline.  After gathering this information, put your gear on and start putting some hose in the street.  Simulate that “Company XYZ” has led off with their 400’ leader line and your company needs to stretch an additional 400’ line capable of flowing 185 GPM’s.  There are probably numerous options to make this happen, figure out which one is the most efficient and effective.  Ensure the firefighters understand the decision making part of the process too.  After all, they are the future fire service leaders and it’s your responsibility to ensure they are educated and prepared to make good decisions.

As I stated above, for some folks this task is much easier said than done.  It’s not because these folks aren’t smart enough to figure out what needs to be done, in most instances it’s because these folks have never actually practiced the task.  Practicing the task numerous times in varying situations will allow the Recognition Primed Decision Making to occur when it’s the “real deal”.  My company at work has many areas in our first due that require long stretches.  One of these areas is a large, courtyard-style townhouse plaza that is surrounded by three high-rise buildings.  Access is extremely limited and some of the stretches are 400’ to the front door of the occupancies.  One morning a few years ago we went as the first due Engine for a townhouse fire in one of the plaza units.  We arrived first with smoke showing and led off with our 350’ 1.75” hoseline.  The second engine arrived and secured our water supply.  When their officer, a 30 year Captain, got to the back of our rig and saw the long line deployed, he stumbled a bit as to how his company was going to back-up our line.  It was simple: put two 200’ 1.75” hoselines together.  As soon as I said this to him, he directed his firefighters to make it happen and they did with no problems.  This officer was a smart guy but this slightly “different than the norm” situation caused him to stumble.  As I said, he was a smart guy and probably would’ve figured out a solution eventually.  However, training and preparation beforehand would’ve probably facilitated a much quicker decision and, in turn, allowed for a more efficient and effective operation.

With a few exceptions, most departments do not operate at a fire with every Engine pulling a line off of their own rig.  However every department must be prepared to back-up or supplement any line that is deployed off of a rig.  As I’ve previously stated, in my world, hooking into the wye of a leader line does not constitute a “back-up” line as there is no redundancy.  We must be prepared to think outside the box and complete our stretches in an efficient and effective manner.  Preparing for these stretches beforehand and familiarizing yourselves with the rigs that surround you will help to maximize your company’s efficiency and effectiveness.