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Tricks Of the Trade: Handlines
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Paul Shapiro
Paul Shapiro specializes in the research, development and training of large flow water delivery systems and fire stream management. His extensive research and outcomes of large diameter hose has been published frequently in fire service trade magazines. Paul has made significant contribution to fire response efficiency with his application-based research of large caliber fire streams working with handline and master stream operations.
Paul has been involved with the fire service since 1981, and is serving Las Vegas as an Engineer with the City of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. In March of 2007 his department gave him the Engineer of the Year award for 2006. He is a certified Fire Instructor III for the State of Nevada, has served on the faculty of many Fire Academies throughout the United States, and was named Instructor of the Year, 1999, by the Colorado Fire Academy. Paul is recognized nationally as an expert in his field, and is also the author of the popular book, Layin’ the Big Lines as well as the producer of the video, Large Flow Water Delivery.
The first few minutes of a fire attack can be quite intense, especially with a fire demanding a large flow. Often times it’s the actions of the first-in company that will make or break the operation. The key to a successful big water attack is to flow as much water as possible with a minimum manpower situation.
In past articles I have discussed tactics and strategies and the basic concept of high flow handlines. This article is going to discuss the deployment involved with a 500 GPM initial attack using a handline.
In recent past big handline flows have been increasing. In fact there are several nozzles that can flow up to 500 GPM and do so safely and efficiently.
All three of these nozzles are capable of flowing 500 GPM. LEFT an Akron jumbo valve with a 1-3/8” tip, a short stream shaper and a Fire Flow Technology stream directing handle CENTER an Elkhart jumbo valve with a Vindicator Blitz Attack tip, a short stream shaper and a Fire Flow Technology stream directing handle.
RIGHT a Task Force Tips playpipe valve with a 1-1/4” tip, a 1-/2” short stream shaper and a Fire Flow Technology stream directing handle
gpriest
about 1 month ago
4 comments
So what do you guys flow through your master streams...2500gpm?
If you remember from portable extinguisher class, the ratings on the can are for someone who does'nt know how to fight a fire. Give that same extinguisher to a firefighter and the rating doubles. In my opinion its the same with preconnected lines. More water does not mean faster extinguishment. Where i come from most guys weigh nabout 175lbs. With two of us there goes the nozzle reaction equation, and you are right ...all that can be done with 500gpm is sit on your butt and lob a waterfall toward what you hope is the seat of the fire.
I am no old guy who never wants to try anything new. I have been around long enough though to have seen this tried and go by as something that just is not as practical as it would seem on face value. I agree with the premise...big fire-big water. That is what ground monitors,deck guns and ladder pipes are made for.
Just add a little foam or wet water to your smaller attack lines and you will get the same results with manuverability and less risk to the nozzlemen.
Thanks for reading.
George Priest-Austin Fire Dept.(retired Lt.-25yrs)
Asst. Chief-Bastrop Co.Fire District No. 1