2 ½” Hoseline (The Big Line)

• First factor was the sudden, dramatic increase in fire activity throughout urban America. Increased fire activity required handlines that could be deployed swiftly and drained and repacked with a minimum of effort.
• The Second factor were firefighter being laid off due to cities having budgetary issues. Also, the membership rolls of many volunteer departments began to dwindle.
• A third factor was the introduction of various experimental technologies to the fire service, including friction-loss reduction agents, which were popular in the early to mid-1970s. These agents, which allowed flows of 250 gpm through 1 ¾”-inch hose, convinced many chief officers that 2 ½” hose no longer was needed.  And the most recently reintroduction and focus on “Slippery Water” or it cousin known as Class A Foam.

2 ½” hoses are on the come back.

 Reasons why

• Today’s fire hoses are exceptionally lightweight. Due to most outer jackets are made of a synthetic fiber weave.
• The couplings and nozzles are being constructed of aluminum-alloy and highly durable plastic.
• Recent studies have been done where they have found that 2 ½” hose will deliver as much as double the amount of gpm or volume of water at a lesser psi than compare to the 1 ¾” to 2” hoselines. 

Tactical Considerations

When should a 2 ½” handline be used instead of smaller hose? One way to remember those situations that call for 2 ½” line is to use the mnemonic device "ADULTS," created by an FDNY firefighter while studying for the lieutenant promotional exam:

• A= Advanced fire on arrival

• D= Defensive operations
• U= Unable to determine extent (size) of fire area
• L= Large, uncompartmented areas
• T= Tones of water
• S= Standpipe operations

Handling the 2 ½” hoselines is properly the most difficult and tiring task to be completed on the fire ground.  Controlling and operating a 2 ½” hoseline can be facilitated by following these helpful hints:

• The nozzle-man must keep sufficient hose out in front to permit unhindered nozzle movement.

• The backup man should lean into the nozzle-man to provide physical support in resisting the nozzle reaction.
• The backup man must keep the line low behind the nozzle-man and as straight as possible.
• The backup man should "pin" the hose to the ground using his hands or knees, thus easing the task of resisting the reaction force without adversely affecting nozzle movement.
• When moving the line, shut down or gate down the nozzle to reduce the reaction burden. Make sure the fire area ahead of the line has been cooled sufficiently before advancing.
• Attempting to stand while operating a 2 ½” line is difficult at best. If a doorway, wall, or tree is nearby, lean against it and use it to help resist the nozzle reaction.
• It may be necessary to assign additional personnel to "lighten up" on the line and keep it moving. This is especially important during standpipe operations or when the line must make several bends and turns.
• If a 2 ½” line is being used in a purely defensive mode and staffing levels are light, forming the line into a loop.
• Pistol grips nozzles with 1 ¼”nozzle tip are found to be easier to operate than the playpipe and the combination nozzles.  Both of these nozzles can cause the nozzleman to become fatigue a lot sooner due to the backpressure.

Last but not least

The only way you will become more familiar and comfortable with using 2 ½” hoseline is buy training, training and more training.  Always remember, when you train with your personnel you need to train as you play.  That means full PPE and SCBA.

Tools for the Tool Box

Weight of hoses with filled with water

• 50 foot section of 1 ¾” hoseline weighs 52 pounds
• 50 foot section of 2” hoseline weighs 72 pounds
• 50 foot section of 2 ½” hoseline weighs 106 pounds
• 100 foot section of 5” supply line weighs 835 pounds