Fire hose

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Firehose

Vaughan Fire

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Fire hose is a high-pressure hose that carries water or other fire retardant (such as foam) to a fire to extinguish it. Outdoors, it attaches either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant. Indoors, it can be permanently attached to a building's standpipe or plumbing system.

Types

There are several types of fire hoses designed for various applications. The main types include:

• Attack Hose—This is a hose designed for direct attack on a fire to extinguish it. It is usually of a smaller diameter to be easily handled.
• Supply Hose—Larger in diameter, the supply hose is designed to supply water from an accessible source to the fire pump (and from there to the attack hose) or to relay water from one pump to another over a long distance.
• Forestry Hose—Designed for fighting forest fires, the forestry hose is lightweight, flexible, and designed to operate under lower pressures.

Construction

A fire hose consists of a rubber or plastic inner tube, which carries the water, and a fabric outer cover. The outer cover is made from various materials including nylon, polyester, or cotton and is designed to protect the hose from abrasion and corrosion. Some hoses also have a protective coating to prevent damage from chemicals, sunlight, and extreme temperatures.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of a fire hose. This includes inspection, cleaning, and testing. Hoses should be inspected for damage, such as cuts, abrasions, and leaks. They should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions and tested at specified intervals to ensure they can withstand the pressures they are subjected to during use.

Usage

In use, a fire hose is typically charged with water from a fire engine pump, a fire hydrant, or a water supply system. The water is then directed onto the fire by firefighters. The size and type of hose selected for use depend on the nature of the fire, the available water supply, and the required flow rate.

History

The concept of using hoses for firefighting goes back to ancient times. However, the modern fire hose was developed in the 17th century when Jan van der Heyden, a Dutch inventor, improved the design and material of hoses to make them more effective and easier to handle.

See also

• Firefighting
• Fire engine
• Fire hydrant
• Standpipe (firefighting)

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