ENGINE MODULE Page 1 of 23 ATTACK HOSE LAYS To effectively attack and extinguish a fire, hose lines must be removed from the apparatus and advanced to the location of the fire. The techniques used to advance hose lines depend on how the hose is loaded. Attack hose lines may be pre-connected to a discharge or may be assembled by pulling hose from a flat lay. There are eight basic hose lays for attack hose: Pre-connects Transverse 2½ Attack Line Transverse or Rear 2½ Exposure Line 2½ Shoulder Load 2½ to Hose Bundles Portable Monitors 4 Pre-Connects Apparatus typically carry several pre-connected attack hose lines. These hose lines already have a nozzle attached, and are pre-connected to a pump discharge. By having pre-connected attack lines that are ready to deploy, valuable time can be saved on the fire ground. Any small size diameter hose can be pre-connected to the pump discharge and generally range from 50 to 200. Locations where these pre-connects can be placed on the apparatus include: rear hose beds, front bumpers, hose reels, and transverse/cross lays. Transverse Pre-Connects The transverse pre-connects, also known as the cross lays, are flat loaded into the transverse pre-connect hose beds, using the following hose and nozzle. Hose Length: Hose Diameter: 1¾ Nozzle Type: 150 (Escondido) or 200 (based on agency preference) Combination nozzle The transverse pre-connects are loaded in such a way that the firefighter can use any one of three deployment methods, and can deploy the line from either side of the apparatus. The methods are discussed below, and the choice of which method to use is based on factors encountered on the fire ground.
ENGINE MODULE Page 2 of 23 Obstructed Method. The entire transverse pre-connect is removed from the bed and placed on the firefighter s shoulder. As the firefighter advances from the apparatus to the fire, the hose pays off the firefighters shoulder until the fire area is reached. This method is useful when there are numerous obstacles on the fire ground such as narrow walkways, vehicles, and stairways. Unobstructed Method. The transverse pre-connect is pulled from the bed onto the ground, then dragged across the ground to the destination. This method is quick and is useful for fire grounds with minimal obstacles between the apparatus and the fire area. Freeway Method. This method is useful when the apparatus is able to park close to the fire, the fire is typically in front or behind the apparatus, and the fire itself is relatively small and doesn t require the hose to be flaked or advanced very far after it has been charged. This method requires two personnel to deploy. Examples where this method is useful are vehicle fires along narrow lanes of traffic and trash fires in narrow alleys. Order of Operations Transverse Pre-Connect Preparation-Loading Connect hose to discharge. Lay out hose sections to be loaded. First section may be connected to a short by-pass section of hose already connected to the discharge. Flat load hose with pull loops. Lay hose flat in bed alternating from side to side forming two equal stacks. Folds should not extend past hose bed opening. On 150 pre-connects, place the loop on the second fold on the left stack and the fourth fold on the right stack Loops are 12-18. On 200 pre-connects, replace the third fold on the left stack and the fifth fold on the right stack with 12-18 pull loops. Both pull loops should hang evenly. Couplings should not be located within pull loops. Note: Stacks are from left to right, bottom to top while facing the bed.
ENGINE MODULE Page 3 of 23 Attach nozzle. Place nozzle in center of hose bed. Assure bale is closed, set GPM at 95 (150 GPM other agencies), and adjust pattern to 30 fog. Fold pull loops. Fold pull loops over same-sided hose stack and tuck under top folds. Many Escondido engines utilize 1¾ pre-connect trays. The trays are over/under and are removable for loading. Once loaded the trays are placed in the transverse bed and hose connected to the discharge. The firefighter must pull the bottom transverse first.
ENGINE MODULE Page 4 of 23 Deploying Transverse Pre-connect: Obstructed Method 1. Face hose and lower loops. Grasp loops and pull hose load out until nozzle is exposed. Let hose load hang from hose bed. 2. Grab nozzle with left hand. Place nozzle behind neck over left shoulder with nozzle against chest 3. Grasp hose load near edge of bed with both hands. Avoid grabbing the bottom folds of the load if they came out of the hose bed
ENGINE MODULE Page 5 of 23 4. Load onto right shoulder while stepping away from apparatus. This should cause the hose to rotate 180 degrees so that it pays off the top Yell HOSE and proceed away from apparatus. Allow hose to pay off shoulder upon resistance. Continue towards objective. 5. Flake out hose. Gather excess hose into 10-15 flakes perpendicular or parallel to the direction of attack. 6. Charge hose. Give hand signal and simultaneously yell WATER ON THE PRECONNECT. Close bale shutoff, set flow, and adjust pattern to 30 degree fog. Bleed out air. Deploying Transverse Pre-connect: UNOBSTRUCTED METHOD 1. Face hose and lower loops. Grasp loops and pull hose load out u ntil nozzle is exposed. Let hose load hang from hose bed.
ENGINE MODULE Page 6 of 23 2. Grasp nozzle with left hand. Rotate under hose placing over left shoulder with nozzle against chest. Place right arm through loops. 3. Yell HOSE and proceed away from apparatus. Keep loops separated by exaggerating arm position. Drop loop in palm upon resistance. Continue away from apparatus and allow loop to fall from crux of elbow to palm of hand. Drop loop in palm upon resistance. Continue towards objective. 4. Flake out hose. Gather excess hose into 10-15 flakes perpendicular or parallel to the direction of attack. 5. Charge hose. Give hand signal and simultaneously yell WATER ON THE PRECONNECT. Close bale shutoff, s e t flow, and adjust pattern to 30 degree fog. Bleed out air.
ENGINE MODULE Page 7 of 23 Deploying Transverse Pre-connect: FREEWAY METHOD 1. Access Pull Loops. Face hose bed and take out pull loops. 2. Access Nozzle. Grab loops and pull preconnect toward edge of bed, until nozzle is visible and can be reached. 3. Position Nozzle. Reach up and grasp nozzle with left hand. Face away from apparatus while rotating under nozzle, then place nozzle on left side of chest. 4. Place right arm through loops.
ENGINE MODULE Page 8 of 23 5. Second firefighter places arm through unused loop. 6. Both firefighters pull in opposite directions until deployed. A modified version of the Palomar Pre-connect consists of flat loaded hose into a single stack. This pre-connect is intended to be deployed off the rear of an apparatus. Some fire departments load this modified version with 2½ hose for structural firefighting, or 1½ single-jacket hose for vegetation fires. This pre-connect can only be deployed in one direction. 2½ Attack Line This section discusses the techniques for assembling attack lines with hose from the rear hose bed. These techniques are usually used with the deployment of 2½ hose, but can be applied to other diameters as well.
ENGINE MODULE Page 9 of 23 2½ attack line may be used to: supply a 2½ nozzle connect to an FDC for Standpipe operations or sprinkler systems supply 1¾ bundles Attack Beds Attack hose beds consists of 50 sections of flat-loaded hose with the male on top. Most departments in the Zone have two rear 2 ½ hose beds. A couple only have one rear bed of 2 ½. Some Departments in the zone have one bed in an attack bed configuration with the male on top and the other in a supply configuration with the female on top. In these cases, firefighters should choose the attack bed to pull attack line first. If that bed becomes depleted or is being used, the supply bed can be utilized. When using hose from the supply bed the hose must be reversed after disconnecting so that the female end goes to the pump panel and the male end is used for the nozzle, otherwise a double female and double male adapter will be required. Outside of Escondido, firefighters may find a nozzle attached to the attack bed. If not, a nozzle will need to be retrieved and attached. Some Departments that maintain one of the 2½ beds in the supply configuration also attach that bed to the bottom of the 4 bed to be able to extend the 4 if required for a long lay. If this 2½ bed is used this connection to the 4 will need to be disconnected. Escondido Fire maintains both beds loaded as attack beds; males on top with 400 ft. in each bed. A nozzle is not attached to either line. Firefighters should pull the fire side attack bed first then the non-fire side. Consideration as to when the non-fire side bed is used deals with whether the attack side is being used when the second line is needed and if there is enough in the fire side bed to fulfill the necessary amount. If used for 2½ nozzle operations, the crew has a choice of a smooth bore or combination nozzle. In Escondido the smooth bore tip sizes are 1, 11/8, and 1¼ pumped at 50 PSI These tips flow 210, 270 and 330 GPM respectively. The default tip size the engineer will pump to is the 1 tip at 210 GPM. When the combination nozzle is used the default GPM setting is 250 GPM. Any deviations from either tip size or GPM selection require coordination with the pumping engineer. Escondido also utilizes a transverse load of 200 ft. 2½ hose. It is flat loaded without a nozzle attached. While this is primarily used to facilitate bundle operations is may be used for any of the above purposes.
ENGINE MODULE Page 10 of 23 When required for direct attack, the 2½ attack line is used when conditions require a greater volume of water to suppress a fire than that of a pre-connect. This attack line delivers more water, with less friction loss, enabling the length to be longer than a preconnect. It is the preferred method for backing up another hose line that has been placed into service. The 2½ attack line is more difficult to maneuver than a pre-connect, but provides greater safety to firefighters using it. A minimum of two firefighters is required to operate a 2½ attack line, but a Captain should consider staffing a 2½ attack line with 5-6 firefighters when being utilized for interior fire attack. Order of Operations 2 ½ Attack Line 1. Firefighter repeats order, dismounts and proceeds to tailboard. 2. Pull hose. Place end of attack hose over fireside shoulder against chest. Yell HOSE and step forward off tailboard angling towards objective. Proceed until first coupling leaves hose bed. 3. Perform run back. Place coupling (nozzle) on ground and turn towards non-fire side. Yell 50 and return to tailboard. 4. Pull hose. Grasp coupling in hand or place hose over fire-side shoulder with coupling against chest. Advance hose along non-fire side of existing hose. 5. Perform run back. Place coupling next to end of hose and turn towards non-fire side. Yell 100 and return to tailboard.
ENGINE MODULE Page 11 of 23 6. Pull hose. Grasp coupling with hand or place hose over fire-side shoulder with coupling against chest. Advance hose along non-fire side of existing hose. 7. Perform run back. Place coupling next to other couplings and turn towards non-fire side. Yell 150 and return to tailboard. Repeat procedures until appropriate amount of hose has been pulled. Upon completion of last run back, adjust coupling placement next to end of hose so last coupling is at tailboard. 8. Connect hose to apparatus. Uncouple hose at tailboard using foot-tilt method. Secure male coupling in hose bed or on tailboard. Give female coupling to apparatus operator. Inform apparatus operator of: Length of hose Diameter of hose Nozzle type Ask apparatus operator which discharge the hose will be on. If apparatus operator is not available, remove cap and connect female coupling to appropriate discharge. Notify Apparatus Operator as soon as possible the information listed above. Attach nozzle to male end of hose using foot-tilt method. Advancing 2½ Advancing 2½ line firefighters use the same concept as with 1¾ pre-connects. If the path is clear grabbing the nozzle and the loops closest to the objective is the most efficient method. If the pathway is obstructed or there is a need to carry the hose upstairs than configuring the hose for a shoulder load is necessary.
ENGINE MODULE Page 12 of 23 Unobstructed Pathway Join the nozzle or male end to set of loops closest to the objective. Grab as many loops as necessary. To pull hose, place nozzle over fire-side shoulder and pick up loops and advance towards objective. Obstructed Pathway Shorten run back loops by placing folds closest to apparatus next to couplings near nozzle. The firefighter should shorten the loops so that what goes on the shoulder is 6-8 ft. long. The total hose that ends up on the shoulder may be up to 100 ft. Kneel on fireside of nozzle and gather up loops so that they are on their side. Pick up hose and rotate body under hose load. Place hose on non-fire side shoulder with nozzle on the bottom. This will allow the hose to pay off the top leaving the nozzle with the last section, similar to the obstructed 1¾ pre-connect. Hose not on the shoulder will have to be dragged and the firefighter may require assistance to deploy the remainder.
ENGINE MODULE Page 13 of 23 Flake out hose perpendicular or parallel to the objective Give hand signal and simultaneously call for water. Example WATER ON THE #2½ DISCHARGE. Close bale shutoff, set flow, and adjust pattern to 30 fog. Bleed out air. 2½ Exposure Line The 2½ exposure line is designed for use by one firefighter in an effort to protect exposures from fire. Sometimes, it may be used by a single firefighter during an exterior fire attack. It is pulled from the attack hose bed the same way a 2½ attack line is. When properly deployed, a firefighter can operate the 2½ exposure line with little effort for extended periods of time. 1. Deploy 2½ attack line. Remove a minimum of 150. Fully extend hose utilizing either the obstructed, unobstructed or shoulder load (covered below). 2. Loop hose. Advance hose. Turn away from objective forming a loop with the last section of hose. Pass nozzle under last section of hose 10 from coupling creating a loop with approximately 40 of hose. Assure 10 of hose is straightened behind nozzle.
ENGINE MODULE Page 14 of 23 3. Secure hose. If necessary, place a hose strap or webbing around hose at crossing. Sit on hose where it crosses itself. Having the nozzle positioned at a perpendicular angle to the objective will reduce fatigue for the firefighter. 4. Charge exposure line. Give hand signal and simultaneously call for water. Example WATER ON THE #1 2½ DISCHARGE. Close bale shutoff, set flow, and adjust pattern to 30 fog. Bleed out air. 2½ Shoulder Load The 2½ shoulder load is another method of deploying an attack line. The 2½ shoulder load allows one or multiple firefighters to carry the hose to the objective. This is the preferred method of taking hose into a building for connection to a standpipe station. The speed of deployment is the determining factor for a firefighter when choosing the 2½ shoulder load over one of the other methods. Shoulder loading can be performed with the hose on the ground or from the bed with one or multiple firefighters. Generally speaking, each firefighter should limit the amount of hose on the shoulder to 100 ft. Order of Operations 2½ Shoulder Load Shown below is the shoulder load from the bed with two firefighters. As mentioned above shoulder loading can be performed by one firefighter or multiple and can be performed from the hose bed or from the ground if necessary. The determining factor for the number of firefighters required is the amount of hose needed. One hundred feet should be the limit per firefighter.
ENGINE MODULE Page 15 of 23 1. Firefighter(s) repeats order, dismounts and proceeds to tailboard. 2. Place nozzle at chest. Assure nozzle is attached to hose line. Firefighter faces hose to be loaded and places nozzle against right side of chest pointing towards ground. 3. Firefighter #1 loads hose. Load hose onto right shoulder folding hose back onto itself. Loops should not extend beyond the front and back of the knee. One firefighter may load a maximum of 100 of hose. 4. Firefighter #2 loads hose. Stand between Firefighter #1 and apparatus facing hose bed. Place coupling near small of back on Firefighter #2. Load hose onto right shoulder folding hose back onto itself. Loops should not extend beyond the front and back of the knee. Firefighter #1 shall assist with loading. One firefighter may load a maximum of 100 of hose. NOTE: More firefighters may be added as necessary. Additional firefighters stand between the firefighter and apparatus facing hose bed. Load hose onto right shoulder folding hose back onto itself. Loops should not extend beyond the front and back of the knee. Firefighter in back shall assist with loading. One firefighter may load a maximum of 100 of hose. 5. Connect hose to water supply. Firefighter #2 uncouples hose from hose bed utilizing the one-person speed method. Secure coupling in hose bed or tailboard. Inform apparatus operator length & diameter of hose, elevation, nozzle type, and objective. At this point the hose can be connected to an engine discharge or carried to a standpipe connection inside a building. See Engine Module 613.00 2½ to Standpipe.
ENGINE MODULE Page 16 of 23 NOTE: When performing a shoulder load with one person, the firefighter after making the Engineer aware of the pull, can skip the Connect hose to the water supply and proceed with pulling extra hose from the hose bed towards the objective. The Engineer will break the hose and connect it to the discharge. The firefighter must be specific as to which line when calling for water. 6. Advance hose. Firefighters line up in direction of travel still facing water supply. Firefighter #1 gives command TURN AND DROP A LOOP. Firefighters drop top loop to the right and turn 180 degrees to the left. Firefighter #1 commands STEP OVER HOSE. Firefighter #2 steps over hose. Firefighter #1 commands ADVANCE HOSE. Firefighters proceed to objective. Flip top coupling off side of shoulder upon resistance. Verbalize HOSE when depleted from shoulder. Continue towards objective deploying hose. 7. Flake out hose. Gather excess hose into 10-15 flakes perpendicular or parallel to the direction of attack.
ENGINE MODULE Page 17 of 23 8. Charge hose line. Give hand signal and simultaneously call for water. Example WATER ON THE #3 2½ DISCHARGE. Close bale shutoff, set flow, and adjust pattern to 30 fog. Bleed out air. 2½ Transverse Load Escondido Fire Department utilizes a 200 ft. Transverse Load. It is not pre-connected and is loaded flat. It is loaded in an attack bed configuration with the male on top. While the load can be used for any 2½ need 200 ft. or less, its main use is to supply bundles. The transverse configuration allows more flexibility for 2½ needs by allowing pulls from the side of the apparatus. This can be beneficial when the engine must stay oriented at a perpendicular angle to the objective. The hose can be deployed from either side of the engine and can be pulled unobstructed or shoulder loaded for obstructed. 2 ½ Transverse Load Order of Operations 1. Receive Order and proceed to the side of the apparatus closest to the objective. 2. Unobstructed - grab the primary bundle or 2½ nozzle. Grab 2½ male from transverse bed and advance to the objective.
ENGINE MODULE Page 18 of 23 3. Obstructed (Not Shown see 2 ½ shoulder load) Shoulder load hose, turn and drop loop and advance. Direct another firefighter to bring the primary bundle or nozzle as required. Go back to retrieve necessary equipment as needed. 1¾ Hose Bundles Sometimes the need for mobility and hose line control necessitates the use of 1¾ hose. When distance allows, a 1¾ pre-connect is a fast easy choice. When the distance is longer than 150 ft. to the objective and or the need to place two 1¾ lines in service at a longer distance is desired extending 2½ hose to bundles is an alternative. Engine companies are equipped with two hose bundles: Primary Bundle Secondary Bundle A Primary Bundle has a total of 100 of 1¾ hose, a combination nozzle, a 2½ x 1½ gated wye, spanner wrench and straps. A Secondary Bundle has all the same items except for the gated wye. The Hose Bundle is assembled in a spiral method, similar to the wild land hose pack. Starting with the male end of the hose and with the nozzle attached, the hose is coiled on edge in a flattened spiral shape until all 100 of hose is used. If assembling a Primary Bundle, a gated wye is then attached to the female end of the hose. The nozzle and gated wye should be placed on opposite ends of the Primary Bundle, so that the bundle is more balanced and easier to carry on the fire ground. Finally, the straps are added to the bundle. The finished bundles should be approximately 6 feet long.
ENGINE MODULE Page 19 of 23 Preparation and Loading 1. Roll two 50 ft. sections of 1¾ into out of service rolls. 2. Starting with the male end of the hose and with the nozzle attached. Coil the hose on edge in a flattened spiral shape until all 100 of hose is used. The bundle should be 6 feet in length. 1. Complete load. Place the 2 ½ gated wye and spanner wrench on the primary bundle and secure both bundles with straps 2. Return to Engine
ENGINE MODULE Page 20 of 23 Deploying 1 ¾ Bundles 1. Firefighter repeats order and proceeds to bundles. 2. Remove bundle(s) from apparatus. Carry bundle(s) to objective. Pull bundle(s) out 2-3 from hose bed. With back to apparatus place bundle(s) over shoulder(s). 3. Place bundle(s) at objective. Protecting nozzle and gated wye, kneel down and place bundles on the ground. Remove straps on primary bundle. 4. Deploy 2½ attack line to bundle(s). Advance attack line to primary bundle. 5. Connect bundle(s) to attack line. Attach gated wye to 2½ hose. Close gates on wye. Call for water on the 2½ hose line. Attach secondary bundle as directed. 6. Prepare primary bundle. Prepare bundle by spreading out the uncharged 1¾ hose so that the bundle is in a rounded circular shape. 7. Charge primary bundle. Close bale shutoff on nozzle. Slowly open appropriate valve on gated wye. Set flow and adjust pattern to 30 fog. Bleed out air.
ENGINE MODULE Page 21 of 23 4 Portable Monitor Portable monitors are a form of mater streams devices used on large fires where mobility is not crucial. Portable monitors are used less than other types of attack lines and are capable of discharging large volumes of water. While a portable monitor can be an effective tool when combating an intense fire, it can also be very dangerous if not properly secured and operated. Whether attended or unattended, care must be exercised when placing a portable monitor into service. The only way a portable monitor should be set up is by following the manufacturer s recommendations and guidelines. These recommendations are based upon the best way for nozzle reaction to be countered by weight of the lines supplying water to the device. The 4 portable monitor can be supplied by a 4 Forward Lay or a 4 Reverse to the Monitor. Enough hose must be pulled to reach the objective and provide for a minimum of a 40 ft. loop. The monitor is kept with the stacked smooth bore tips on it. The tip sizes are ¾ wildland, 1 ½, 1 ¾ and 2. The stacked tips includes a stream straightener which provide for a farther reaching stream. The terminal ¾ tip is to be used only for wildland fire attack at 50 PSI and will not be used on the portable base. When used for structural fire attack the ¾ tip must be removed prior to calling for water. This leaves the 1½ tip. When used as a portable device, with a smooth bore tip, the Engineer will pump to 80 PSI to the 1½ tip for a flow of 600 GPM. Any alteration of the tip size besides removal of the ¾ tip requires coordination with the Engineer. When using the smooth bore tips crews are encouraged to determine the GPM needs of the incident prior to calling for water since changing tip sizes will require shutting down the line. If the combination nozzle is used, the Engineer will pump to the lowest setting of 500 GPM unless directed otherwise. Any change to the GPM setting must be coordinated with the Engineer. 1. Firefighter repeats order, dismounts and proceeds to top pan of apparatus. 2. Remove deck gun and portable monitor stand. With help of a partner, place deck gun and portable monitor stand on ground next to apparatus. Remove combination nozzle. If this is part of a 4 Reverse to the Monitor a Monitor Strip will need to be completed before sending the engine. See Section 610.00.
ENGINE MODULE Page 22 of 23 3. 4. Pull 4 hose. Place end of hose over fire-side shoulder with coupling against chest. Yell HOSE and step forward off tailboard. Deploy hose using run backs, modified pull, shoulder load or straight pull. Note: the amount of hose must be enough to reach the objective and provide for a minimum of a 40 ft. loop. 5. Place portable monitor at objective. Attach 4 double male adapter to portable monitor stand. Deploy legs with center leg pointing toward objective, organize straps, and unwrap safety chain. Connect hose to the base.
ENGINE MODULE Page 23 of 23 6. Secure hose to portable monitor. Pass hose around front of stand over leg brace forming a minimum of a 10-15 loop. Connect straps loosely around hose parallel to center leg. Retrieve the deck gun and place it on the base. Engage the lock pins. Set spikes into ground with hammer. 7. Charge portable monitor. Remove ¾ tip. Assure nozzle is above the elevation safety stop. Give hand signal and simultaneously yell WATER ON THE 4. Aim discharge upward. Tighten straps around hose until it contacts hose stop.