Hose Extension

Essential hose extension techniques, backup firefighter roles, and key methods like Compact Roll, Shimada Roll, and U.S. hose deployment tactics.

Extending the hose line is a crucial part of firefighting operations. Without it, we cannot work inside the structure. In firefighting, there is a saying, “As the line goes, the fire goes.” This means that if the first hose line is laid out correctly and efficiently from the beginning, the fire will follow it. If the initial hose line is laid out incorrectly and the operation is compromised from the start, things will go downhill. Knowing how to advance the hose from the nozzle man’s position is part of the progress.

Backup Man

Fire Hose Handling Tips for Nozzle Operators and Backup Firefighters | Puck

As firefighters riding on the fire truck, we all want to hold the nozzle, fight the fire head-on, and put out the fire quickly and effectively, celebrating with our fellow firefighters. However, not everyone can always be the nozzle man and face the fire. Sometimes, you need to be the backup or door control man. While not glamorous, someone has to do it, and many firefighters get this assignment. Though the task may be tedious and not flashy, a solid and skilled backup firefighter is essential for an aggressive interior attack on a building fire.

Here are some points all backup firefighters should consider during operations:

Ensure there are no twists in the first 10 meters behind the nozzle. Twists can reduce water flow and slow down hose advancement.
Be the second or third set of eyes and ears for the nozzle man. Monitor the fire behavior and room conditions carefully, and inform the nozzle man and captain if conditions worsen and you sense an imminent flashover or collapse.
Make sure the nozzle man can move smoothly and reduce their stress. It’s a failure if the hose gets caught at corners (edges) and can’t move.
Understand the loop method to avoid corners (edges).

One of the most important responsibilities of a backup firefighter is to take the weight of the hose line off the nozzle man. By using good techniques, the backup firefighter can relieve most of the hose line’s weight from the nozzle man while making it easier to move the line.

The backup firefighter helps the nozzle man focus on monitoring the fire and other conditions, allowing them to move the nozzle to the necessary location without worrying about the hose line.

Techniques

There are two techniques that facilitate hose advancement and prevent the nozzle man’s weight and pressure.

Technique 1
The first technique involves the backup firefighter placing their back against the nozzle man’s back and pushing the hose line into their waist. In this position, the two appear almost shoulder-to-shoulder.

In this position, the backup firefighter brings the hose close, leans slightly against the nozzle man to take the nozzle’s back pressure, and stabilizes the nozzle man.

A disadvantage of this method is that the backup firefighter cannot see ahead. This is especially important if they are performing dual roles as door control and backup firefighter with minimal personnel.

Technique 2
The second technique involves the backup firefighter positioning themselves sideways on the hose line, putting their shoulder behind the nozzle man, and keeping the hose attached to their thigh. The backup firefighter slightly bends the hose to control and advance it.

Basic Rules for Backup Firefighters

Stay on the same side of the hose as the nozzle man. This is usually determined by the nozzle man’s preference, which is based on whether they are right-handed or left-handed.
Keep the hose horizontal and at the same height as the nozzle while advancing.
Move the hose in the opposite direction when the nozzle man operates the nozzle up or down. For example, if the nozzle is pointing up, the backup firefighter should move the line down.
Move with the nozzle man, not push them, to remove weight and back pressure from the nozzle.
Do most of the work and let the nozzle man focus on finding and extinguishing the fire.
The only way to become proficient is to train in this basic but essential task.

Regular training on extending the hose line is necessary. If the backup firefighter and nozzle man are not familiar with each other and have different knowledge and intentions on how to advance the hose, quick, efficient, and safe hose deployment will not be possible.

Understanding the importance of all roles at the fire scene, the backup firefighter plays a crucial role in delivering water to the fire.

Train frequently, train hard, and train as if it were a real fire. Work hard in any job in your department and strive to be the best firefighting team.

Door Control
As a firefighter, managing doors, windows, and other access points during a building fire is one of the necessary tasks for operating safely and effectively in the fire environment. Door control is a critical tactic for the firefighting team. Here, I want to emphasize the importance of door control in modern firefighting…

Here is the translated and simplified version of the provided text:

Using Webbing or Hose Straps

Webbing or hose straps make extension assistance easier.

Hose Position Relative to the Door

When extending the hose, pay attention to the door’s opening direction. If the opening direction is opposite to the hose position, it can create edges.

Correct Example: The hose flows smoothly.

Incorrect Example: The hose does not flow smoothly and bends in front of the door.

Different Hose Preparation Methods

Compact Roll (狭所巻き)

Roll the hose into large loops and fold it into thirds.
After transport, spread the hose into a circle to use.
This method allows the hose to be filled with water even in narrow spaces like balconies.
[Compact Roll Preparation Video]
You can secure the hose with a band and store it in a vehicle or hose cart.

[Compact Roll Usage Video]

In narrow spaces, place the roll vertically to avoid bends (Video from 1:30).

Shimada Roll (島田巻き)

Fold the hose in a zigzag pattern and stack it.
Secure with a band and carry it on your shoulder.
When extended, the stacked hose unrolls easily.
Suitable for extending hoses in straight lines, on stairs, or uphill where double rolls are difficult.
[Shimada Roll Preparation Video]👉https://youtu.be/5Pr7pJ5Zd1U
You can secure the hose with a band and store it in a vehicle or hose cart.
[Changing from Shimada Roll to Compact Roll Video]

Hose Extension Methods in the USA

Philadelphia Method

Allows the operator to fill the hose with water in 30 seconds for fast firefighting.
Corners and stairs can be challenging but can be overcome with training and experience.

Roundabout

Similar to the Japanese “Compact Roll”.
Upon reaching the extension point, the entire hose roll is dropped on the ground and loosened by the nozzle operator.
When filled with water, it forms a uniform loop, allowing efficient movement into the building.

Lexington Method

Consists of two hoses, each extended separately using double rolls and connected to each other.
Webbing is threaded through the roll so firefighters can remove the entire hose before extension.
When properly deployed, the hose forms an S-shaped pattern, ready for filling with water.

Creating Hose Lines and Firefighting

Creating a hose line and applying water to the fire is one of the most critical life-saving actions that can be performed at a fire scene.

Reference page: “Key fire characteristics: combustion elements, smoke risks, toxic gases, and safe firefighting techniques.”

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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