Unit 5 Use of Water

Unit 5 Objectives b Explain different types of water use operations b Demonstrate laying a wet line with both simple and progressive hoselays b Show methods of picking up hose and placing it back into service

Water for wildland fires b Much less water is needed for fighting wildland fires than is used for other fire operations b Need to make whatever water available go as far as possible

Operating nozzles b Wildland nozzles flow much less water than structure nozzles b Straight streams can be used for reaching hotspots and knocking down fire ahead of the crew

Operating nozzles b Narrow and wide angle fog or spray patterns can be used to lay wet lines b Wet lines should be placed on the fires edge

Wet Lines b This is laying a path of watered down material along the edge of the fire b Should extend into both the green and the black b This method works best if used with class A foam

Unit 5 Use of Water (continued) b Water sources CreeksCreeks PondsPonds Porta-Tanks (staging operations)Porta-Tanks (staging operations) Other water sourcesOther water sources b Types of wildland hose 1 ½” and 1” single jacket hose1 ½” and 1” single jacket hose Booster hoseBooster hose Special hoselinesSpecial hoselines

Unit 5 Use of water b Types of appliances and tools Pressure relief valvePressure relief valve Check/bleeder valveCheck/bleeder valve AdaptersAdapters IncreaserIncreaser ReducerReducer Caps and plugsCaps and plugs GasketsGaskets Wyes Forestry tees inline shut off

Hazards to Hoselays b Fire Damage b Vehicle Traffic b Sharp Rocks b Damage from Sharp Tools

Unit 5 Use of Water b Types of water operations Simple hoselaySimple hoselay Progressive hoselayProgressive hoselay Mobile attack linesMobile attack lines Backpack pumpsBackpack pumps

Simple hoselays Simple hoselays can run from preconnected forestry hose, lines set up from a discharge, or booster lines. Booster lines should not be stretched too far due to the time it takes to wind them back up, and that they are difficult to cut.

Progressive hoselays Progressive hoselays use multiple lengths of hose added when needed at the nozzle end. This means the crew will have to carry all the hose, extra nozzles, hose clamps, wyes and tees. Progressive lays can exceed 1000ft

Starting a progressive hoselay b Progressives usually start as simple lays b Preconnected lines can be set up with a wye & nozzle combination to make the first added line go easier

Adding to the progressive lay 1. Clamp hoseline at least 10’ away from coupling 2. Remove nozzle from hoseline 3. Add the next length of hose &attach nozzle to new section 4. Slowly remove clamp

Mobile attacks Mobile attacks are performed from moving vehicles using mounted nozzles. This method works well in areas where vehicles can easily get to Do not ride on the outside of the vehicle!!

Mobile Attacks b Spray bars are small nozzles mounted at the front a a vehicle designed to spray a fan of water across the path of movement

Mobile attacks b Booster lines can be threaded into a passenger seat and operated out a open window

The backpack pump Backpack pumps carry 4 to 6 gallons of water, and go anywhere that a handcrew can Can be easily filled up from many different water sources Works well for knocking down smaller flame lengths

Foam b Class A foam allows water to soak into materials much easier b Bubbles in the mixture also helps to form a shield against radiant heat

The Gasner Pack b This is a method of rolling wildland hose b Easier to stretch out, easier to carry

Building a Gasner Method 1

Building a Gasner Method 2

Building a Gasner

Figure 8 Roll b The figure 8 is a quick method of draining and picking up hose b The figure 8 bundle can be pulled out straight for use again