Fire Hose & Hose-Reel

In our previous post, “Fire Ball,” we explored Fire Extinguisher and Fire Ball are critical for tackling small, incipient fires before they grow out of control. However, when fire scales up in intensity, portable extinguishers may not be sufficient. In such situations, more robust water-based firefighting systems come into play - namely, the fire hose and hose-reel.

A fire hose is one of the oldest and most essential firefighting tools ever developed. Unlike extinguishers, which are limited in capacity, hoses provide a continuous stream of water (or other firefighting media) at high pressure. Hose-reels complement this system by providing immediate, easy-to-use access inside buildings, making them invaluable in both domestic and industrial fire safety.

This post will give a detailed understanding of fire hoses and hose-reels, including their history, components, classification, materials, types, usage, maintenance, and importance in firefighting operations. By the end, you’ll see why they remain at the very core of firefighting systems worldwide.

The Importance of Fire Hoses in Firefighting

The fire hose serves as a lifeline between water supply and the fire itself. Its importance can be summarized as:

1. Continuous Supply of Water – Unlike fire extinguishers, hoses are connected to hydrants or pumps, ensuring an uninterrupted flow.
2. Flexibility and Reach – Fire hoses can extend over long distances, allowing firefighters to reach flames deep inside structures.
3. Adaptability – Hoses can carry water, foam, or other extinguishing agents depending on the fire.
4. Compatibility with Nozzles – By attaching different nozzles, hoses can deliver water in spray, jet, or mist forms.
5. Durability – Designed to withstand pressure, abrasion, and environmental exposure.

Without fire hoses, firefighting operations in large buildings, factories, forests, or city hydrant systems would be nearly impossible.

Classification of Fire Hoses

Fire hoses are generally classified by their function:

1. Delivery Hose

• Carries water (or foam solution) from a pump or hydrant to the fire.
• Most common type used in active firefighting.
• Includes materials like canvas, rubber, or synthetic plastic.

2. Suction Hose

• Connects the fire pump to a static water source such as a pond, tank, or river.
• Designed to withstand vacuum pressure (non-collapsible).
• Typically made of reinforced rubber with embedded steel or PVC wire for rigidity.

3. Relay Hose

• Used to connect one pump to another in long-distance water relays.
• Provides continuity of supply in large-scale firefighting (industrial complexes, forest fires).

4. Booster Hose

• Small-diameter, rubber or synthetic hose wound on reels in fire trucks.
• Extremely flexible, used for quick attack on small fires, vehicle fires, or mop-up operations.

Types of Fire Hoses (by Material)

Apart from classification by function, hoses can also be distinguished by the materials used:

1. Canvas Hose

• Made of woven cotton/linen fibers.
• Flexible, lightweight, and traditional.
• Requires drying after use to prevent mildew/rotting.
• Still widely used in developing regions and training drills.

2. Plastic/Synthetic Hose

• Made from PVC, polyurethane, or similar polymers.
• Lightweight, rot-proof, chemical-resistant.
• Ideal for modern firefighting where durability and maintenance are priorities.
• Less water absorption compared to canvas.

3. Rubber Hose

• Either fully rubber or rubber-lined with synthetic jackets.
• Highly resistant to pressure, abrasion, and heat.
• Commonly used for delivery and booster lines.
• Heavier than canvas or plastic hoses.

4. Double-Jacket Hose

• Two woven layers with an inner rubber lining.
• Offers extra strength and protection against abrasion.
• Used in urban firefighting where hoses may drag across rough surfaces.

5. Hard Suction Hose

• Thick, rigid rubber or plastic with embedded wire reinforcement.
• Used for suction from open water sources.
• Not collapsible - designed for vacuum conditions.

Hose Sizes and Pressure Ratings

• Diameter: Fire hoses usually come in 25 mm, 38 mm, 50 mm, 65 mm, 75 mm, or 100 mm.
• Length: Standard lengths range from 15 m to 30 m per roll.
• Pressure: Normal working pressure is 8–15 bar, with burst pressure much higher (35-40 bar).

The choice of diameter depends on the firefighting situation:

• Small hoses (25-38 mm) /Low-Pressure Hoses - Up to 8 bar→ First-aid firefighting, hose-reels, booster lines.
• Medium hoses (50-65 mm)/Medium-Pressure Hoses - Up to 15 bar → Municipal firefighting, hydrant systems.
• Large hoses (75-100 mm)/High-Pressure Hoses - 20 bar and above → Industrial, warehouse, or forest fire operations.

Fire Hose-Reels

A fire hose-reel is a semi-fixed firefighting system installed inside buildings, typically connected to the main water supply. Unlike large external fire hoses, hose-reels are designed for immediate first-aid firefighting before the fire brigade arrives.

Key Features of Hose-Reels

• Usually 19 mm internal diameter hose.
• Length: 30 meters wound around a reel.
• Permanently connected to a pressurized water supply.
• Can be quickly unrolled and used by building occupants.
• Typically mounted near exits, staircases, and corridors.

Hose-reels are invaluable in offices, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, and residential complexes.

Components of Fire Hoses and Hose-Reels

1. Couplings – Metal fittings (Storz, instantaneous, threaded) used to join hoses or connect to hydrants.
2. Branch Pipes & Nozzles – Direct and control the flow of water.
3. Reels & Cabinets – Keep hoses ready for immediate deployment.
4. Valves & Controls – Regulate pressure and flow.
5. Clamps & Straps – Secure hoses during storage and transport.

Maintenance and Care

Proper care is critical for ensuring that hoses and hose-reels are always ready for use. Key practices include:

• Regular Inspection – Check for cracks, cuts, abrasion, leaks.
• Hydrostatic Testing – Periodic pressure tests to ensure durability.
• Drying – Especially for canvas hoses; always dry thoroughly after use.
• Proper Storage – Store in cool, dry areas, away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
• Lubricating Couplings – Keeps connections secure and functional.
• Rolling & Mounting Correctly – Prevents kinks and internal damage.

Modern Advancements in Fire Hoses

Today, firefighting technology has evolved, and so have hoses:

• Lightweight synthetic jackets – Reduce firefighter fatigue.
• High-visibility colors – Improve visibility in smoke-filled environments.
• Chemical-resistant linings – Allow use with foam and specialized agents.
• Collapsible hose designs – Save storage space.
• Integrated smart sensors (emerging) – Monitor flow rate and pressure.

Safety Precautions When Using Hoses

1. Always ensure the hose is securely coupled before charging.
2. Avoid sharp bends and kinks.
3. Do not drag hoses across sharp or corrosive surfaces.
4. Maintain firm control of the nozzle (reaction force can knock users down).
5. Work in teams whenever possible.

Real-Life Applications

• Urban Firefighting – Hydrant-connected delivery hoses are standard in every city.
• Industrial Complexes – Heavy-duty synthetic hoses for chemical resistance.
• Forestry Fires – Long-distance relay hoses combined with portable pumps.
• Marine Use – Salt-resistant rubber hoses on ships and oil platforms.
• Domestic/Commercial Buildings – Hose-reels for immediate response.

Difference Between Fire Hose and Hose-Reel

Conclusion

Fire hoses and hose-reels represent the backbone of modern firefighting systems. They provide a continuous, powerful, and flexible water supply capable of controlling even large-scale fires when extinguishers are insufficient. From traditional canvas hoses to advanced synthetic and rubber designs, these tools have saved countless lives and properties.

However, hoses alone cannot extinguish fires effectively - they rely on nozzles to control the flow and pattern of water. In our next post, “Nozzles,” we will explore the different types of firefighting nozzles, their functions, and how they work with hoses to maximize efficiency in firefighting.