Tricks Of the Trade: Handlines
The first few minutes of a fire attack can be quite intense, especially with a fire demanding a large flow. Often times it’s the actions of the first-in company that will make or break the operation. The key to a successful big water attack is to flow as much water as possible with a minimum manpower situation.
In past articles I have discussed tactics and strategies and the basic concept of high flow handlines. This article is going to discuss the deployment involved with a 500 GPM initial attack using a handline.
In recent past big handline flows have been increasing. In fact there are several nozzles that can flow up to 500 GPM and do so safely and efficiently.
All three of these nozzles are capable of flowing 500 GPM. LEFT an Akron jumbo valve with a 1-3/8” tip, a short stream shaper and a Fire Flow Technology stream directing handle CENTER an Elkhart jumbo valve with a Vindicator Blitz Attack tip, a short stream shaper and a Fire Flow Technology stream directing handle.
RIGHT a Task Force Tips playpipe valve with a 1-1/4” tip, a 1-/2” short stream shaper and a Fire Flow Technology stream directing handle