Fire StreamsSFFMA Training Objectives:

6-01.01 – 6-01.09

Firefighter I 14–2

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is a fire stream?• Stream of water or other water-based

extinguishing agent after it leaves the fire hose and nozzle until it reaches the desired point.

Firefighter I 14–3

Identifying Fire Streams

• By size and type• Size = Volume of flowing per minute• Type = specific pattern/shape of water• Rate of discharge measured in gallons per

minute (gpm) or liters per minute (L/min)

Firefighter I 14–4

Fire Stream Classifications• Low-volume stream

– Discharge less the 40gpm. – Typically supplied by ¾’’, 1’’, 1 1/2’’ – Crosby: Booster Trucks & Engine forestry lines

• Handline stream– Discharges 40gmp – 350 gpm– Supplied by 1 ¾’’ – 3’’– Crosby: Main cross lays on Engine & Tankers

• Master stream– Discharges more than 350 gpm– Supplied by 2.5’’ and greater– Crosby: Blitzfire, Deck Guns, and Tower

Firefighter I 14–5

Fire Stream Considerations

• Volume discharged determined by design of nozzle, pressure at nozzle

• To be effective, stream must deliver volume of water sufficient to absorb heat faster than it is being generated

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–6

Fire Stream Considerations

• Type of fire stream indicates specific pattern/shape of water stream

• Requirements of effective streams

• Requirements of all streams

Firefighter I 14–7

Solid Stream

• Produced from fixed orifice, solid-bore nozzle

• Has ability to reach areas others might not; reach affected by several factors

• Design capabilities(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–8

Advantages of Solid Streams

• May maintain better interior visibility than others

• May have greater reach than others• Operate at reduced nozzle pressures per

gallon (liter) than others• May be easier to maneuver

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–9

Advantages of Solid Streams

• Have greater penetration power• Less likely to disturb normal thermal layering

of heat, gases during interior structural attacks• Less prone to clogging with debris

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–10

Disadvantages of Solid Streams

• Do not allow for different stream pattern selections

• Provide less heat absorption per gallon (liter) delivered than others

• Hoselines more easily kinked at corners, obstructions

Firefighter I 14–11

Fog Stream

• Fine spray composed of tiny water droplets

• Design of most fog nozzles permits adjustment of tip to produce different stream patterns

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–12

Fog Stream

• Water droplets formed to expose maximum water surface for heat absorption

• Desired performance of fog stream nozzles judged by amount of heat that fog stream absorbs and rate by which the water is converted into steam/vapor

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–13

Fog Stream

• Nozzles permit settings of straight stream, narrow-angle fog, and wide-angle fog

• Nozzles should be operated at designed nozzle pressure

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–14

Fog Stream

• Shorter reach makes fog streams less useful for outside, defensive fire fighting operations

• Well suited for fighting interior fires

Firefighter I 14–15

Fog Stream: Nozzle Pressure

• Combination nozzles designed to operate at different pressures

• Designated operating pressure for most combination nozzles is 100 psi (700 kPa)

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–16

Advantages of Fog Streams

• Discharge pattern can be adjusted for situation

• Can aid ventilation• Reduce heat by exposing maximum water

surface for heat absorption• Wide fog pattern provides protection to

firefighters

Firefighter I 14–17

Ball Valve

• Most common• Provides effective

control during nozzle operation with minimum effort

(Continued)

Fire Stream Triangle

Nozzle Flow and Reaction of 100psi Fog Nozzle

Firefighter I 14–20

Water Hammer

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–21

Water Hammer

• When flow of water through fire hose or pipe is suddenly stopped, shock wave produced when moving water reaches end of hose and bounces back

• Pressure surge referred to as water hammer

(Continued)

Firefighter I 14–22

Water Hammer

• Sudden change in direction creates excessive pressures that can cause damage to water mains, plumbing, fire hose, hydrants, fire pumps

• Can often be heard as distinct clank• To prevent when water flowing, close

components slowly

Friction Loss

• That part of total pressure lost while forcing water through pipes, fittings, fire hose, and adapters

CROSBY FIRE AND RESCUEFRICTION LOSS CARD

• 1 ¾’’ LINE @ 125 GPM = 10.5 PSI PER 50’ • 1 ¾’’ LINE @ 150 GPM = 13 PSI PER 50’• 1 ¾’’ LINE @ 200 GPM = 22.5 PSI PER 50’• 2 ½’’ LINE @ 250 GPM = 15 PSI PER 50’• 2 ½’’ LINE @ 350 GPM = 28 PSI PER 50’• 2 ½’’ LINE @ 500 GPM = 55 PSI PER 50’ • 5’’ LINE @ 400 GPM = .5 PSI PER 50’ • 5’’ LINE @ 500 GPM = 1 PSI PER 50’• • STANDARD CROSSLAY = 142 PSI

Firefighter I 14–25

Elevation Loss/Gain

• Pressure loss — When nozzle is above fire pump

• Pressure gain — When nozzle is below pump

Courtesy of District Chief Chris E. Mickal, NOFD Photo Unit.

CROSBY FIRE AND RESCUEFRICTION LOSS CARD

• +/- 5 PSI PER FLOOR ELEVATION (-1 FLOOR)• +/- .5 PSI PER FOOT OF ELEVATION• IF +350 GPM, 10 PSI PER APPLIANCE FOR FL• 25 PSI FL PER MASTER @ RATED CAPACITY• 80 – 120 PSI FOR CAFS USAGE• FOG = 100 PSI @ NOZZLE• MASTER (SOLID) = 80 PSI @ NOZZLE • HANDLINE (SOLID) = 50 PSI @ NOZZLE• • OPEN TANK TO PUMP AND TANK FILL TO • CIRCULATE PUMP WATER!

Practical Exercise

Hand line & Low Volume Line 30min Evolution

Cones at multiple distances, with ball

that must be knocked off. Cones at multiple

distances, with ball that must be knocked

off.

3xFire Fighters will operate between the two separate lines.

Knocking one ball off on hand line and moving to low volume

line and so on.

Observers 1/3 of class

Pump Operators 1/3 of class

Stream Handler 1/3 of class Forestry Line

Hand Line

Master Stream 30min Evolution

Fire Fighters will be timed on the ability to set-up “blitzfire” with 2.5’’ line and knock down to cones.

Observers 1/3 of class

Pump Operators 1/3 of class

Stream Handler 1/3 of class