How do you store and maintain an attack fire hose?

Key Features of Attack Fire Hoses
1. High Pressure Handling
Attack hoses are rated for operating pressures of 150 to 300 PSI and test pressures above 400 PSI. They can withstand surges and pulsations from water pumps without bursting.

2. Flexible and Lightweight
Despite their strength, attack hoses are flexible enough to be maneuvered through doorways, stairwells, or rugged terrain. Modern designs use synthetic materials to reduce overall weight without compromising durability.

3. Abrasion and Heat Resistance
Fire scenes often involve dragging hoses over rough concrete, hot metal, or burning debris. Attack hoses have an outer jacket made from nylon, polyester, or Kevlar blends that resist abrasion and heat.

4. Smooth Water Flow
The inner lining—often EPDM rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)—ensures a smooth internal surface that reduces friction loss, allowing high water flow rates at greater distances.

5. Compatibility with Nozzles
Attack hoses are equipped with standard threaded couplings to connect with various nozzles, including fog nozzles, straight stream, and combination tips for adaptable suppression tactics.

Attack Hose Sizes and Lengths
The most common attack hose diameters include:

1.5 inches (38 mm)

1.75 inches (45 mm) – A favorite for its balance of flow rate and handling

2.0 inches (51 mm)

2.5 inches (64 mm) – Preferred for large volumes but heavier to maneuver

Standard hose lengths are typically 50 or 100 feet, though they can be customized or extended with couplings as needed. Longer hoses require more pressure to maintain effective flow, which is calculated based on friction loss per 100 feet.

Attack Hose vs. Supply Hose
Attack hoses are used on the fireground to fight the fire directly. They prioritize maneuverability and pressure.

Supply hoses (also called LDH—Large Diameter Hoses) are larger in diameter (4–6 inches) and move bulk water from a hydrant or water source to the pump engine.

In short, supply hoses feed water; attack hoses apply it.

Nozzles and Attachments
The effectiveness of an attack hose is greatly influenced by the nozzle it’s paired with. Common nozzle types include:

Fog nozzles: Create a fine mist that cools heat and improves visibility.

Smooth bore (straight stream): Delivers high-penetration water jets for structure fires.

Combination nozzles: Allow the firefighter to switch between fog and straight streams on the fly.

Specialty tools like foam attachments or piercing nozzles can also be connected, depending on the fire scenario.

Common Uses for Attack Fire Hoses
Interior structural firefighting

Wildland or brush fires (in compact or lightweight versions)

Vehicle fires

Industrial and chemical fires

Marine firefighting

Firefighter training facilities

Because of their versatility, attack hoses are a core piece of every fire engine’s inventory.

Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage ensures the hose remains ready for deployment:

Drying: After use, hoses must be dried completely to prevent mildew and rubber degradation.

Rolling and Racking: Hoses are rolled or folded and stored on racks or in hose beds for easy deployment.

Inspection: Visual checks for abrasions, cuts, or leaks are routine. Annual pressure testing is also required.

A damaged hose can cost lives, which is why maintenance and readiness are mission-critical.

Can Civilians Buy Attack Fire Hoses?
Yes—but with limitations. Many fire supply companies offer attack hoses for industrial use, private fire brigades, or large properties (like farms, factories, or remote cabins). However, proper training is essential to use them safely due to the high water pressure and handling challenges.

Additionally, they may require compatible water pumps that can generate enough PSI to operate effectively.

Why Hose Diameter and Pressure Matter
The larger the diameter, the more water the hose can deliver—but the heavier and more difficult it is to maneuver. For example, a 1.75-inch hose might deliver 150 gallons per minute (GPM), while a 2.5-inch hose can exceed 250 GPM.

Pressure also impacts reach and effectiveness. Firefighters must balance water flow, hose diameter, nozzle type, and pump pressure for maximum firefighting efficiency.

Modern Innovations in Attack Hoses
Firefighting technology has evolved, and so have attack hoses:

Double-jacket designs increase durability

Kink-resistant materials allow smoother movement in tight spaces

Heat-sensitive color changes alert crews to temperature exposure

Reflective or high-visibility coatings improve safety in dark or smoky environments

Quick-connect couplings reduce setup time

Some hoses now integrate embedded RFID tags for tracking usage, maintenance history, and location.

Conclusion
The attack fire hose is not just a tool—it’s a firefighter’s lifeline during a crisis. It delivers high-pressure water directly to the heart of the fire, enabling life-saving suppression and containment. Engineered for strength, flexibility, and reliability, it represents decades of innovation in firefighting science.

Whether you’re a fire department professional, a safety engineer, or simply interested in emergency response equipment, understanding the design, usage, and maintenance of attack fire hoses can give you a deeper appreciation for the frontline tools that protect lives and property.