Size-up of older commercial buildings continues throughout the entire operation. One of your key tactical decisions will involve estimating, stretching, and charging the correct size of attack line on arrival.
Most fire officers, firefighters, and instructors recommend using the 2½-inch attack line on all commercial building fires. When coupled with the 1 1/8-inch or 1¼-inch solid stream tip, the 2½-inch attack line is second to none regarding water flow, reach, and knockdown power. It is not my intention to turn this column into a nozzle debate. The facts are that commercial buildings have a heavier fire load and large undivided showroom areas. These two factors alone are enough reason to warrant a 2½-inch line. Even a contents fire fueled by the high hydrocarbon content used in common materials today can quickly overwhelm a smaller line flowing less water.
Photo 1. This engine company is stretching a 2½-inch preconnected backup line at a commercial building fire. The nozzle firefighter has piled the hose at the back step of the rig and has continued with the stretch, taking only the nozzle. If personnel do not address several key problems prior to charging the line, this line will take a lot longer to put into operation than it should. Two of the most obvious problems are (1) completely clearing the hosebed and (2) properly flaking out the hose in the street or down the sidewalk to assist with the engine company’s advance into a potentially deep commercial occupancy.
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