Fire Streams

Module 1

HOW FIRE STREAMS WORK

• Water fire streams are used to reduce temperatures and to permit Water fire streams are used to reduce temperatures and to permit closer proximity with handlines through—closer proximity with handlines through—

• Direct application to burning material

• Reduction of high atmospheric temperature

• Dispersion of hot smoke and fire gases from a heated area

• Production of a water curtain to protect firefighters and property from heat

EXTINGUISHING PROPERTIES OF WATER (cont.)

• Is unique in that it expands both upon freezing and upon changing into its vapor state

– Water in pipes subject to freezing may rupture• Undrained automatic sprinkler piping in unheated

buildings• Wet barrel hydrants • Shallowly buried underground pipes

– Its 1700:1 expansion ratio during vaporization allows it to absorb more heat

TS 13–2b

WATER HAMMER

• Is surge created by suddenly stopping the flow of water through fire hose or pipe

• Is often heard as a distinct clank, much like a hammer striking pipe

• Causes a change in direction of energy and multiplies the energy many times

• Can damage pumps, Can damage pumps, hoselines, water mains, hoselines, water mains, couplings, nozzles, and couplings, nozzles, and hydrantshydrants

• Can be prevented by Can be prevented by operating nozzle operating nozzle controls, hydrants, controls, hydrants, valves, and hose valves, and hose clamps slowlyclamps slowly