What hose line is considered essential for the VFD, and every firefighter should be able to manage it effectively?

The essential hose line for the Vancouver Fire Department (VFD) is the 1 3/4" hose line flowing 150 gpm because it strikes a balance between manageable size and effective delivery of water needed to combat most residential and commercial fires. This hose size is versatile and allows firefighters to handle it quickly and efficiently, which is critical in emergency situations where time and mobility are essential.

Additionally, the flow rate of 150 gallons per minute is sufficient to extinguish typical fire scenarios encountered by the VFD while still being light enough for firefighters to maneuver in different environments, including tight spaces and multi-story buildings. This size also helps ensure that firefighters are not overwhelmed by the weight and bulk of larger hoses, which can impede their ability to respond swiftly in critical moments.

In contrast, larger hoses like the 2 1/2" or 3" lines might provide higher flow rates but are more cumbersome to handle, making them less practical for many firefighting situations. Similarly, smaller hoses, such as the 1" line, may not deliver enough water pressure and volume to effectively suppress larger fires, limiting their utility in most critical incidents. Thus, the 1 3/4" hose line is both a practical training tool