Photos by author except for the above, courtesy Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department PIO
In our line of work, there’s a routine that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves—the daily stretch. This isn’t some quick training drill or just another checkbox. It’s 20-30 minutes a day that can shape how our firefighters perform, trust each other, and take care of business when it matters most. It builds confidence, skill, and teamwork, helping every firefighter get better, day in and day out. Let’s break down why the daily stretch is a game-changer for any fire crew looking to sharpen their skills, build a stronger team, and keep their mission clear.
Building Firefighters: Mastering the Handline
If you’re going to be any good at this job, you’ve got to know how to stretch a hoseline, the bread and butter of what we do. But it’s not enough to just go through the motions—you’ve got to own it. Every day, whether it’s during morning rig checks or at a fire alarm, my crew makes it a point to stretch lines. We don’t just aimlessly pull hose; we use it as an opportunity to fine-tune how we operate. Everyone has a say in the drills, from the probie to the senior man, and that ownership builds buy-in.
I’ve seen rookies who could barely drag a line get better over time—through reps, repetition, and getting after it every single day. Eventually, those once shaky hands are confidently stretching hoselines in the most chaotic situations. It’s that constant grind that builds muscle memory, turning every pull into a natural reaction when the real call hits.
Knowing Your Territory: The Streets Are Your Playground
As firefighters, knowing your district like the back of your hand isn’t optional—it’s survival. The daily stretch makes every street, building, and alley in your area part of your training ground (1). Every time we stretch a line, we’re not just practicing hose management, we’re learning the lay of the land. You start to notice things—hidden stairwells, tricky doorways, or access points you didn’t know existed. This kind of intel can be crucial when it comes to getting in and out quickly when the stakes are high.
The best part? It’s not just the technical skill you’re honing, it’s the bonds between your crew members. When you’re sweating through these drills together, you learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. You figure out how to work as a team, building trust that you can count on when things go sideways (2).
The Art of Estimating: Stretch Right Every Time
Getting the line stretched correctly the first time is crucial. It’s not just about speed—it’s about accuracy. That’s why the daily stretch drills that skill relentlessly. Knowing how much hose you need and where it needs to go is an art form, and it takes practice to nail it. I’ve watched my crew go from making mistakes—stretching too long or too short—to being able to size up a scene and know exactly how much line to pull, all because of these daily drills.
And it’s not just the technical side. Stretching builds your ability to think ahead, to act with confidence when things are hectic. Every stretch you practice gets you one step closer to being razor sharp when the real chaos hits.
Parking the Rig: Positioning Like a Pro
Apparatus placement isn’t just about parking the truck—it’s about making sure everything flows smoothly when it’s go-time. The daily stretch gets us in the habit of thinking about where to position and why, so when we arrive on scene, we’re not scrambling to figure out the best spot.
I’ve seen crews go from hesitating to stretch long lines to confidently pulling 300- or 400-foot lines without blinking. This doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of constant repetition. When the rig rolls up, we know exactly where it needs to go, because we’ve trained for that moment a hundred times before.
Leading from the Front: Stop Sitting, Start Stretching
One of the biggest lessons from the daily stretch is that it builds leaders. If you want to lead, you’ve got to step up and stretch. I tell my guys all the time—stretch at every possible opportunity. Even if it’s just a fire alarm with nothing showing, use that opportunity to get better. Too many times companies will respond to a fire alarm and just sit in the rig as a second- or third-due company. If you’re not stretching, you’re not growing. The guys and girls on the rig want to play their part—so do firemen things.
Remembering the Mission: We’re Here for Them
At the end of the day, we’re here for one reason: to protect lives and property. The daily stretch reminds us of that mission every time we do it. It sharpens our focus and keeps our priorities straight. Even when the firehouse gets chaotic—whether it’s a rig left a mess by the last shift or the guys lounging in the recliner—there’s one clear answer: go stretch a line. It shifts the mood, resets your mind, and reminds you why you’re here.
This isn’t just about us. It’s about the people we serve. Every time we stretch, we get better at working together to save lives. That’s why we do it. It’s not just another training session—it’s a reminder of our purpose.
Igniting Excellence: Embrace the Challenge
At the end of the day, the daily stretch is about more than just pulling hose—it’s about building a team. It’s about breaking barriers, trusting each other, and being ready when it counts. I’ve seen how stretching together creates open communication and pushes everyone to be their best.
So here’s the challenge: make the daily stretch part of your daily routine. Rally your crew, invest in each other, and watch how it changes the way you respond. Trust me, it’s not just another thing to check off—it’s what sets the best teams apart.
Jason Moore is a 20-year member of the fire service and a captain with the City of Graham (NC) Fire Department. He has worked as an emergency services contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department in locations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Kwajalein Islands. He has a range of certifications and an associate of applied science degree in fire protection technology.
