Gary P. Morris
Deputy Chief
Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department
Response: The Phoenix Fire Department uses combination and automatic nozzles for its attack hoselines. The adjustable combination nozzles are used with 1 1/2- and some 1 3/4-inch attack lines. These nozzles are the constant-flow, variable-gallonage design. Nearly all our 1 3/4-inch hoselines have automatic nozzles, and because they are so popular with firefighters, all 1 3/4-inch hose will some day have automatic nozzles. Automatic nozzles are presently used on all two-inch attack hoselines.
Our ladder companies are equipped with a solid tip on their master-stream devices, although some ladder companies have an automatic nozzle. All our engine company master-stream appliances are equipped with a peripheral and smooth-bore tip. Most apparatus have smooth-bore tips premounted on the appliances.
We have found that smooth-bore tips generally deliver a more consistent solid stream and a longer reach during master-stream operations. Penetration in large-volume fires also appears to be superior in most situations when using smooth-bore tips.
The department is presently experimenting with a new nozzle for our high-rise hose packs. It allows for either a peripheral or smooth-bore tip to be attached forward of a shutoff. Its major benefit is that the nozzle produces a very effective stream at pressures as low as 50-psi nozzle while delivering a 250-gpm flow when attached to a 2 1/2-inch hoseline. By increasing the nozzle pressure to 100 psi, you can achieve a flow of 350 gpm. Considering potential problems with pressure-regulating devices in standpipe systems, the nozzle may produce a more consistent and safer stream of water while giving the firefighter the versatility of two nozzles.
