Ronald Hiraki
Chief of Training
Seattle (WA) Fire Department
Response: The Seattle Fire Department uses combination nozzles on every standard 1 3/4- and 2 1/2-inch handline. We use several types of combination nozzles. Some nozzles are designed to operate at dual pressures (high and low) to be effective in specific high-rise situations.
The old smooth-bore nozzles for 2 1/2-inch handlines were removed from engine companies approximately seven years ago and were replaced with combination nozzles. The difficulty in controlling this size handline and general safety concerns prompted us to remove them. In many situations, we use lightweight monitors to achieve the stream`s reach and penetration formerly achieved with the smooth-bore nozzles on 2 1/2-inch handlines.
In the past few years, we have had two incidents at which small rocks in the water main severely reduced the flow of water from combination nozzles. The Seattle Fire Department researched the use of new smooth-bore nozzles. After considering the frequency of use and the cost, we decided to issue a smooth-bore tip that can replace the tip of a combination nozzle. The smooth-bore tip is carried in the coupling compartment and can be attached in front of the ball valve shutoff of the combination nozzle when the need arises.
