nozzle recommendation

[tedllly]

I'm looking for recommendation on type of nozzle to use on a
1" booster line from a brush truck.

Is there a standard set-up (nozzle or desired flow rate) that is commonly used in wildland firefighting?

The current plan is to use a 3/8" tip on a pistol-grip shut-off.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

[RxFire]

tedllly -

Typically wildland will use the KK or the forester. I think it would depend on what type of fuels you have. Both nozzles will do the job... If you have a large tank and can afford to use your water faster (refills are close and quick) or need the better knockdown, use the KK. If a water source isn't readily available, or you just want to conserve water, and your fuels will allow it, the forester will work. I have never really been told why we use a certain nozzle, but more like why we don't (example - the KK is called a water waster by some folks I have worked with).

Hope this helps.

[DenverFarmboy]

The forester nozzle should be used for mop-up work ONLY! The forester is called the Death's Head nozzle because of the number of f.f.'s who've DIED with that nozzle & a charged line in their hands !!

The forester has a VERY low flow & can't give a proper water screen 4 protection if you have a flare-up. An adjustable fog nozzle is essential for a protective spray for the operator in flare-up stituations. Select a nozzle with enough gpm flow to exceed the highest thermal output expected for a given fireline.

Solid-stream nozzles do provide further reach however great care must B taken 2 insure that embers & burnin' debris is not scatted from straight, powerful flows from a straight tip nozzle. These types R only safe for mop-up work & very small spot fires.

The cheap, plastic "barrel" nozzles are most commonly used. "Regular" structural como nozzles can B used very succussfully in most wildland firefighting. Hope this helps. Peace, out.

[captstanm1]

I would suggest that you go with some sort of high volume low pressure combination nozzle. Especially if you are using class A foam in your apparatus or for application.

A combo will give you the best of both worlds....A good straight stream and a decent fog pattern.

(not too very exciting a post for my 700th posting:cool: )

[DenverFarmboy]

tedllly: "captstanm1" is compleatetly WRONG !!!

LOW gpm + high pressure is the answer. Remember , U are out in the middle of B.F.E. (unless ya'll plumb the boonedocks! (;^ ) } CONSERVE your water supply, BUT not at your OWN safety .

Consider puttin' a "'round-the-pump" "Class A" foam system on your rig. At .05% mix it will expand your f.f. ability 50% or more depending on your training. Just remember tedllly that YOUR safety is MOST important! ALL the nozzles, pumps, g.p.m.'s, etc., don't mean squat in your personal safety!!!

Let Federial land, State land, private land BURN before U risk your life for it!!! Remember, LCES . (Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, SAFETY Zones.) Also, DON'T forget your F.I.R.E. O.R.D.E.R.S. !

Stay Safe my friend!
Peace, Out!:)

[Bones42]

The forester has a VERY low flow & can't give a proper water screen 4 protection if you have a flare-up. An adjustable fog nozzle is essential for a protective spray for the operator in flare-up stituations. Select a nozzle with enough gpm flow to exceed

embers & burnin' debris is not scatted from straight, powerful flows from a straight tip nozzle

LOW gpm + high pressure is the answer

Ok DenverFarmBoy - you have me confused. One quote you are saying low flow is bad/unsafe and to select a high gpm. One quote you are saying no too much pressure to stir things up. One quote you go and say Low gpm and high pressure are the answer. I'm confused...which is it?


Let Federial land, State land, private land BURN before U risk your life for it!!!

What kind of fires are there when firefighters do not put their lives at risk?

[NJFFSA16]

I'm looking for recommendation on type of nozzle to use on a
1" booster line from a brush truck.

Since you mention a 1" line, using tank water, I'm assuming your application would be either:

A. Initial attack on small creeping fires
* OR
B. Mop up operations

I think we all recognize that using a 1" line, with ANY type nozzle for fires exhibiting extreme behavior or in heavy fuel types, would not have a favorable result.:rolleyes:

Therefore, under the assumption that your intent is either A or B...a Dual Gallonage Combo Nozzle, giving you 10 GPM on low setting in straight stream through narrow fog, and 23 GPM in the high range from straight stream through wide angle fog, would suffice for that type application.

If you bump that up to an 1 1/2" line and 1 1/2" Dual Gallonage Combo nozzle, the flow range is from 20 GPM on the low setting in straight stream through narrow fog, and 60 or 95 GPM in the high range from straight stream through wide angle fog.

The Forester Fog Nozzle would not be my choice for any initial attack operations. Appropriate application would be for mop up operations in areas of low risk, i.e., low to moderate fire danger class day, on small surface fires in leaves, litter and light fuels. They can be useful for mop up applications on heavier fuels, when you need to conserve water and flareups are not a risk.

It all depends on your intended application. As I stated, since it is a 1" line and nozzle, off a booster tank....the assumption is that you're not going to be standing in the path of approaching crownfire or running fire in moderate to heavy fuel types.:p

Know and understand the limitations of initial attacks with small diameter hose. Train your crew in L-C-E-S and the Standard Fire Orders.

As DenverFarmboy noted, straight stream applications will possibly scatter embers....I agree. However we are assuming that the nozzleman is trained on how to apply the H2o properly. :D

[DenverFarmboy]

BONES::eek: Sorry 'bout the confussion. The Forester , in its "standard" USFS set-up flows @ 3 gpm. Kinda' low for any thing other than mop up. NJFFS probably said it better than I though.

I will however, stick by my orginal post ( & the others!:) ) by statin' that attackin' a wildland fire with a Forester nozzle is askin' 4 trouble !! Yes, 3 gpm is TOO low; 100 gpm is TOO much! As NJFFS...said, your "individual situation" will dictate the choice of nozzle, however , the "Forester " shouldNOT be considered for anything other than mop-up !

In the wildland, remember, water sorce, water sorce, water sorce. You must keep your last 100 gal.'s 4 crew/engine protection. Therefore Bones , you need a nozzle that is more than 3 gpm and one that is less than 100 gpm.

'nough said.
Peace, out.
DF:)