Thoughts on water curtains??

[JSMV72]

What is everyone's thoughts on how effective water curtains can be when used to protect exposures. We recently did a controlled burn with a detached garage about 30 feet from the structure we burned. We set up a water curtain to help protect it, but standing behind the curtain I could still feel a fair amount of heat. We also used a hand line to keep the garage wet and had no problems. I tried to explain to others on the dept. that I did not feel the water curtain was very effective except for keeping the garage wet. It did not seem to do much at all for radiant heat.

[BoxAlarm187]

Water curtains are mostly useless for controlling radiant heat. The best way to protect exposures is exactly what you said - apply the water to the surface of the exposure for best protection.

[fire49]

Good observation

They need to remember the basics conduction, radiation, convection

[EastKyFF]

When you look at the BTU's passing through a given cross-section of space, i.e. the little film of water that a curtain creates, I don't think that enough cooling could take place to amount to a hill of beans. Far better to direct that water onto the exposure itself.

[FWDbuff]

What is everyone's thoughts on how effective water curtains can be when used to protect exposures

Something about tits on a bull come to mind..........

[FyredUp]

Water curtain devices are ONLY effective if they place the water on the building or other exposure they are trying to keep cool. I have seen some home made water curtain devices where the plate to deflect the water was at a slight angle to direct the water towards the building, as opposed to having it flow straight up. Honestly, unless manpower is a huge issue, and water supply isn't, I think one firefighter with a hoseline spraying the exposure as needed may be more effective and a much more efficient use of the water.

[DeputyMarshal]

What is there to think about? "Water curtains" don't work. If you want to protect an exposure, you need to put the water on it directly. Spraying it in the air between the fire and the exposure provides virtually no cooling.

[MemphisE34a]

Something about tits on a bull come to mind..........

Indeed. Albeit if properly set up, they can be effective, I haven't seen one used except during training in over 20 years.

Every time, I have seen exposures either covered with a handline, deck gun, or ladder - never a water curtain.

[Bushwhacker]

What is there to think about? "Water curtains" don't work. If you want to protect an exposure, you need to put the water on it directly. Spraying it in the air between the fire and the exposure provides virtually no cooling.

I do Agree with you in this situation, But they do have some good uses. Lets not completely cut them down(thumbsup)

[tech-ultrasonic]

we have also tried it on a detached cabin. I the water curtain did not make it any better and as per our conclusion, it is totally rejected. But is there any other alternative?

[dfwfirefighter]

I tried to explain to others on the dept. that I did not feel the water curtain was very effective except for keeping the garage wet. It did not seem to do much at all for radiant heat.

Why re-invent the wheel? Almost every strategy & tactics book says that water curtains are a waste of time, effort, and water. Apply the water ON the exposure for the maximum protection.