Wildfire response pushes equipment to the limit: steep terrain, heat, wind, and long hose runs with portable pumps. This wildfire hoses guide explains how to choose, size, deploy, and maintain wildfire hoses so crews can move fast, conserve water, and deliver effective flows at the nozzle.

What Is a Wildfire (Forestry) Hose?

Wildfire hoses are lightweight, flexible layflat hoses designed for off-road use with portable pumps. Compared with municipal attack or supply lines, they prioritise low weight, compact stowage, quick coupling changes, and reliable performance under variable pressure.

Key Use Cases

Initial Attack & Damping Down

• Fast deploy hose packs for rapid hose roll-out and hotspot cooling
• Low flows at moderate pressures for control without over-saturating ground

Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) Protection

• Perimeter defence, structure protection, and ember attack
• Mix of forestry hoses (1″–1½”) and larger attack lines (1¾”–2″) for higher flow
• Consider specialist Hydro-Wall hose systems for creating protective water barriers around assets and structures

Long Hose Lays with Portable Pumps

• Progressive hose runs with dividing breechings
• Pressure management across elevation changes and multiple branches

Hose Types

Forestry/Light Attack Hose

• Type 2 or 3 lightweight, compact coil/pack
• Typical sizes: 1″ (25 mm) and 1½” (38 mm)
• Designed for attending crews and portable pump operations

Municipal Attack Hose for WUI

• Type 3 for optimum durability near structures
• Typical sizes: 1¾” (45 mm) or 2″ (51 mm) for higher flow at acceptable nozzle pressure

Supply/Feeder Hose (Portable Pump to Manifold)

• Larger diameters for lower friction loss over distance
• Typical sizes: 2½” (64 mm) to 2¾” (70mm) feeding controlled collecting breechings

Wildfire Hoses Materials & Construction

Jackets and Liners

• PVC/Nitrile for enhanced abrasion resistance
• Percolating vs. non-percolating: some forestry hoses allow slight seepage to self-cool the jacket; non-percolating maximises delivered water

Coatings & Colour

• Polyurethane coatings reduce water absorption and reduce drying times
• High-visibility colours improve safety in smoke/low light conditions

Couplings & Compatibility

Common Coupling Systems

• Instantaneous (BS 336 / 2½”) with reducers for 1″–1½” forestry hose
• Storz quick-connect (various sizes) for rapid make/break in gloved hands
• NST/NH or BSP or BSRT threads for pump outlets and adapters

Essentials for the Hose Runs

• Controlled Dividing Breechings: splits feeds without shutting the main line
• In-line ball valves: branch control and emergency shutoff
• Adaptors/reducers: ensure interoperability with mutual-aid agencies

Diameters, Flows, and Nozzles

Typical Operating Ranges (Field-Oriented)

• 1″ hose: 25–115 L/min (7–30 gpm)
• 1½” hose: 75–200 L/min (20–50 gpm)
• 1¾” hose (WUI): 250–600 L/min (65–160 gpm)

(Choose the lowest flow that still achieves cooling and reach to conserve water and reduce fatigue.)

Nozzle Choices

• Select-flow or fixed-flow fog/jet for flexible application
• Straight stream for reach and penetration; wide fog for damping down embers and exposure protection
• Low-expansion foam aspirating nozzles when used with Class A foam/wetting agents

Performance Metrics That Matter For Wildfire Hoses

Friction Loss

Every metre of hose reduces available pressure. Longer runs and smaller diameters increase loss. Where possible:

• Increase the diameter of supply hoses from the pump
• Limit the number of sharp bends and elevation rises on attack sections

Nozzle Pressure

• Forestry operations often use 3–5 bar at the nozzle for optimum control
• Higher flows (WUI) may require 5–7 bar with larger attack hoses

Heat, UV, and Abrasion

• Look for UV-stable and abrasion-resistant
• Specify couplings with anti-galling properties and field-serviceable gaskets

Step 2: Choose Diameter

• ≤100 L/min → 1″
• 100–200 L/min → 1½”
• 250–450 L/min → 1¾”–2″ (short attack section fed by larger supply)

Step 3: Manage Friction Loss & Distance

• Keep attack sections short with 1″–1½”; use 2½” supply hoses for long runs
• Add controlled dividing breechings to enable multiple runs
• To combat elevation influence increase pressure by circa 0.1 bar per metre rise

Step 4: Pump Settings (Rule-of-Thumb Start)

• Set pump discharge to deliver your target nozzle pressure + estimated frictional pressure loss
• Fine-tune using inline pressure gauges

Deployment Best Practice

Progressive Hose Lay

• Lay supply hose → controlled dividing breeching→ attack sections as you advance
• Deploy spare coils and adaptors at each breeching for rapid hose run extension when required

Packs & Stowage

• Consider using forestry packs with pre-connected nozzles
• Alternate coupling orientations to prevent twists when flaking

Water Discipline

• Use pulsed application to cool fuel surfaces without runoff
• Switch to straight stream for reach; fog for damping down embers

Foam, Wetting Agents

When to Use

• Class A foam/wetting agents improve penetration and cooling of wildland fuels
• Apply through compatible nozzles inductors at 0.1–0.5% typical induction rates

Compliance Note

• Specify fluorine-free foams to align with evolving UK/EU regulations and sustainability policies
• Confirm hose composition and nozzle materials are chemically compatible with the chosen foam

Inspection, Care, and Service Life

Post-Incident

• Flush with clean water to remove ash/soil; check couplings and gaskets
• Dry fully (out of direct sun) before re-packing to prevent mildew

Periodic Checks

• Visual inspection for cuts, delamination, jacket wear, UV damage
• Pressure test per manufacturer guidance and relevant standards (e.g., BS 6391, NFPA 1961 equivalents)

Storage

• Cool, dry, shaded; rotate packs
• Keep an asset register with test dates and service notes

Quick Selector

Lightweight Handline (Initial Attack)

1″ forestry hose, select-flow nozzle 25–100 L/min, Storz/Instantaneous couplings, backpack pack set

Versatile Wildland Line (General Attack)

1½” forestry hose, fixed-flow nozzle 100–200 L/min, controlled dividing breechings every 30–60 m, 2½” supply hose to first dividing breeching

WUI/Perimeter Defence

2″–1¾” attack line at 250–450 L/min for structure protection, fed by 2½”–3″ supply

Wildfire Hoses Guide – Final Thoughts

Selecting the right wildfire hose is a balance between weight, flow, and durability. Start with the required nozzle flow, pick the smallest practical attack diameter, feed it with a larger supply line, and manage friction loss with smart layout and pressure. With disciplined deployment and regular maintenance, your hose packs will deliver reliable performance through the peak of wildfire season.

FAQs

How long can a wildfire hose run be?

As long as pump pressure, diameter, and elevation allow. Use larger supply hoses

Do I need percolating hose?

Percolating hoses self-cool in high heat but can slightly sacrifice a little of the delivered water. Non-percolating maximises flow—choose based on operating environment and water availability.

What’s the most common failure point?

Damaged gaskets, cross-threaded/contaminated couplings, and hose abrasion.response kits — supported by engineering advice, training, and maintenance services tailored to industrial requirements.