What is the minimum size hose line fire fighters should use to fight a vehicle fire?

The minimum size hose line that firefighters should use to fight a vehicle fire is 1 ½ inch. This diameter strikes a balance between maneuverability and effective water delivery. Vehicle fires can quickly escalate and often involve not only the vehicle itself but also surrounding materials that can ignite, making a focused and effective attack crucial.

Using a 1 ½ inch hose allows firefighters to manage the line easily while providing sufficient flow and pressure to combat the fire effectively. This size hose is generally manageable for one or two firefighters, enabling them to maneuver around a vehicle, particularly in tight spaces, while still delivering enough water volume to suppress a vehicle fire.

Larger hose diameters, such as 2 ½ inch or greater, while they provide higher flow rates, can be cumbersome and more challenging to handle in scenarios where quick deployment and flexibility are critical. Those larger hoses might be more appropriate for structural firefighting or significant exterior fire suppression where water flow is the primary concern, rather than the tactical response required in vehicle fires.