Fire hose facts for kids

A set of fire hoses in a fire truck

A fire hose is a big, flexible tube. Firefighters use it to carry water from a pump to a fire. The water comes out with a lot of force. Because the water is under high pressure, fire hoses must be very strong. They come in many different sizes.

What is a Fire Hose?

A fire hose is like a super-strong garden hose. But it is much bigger and tougher. It can handle very high water pressure. This pressure helps firefighters spray water far and wide. It helps them put out fires quickly and safely.

How Fire Hoses Work

Fire hoses connect to a water source. This can be a fire hydrant or a fire truck's water tank. A powerful pump pushes water through the hose. The water then sprays out of a special nozzle. Firefighters can control the water flow and spray pattern. This helps them target the fire effectively.

Types of Fire Hoses

Fire hoses come in different types. Each type is for a specific job.

• Attack Hoses: These are smaller hoses. Firefighters use them to directly spray water on a fire. They are easy to move around.
• Supply Hoses: These are larger hoses. They carry a lot of water from a fire hydrant to a fire truck. They are like big water pipelines.
• Booster Hoses: These are small, rigid hoses. They are often on a reel on fire trucks. They are good for small fires or cleaning up after a fire.

Materials Used in Fire Hoses

Modern fire hoses are made from strong materials. They need to be tough and durable.

• Inner Lining: The inside of the hose is often rubber. This makes it waterproof.
• Outer Jacket: The outside is usually woven fabric. This fabric is often polyester or nylon. It protects the hose from cuts and heat. It also makes the hose strong enough to hold high pressure.

History of Fire Hoses

For a long time, firefighters used buckets to put out fires. This was slow and dangerous.

• Early Hoses: The first real fire hoses appeared in the 17th century. They were made from leather. These leather hoses were sewn together. But they often leaked and burst.
• Improvements: In the 19th century, new materials came along. Rubber and canvas made hoses much better. They were stronger and lasted longer.
• Modern Hoses: Today's hoses are very advanced. They are lightweight but incredibly strong. They can withstand extreme conditions. This helps firefighters do their job safely.

Images for kids

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  Indoor fire hose with a fire extinguisher

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  Fire hose with Finnish coupler

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  Fire hoses connected to a fire engine in Vaughan, Ontario

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  A robot drawing