Solid Stream

Solid Streams

Today in the fire service, manufacturers and technology are coming out with new ways to perform the job in the fire service. One of those advancements in technology is a nozzle. Firefighting direct attack used to be used with a solid stream. Solid stream has the reach and penetration. Solid stream also didn't disrupt the thermal layering as much. However someone decided that a combination nozzle would be the answer. Well the combination has a straight stream not a solid stream. So therefore does not have the reach or penetration. Straight also has finer particles of water to absorb more heat. Speaking of water droplets, solid stream will create larger droplets when deflected from ceiling. Another benefit to solid stream is that it has less nozzle pressure allowing more time for one person to be able to handle a nozzle. Also solid streams create less of a concern for more water damage than a straight stream.

More and more departments have either converted or are in the process of to go back to solid streams. Spring Grove is a department that has no intention to convert. I am unsure of the reason but I am ok with that decision. There are some departments that have both providing that the firefighter makes the right decision of the nozzle to use at the situation. When in a structure fire and the fire begins to rollover, my team and I need protection. With a combination nozzle I can change my pattern quickly to a fog pattern. This is why I would feel better with a combination nozzle.