Ohio Volunteer Firefighter Practice Exam

The minimum size of a hoseline recommended for fighting a car fire is 1 1/2 inch. This size is chosen because it strikes a balance between maneuverability and adequate flow rate to effectively suppress the fire. Car fires can involve flammable materials, including gasoline and plastics, which may burn intensely. A 1 1/2 inch hoseline can deliver enough water volume and pressure to quickly knock down the flames and cool the environment, minimizing the risk to firefighters and increasing the chances of effective control.

Smaller hoselines, such as 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch, may not provide the necessary flow and pressure to combat the heat and flames that can erupt from a vehicle fire, potentially putting responders at risk. Meanwhile, a 2 inch hoseline, while capable of delivering a high volume of water, may be less practical in situations where maneuverability and speed are critical, especially in confined or crowded environments typical of vehicle incidents. Thus, 1 1/2 inch hoselines offer the optimal combination for addressing car fires effectively.