Fire Hose & Hydrants

Learn what fire hydrant colors mean, including the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) national recommendations.

Learn what the NFPA, ICC, and other organizations have to say about installing and phasing out fire hose reels and fire hose racks in standpipe and hose systems.

QRFS looks at three manufacturers of Storz products for fire protection: Kochek, Harrington, and Fyrelane USA, introducing their experience in the fire protection industry and comparing their Storz hydrant converters, fire department connections, and more.

They’re some of the smallest items on a fire engine—but they help firefighters make the most of other equipment. Get a quick handle on today’s fire hose fittings & adapters with this definitive guide from QRFS.

QRFS explains the evolution of the modern fire hose, explaining how fire hose liners and jackets were developed to resist abrasion, weathering, and pressure to reliably fight fires.

Storz hydrant converters, designed to provide quick and easy connections between fire hoses and hydrants, are improving public safety in American cities. QRFS explains why they matter, how they work, and how some cities and fire departments are financing their retrofits.

At the fire scene, the engine company sometimes designates a person to stay with the fire hydrant while the engine and the crew advance on a burning building. QRFS explains how Carlin valves, a displacement-activated hydrant gate valve, can keep the engine company whole while facilitating safe and speedy hydrant activation.

Fire hoses are made with a specific use in mind, so it’s important to know the difference between them – including their materials and pressure tolerances – before making a purchase. Whether you are a firefighter or you simply need new hose for a standpipe system, this article outlines which one is right for the job.

The right fire hose spray nozzle can quickly extinguish or control a fire. The wrong type can be ineffective, hard to control, or even harmful. QRFS looks at fire hose nozzles, thread types, cleaning, and maintenance to help you choose the right nozzle for the task at hand.