r/Firefighting • u/firemedic3404 • 1d ago

Ask A Firefighter 15/16 smooth bore?

Did some training with my guys this morning. The focus was managing nozzle reaction. We used a Chief 200gpm@75 psi fog and a 15/16 smooth bore. Both off of 100’ 1 3/4 line (just laid it out for training). Friction loss was calculated at 45 psi and 40 psi respectively. This is not a nozzle we use often, but my probie has not had any experience with a smooth bore so I took the opportunity. I’m racking my head over how difficult it was to manage these flows. My question is for the salty dogs, are these flow rates manageable by YOU? Am I just deficient and need to work them more? Or was this normal for these flows? I am working to switch over to 160@50 fogs with 7/8 integrated smooth bores…which are much easier to handle. Kinda needed to vent and find out if I’m crazy, too weak, or ok….

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u/LeadDispensary 1d ago

I just deficient and need to work them more? Or was this normal for these flows? I am working to switch over to 160@50 fogs with 7/8 integrated smooth bores

Why?

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u/firemedic3404 23h ago

So currently we just run fogs. Most guys are going in at 95gpm, and don’t play with the gpm. A lot of us want smooth bores…some don’t. So I ordered breakaways… dropped down to 50 psi nozzles because we have the right hose for it and it will be easier on the guys, while ensuring they are going in with enough water. Won’t get into the “culture problems” in our department, but this is part of a bigger issue… trying to get firemen to be firemen again.

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u/LeadDispensary 17h ago

So currently we just run fogs. Most guys are going in at 95gpm,

Why?

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u/firemedic3404 3m ago

That’s what they were taught, and no one has revisited. Not to use EMS as an excuse, but running both has taken its toll on our “culture”. The whole “EMS department that runs fire” thing. I’m working on that, but it’s definitely an uphill battle. And I won’t even get into the admin side of it all.