The BostonHerald.com recently published an article highlighting a serious safety concern involving fire hoses, specifically the lightweight versions that have been linked to tragic incidents. The piece focuses on a growing issue that has raised alarms among fire safety experts.
A prominent fire safety researcher, Kathy Notarianni, an associate professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Fire Protection Engineering Department, is warning about the increasing number of failures in these lightweight attack hoses. She points out that these types of hoses, similar to the one involved in a deadly fire on Beacon Street that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters, are now showing signs of failure across the country.
“This is a problem that has just come to light. It’s like a tsunami,†Notarianni said. “We’re seeing more burn-throughs in fire hoses nationwide. This information needs to be shared so that firefighters can make better choices and opt for thicker, more durable options.â€
WPI, one of only three major fire safety research centers in the U.S., recently received $75,000 from the Last Call Foundation to investigate fire hose performance and develop a more fire-resistant alternative. The foundation was established by Kathy Crosby-Bell, the mother of firefighter Michael Kennedy, who died in a devastating blaze on Beacon Street last March alongside his colleague Lt. Edward Walsh Jr.
Notarianni says that just three weeks into the project, she has already identified significant flaws in current attack hoses. “My phone started ringing and my inbox filled up with messages once people found out we were looking into this,†she explained. “I’m now realizing this could be a much bigger issue than we initially thought. I’m really scared because we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg.â€
Dennis LeGear, a well-known firefighting consultant from California, agrees that the problem may be tied to the use of lightweight hoses in high-rise buildings. These hoses are easier to handle, quicker to deploy, and less expensive than their heavier counterparts. However, many fire departments are now using them for regular house and apartment fires, which they were never designed for.
“Lightweight hoses were meant for high-rise operations,†LeGear said. “But once they get into a department’s fleet, there’s a tendency to use them everywhere. Fixing this issue will take a huge effort.â€
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is currently investigating the Beacon Street fire, with a final report expected later this year. Meanwhile, the Boston Fire Department has defended the use of lighter hoses, stating they meet national safety standards.
Notarianni and her team at WPI plan to test existing hoses, review outdated safety standards dating back to 1961, collect data on burn-through incidents across the country, and explore new materials for a next-generation product. They also hope to bring together manufacturers, users, and regulators in March to address the issue collectively.
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