The BostonHerald.com published an article highlighting a critical safety issue involving fire hoses:
A prominent fire safety researcher is raising concerns about defective fire hoses, warning that the lightweight versions — similar to the one involved in a deadly blaze on Beacon Street that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters — are failing across the country.
“This is a problem that has only just come to light. It’s like a tsunami,†said Kathy Notarianni, an associate professor in the Fire Protection Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. “We’re seeing more instances of burn-throughs in fire attack hoses nationwide. This information needs to be shared so firefighters can make safer 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 study fire hose performance and develop a more fire-resistant alternative. The foundation was established by Kathy Crosby-Bell, the mother of Boston firefighter Michael Kennedy, who died on March 26 along with Lt. Edward Walsh Jr. during a massive fire at 298 Beacon St.
Just three weeks into the project, Notarianni already noticed significant flaws in current attack hoses.
“My phone started ringing nonstop and my inbox filled up when people found out we were looking into this,†she said. “I’m now worried that the problem is even bigger than we initially thought. I’m really scared about what’s happening, and we’re only starting to see the tip of the iceberg. The hoses are failing in places we didn’t expect.â€
Dennis LeGear, a well-known firefighting consultant from California, believes the WPI research has uncovered an issue linked to the use of lightweight hoses in high-rise buildings. These hoses are easier to carry, quicker to deploy, and cheaper than traditional ones. As a result, many fire departments are using them not just in high-rises but also in regular house and apartment fires.
“Lightweight hoses were never meant for general use,†LeGear explained. “They were designed specifically for high-rise operations. But once a department starts using them in those situations, others may follow suit. Fixing this issue is going to be a huge challenge.â€
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is currently investigating the Beacon Street fire, with a final report expected later this year.
Boston Fire Department spokesperson Steve MacDonald defended the use of lighter hoses, stating they meet national safety standards.
Notarianni explained that the WPI team will test various hoses on the market, review outdated national standards dating back to 1961, gather data on burn-through incidents across the country, and explore new materials for a next-generation product. The university aims to bring together all stakeholders — manufacturers, users, and regulators — in March to discuss potential solutions and improvements.
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