Written in collaboration with Michael Coleman - Acting Lieutenant, Memphis Fire Department
When it comes to firefighting, few tools are as vital, or as trusted, as the fire hose. It’s the lifeline that connects the crew to their water supply, their safety, and ultimately, their success on the fireground. In this edition of Snap-tite Hose’s Industry Expert Series, we sat down with Acting Lieutenant of the Memphis Fire Department and decorated Firefighter Challenge competitor, Michael Coleman, to talk about the fundamentals every firefighter should know about hose construction, deployment, and maintenance, and how the right equipment makes all the difference.
Laying the Foundation: Hands-On Skills That Save Lives
For new firefighters, understanding hose construction and performance isn’t just classroom theory; it’s survival.
“Fire hose is your lifeline when it comes to fighting a fire. If you can’t get water to the flames, the structure is already lost. And if things go wrong inside, that hose will be the way you find your exit.”
That’s why Coleman, who also acts as the lead Physical Training Officer of the Memphis Fire Department Training Academy, introduces recruits to hose types and applications early. Most academies begin with classroom instruction, covering materials, diameters, and couplings, before transitioning to hands-on drills. Once trainees can see and feel how different hoses behave, the lessons stick.
But while lectures build understanding, nothing replaces practical experience. Deploying, advancing, and managing hose lines are skills that can only be mastered through repetition.
“The most effective way to teach hose management is hands-on. Recruits learn best when they can handle the line themselves.”
One of the biggest mistakes new firefighters make, Coleman notes, is failing to set up properly before entry. Without pulling enough slack, advancement becomes exhausting and inefficient. Teaching recruits to prepare their line correctly from the start ensures smoother, safer interior operations.
From Drill Yard to Fireground
Repetition in training builds confidence, and confidence builds muscle memory.
“Drills are so important,” Coleman says.“Hose drills build good habits. A working structure fire can be very chaotic, and if you aren’t trained in the right way to do things, you’ll just add to that chaos.”
Recruits also learn the science behind water movement, understanding friction loss, nozzle control, and basic pump operations. While advanced pumping skills come later, having a solid grasp of how water behaves through the system is essential.
Safety Starts with the Right Hose
A dependable hose is a safety requirement.
“If a hose line can’t get water to the nozzle, the fire can’t be put out. And if the line fails, that connection to your exit could be lost.”
Choosing the right hose ensures that when conditions turn unpredictable, firefighters can count on their equipment to perform. Durability, heat resistance, and flexibility all matter.
Maintenance Matters: A Lasting Lesson
Proper hose care begins on day one. Recruits are taught that when the tones drop, there should be zero doubt their hose will hold up.
“Hose care and maintenance are paramount. You don’t want to second-guess your equipment when it’s time to go to work."
Attention to detail, from washing, drying, and inspecting to proper storage, keeps the hose ready for the next call and extends its service life. The mindset behind good hose work is simple: take care of your gear, and it will take care of you.
“Don’t cut corners by rushing in without a properly laid-out line. Snap-tite Hose doesn’t cut corners in how it’s built, because when it hits the fan, your hose should be the one thing you never have to worry about.”
With years of experience using Snap-tite products in both training and real-world operations, Coleman sums it up best:
“We’ve left Snap-tite Hose charged for hours on end with zero leaks. It’s the best hose on the market.”
Final Thoughts
From the academy to the fireground, Snap-tite Hose is proud to support the firefighters who rely on durable, dependable performance every day.
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