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Researcher blasts lightweight fire hose
BostonHerald.com recently published an article shedding light on a critical issue concerning fire hoses. The piece highlights concerns raised by a prominent fire safety researcher regarding the reliability of lightweight fire hoses, which have been linked to failures across the country. These incidents gained attention following a tragic Beacon Street fire that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters.
Kathy Notarianni, an associate professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Fire Protection Engineering Department, expressed alarm over the increasing number of hose failures observed nationwide. She emphasized that these issues are more severe than initially anticipated. "This is a problem that has quietly escalated," she stated. "We're uncovering more instances of burn-throughs, and it's alarming how widespread this has become." Her research aims to raise awareness among firefighters about the need to opt for thicker, more durable hoses.
WPI, one of the nation's premier fire safety research institutions, received a $75,000 grant from the Last Call Foundation to address this pressing concern. The foundation was established by Kathy Crosby-Bell, mother of fallen firefighter Michael Kennedy, who perished alongside Lt. Edward Walsh Jr. during the Beacon Street incident.
Notarianni's preliminary findings indicate significant vulnerabilities in current fire hoses. She noted a surge in inquiries from concerned parties since initiating her investigation. "The response has been overwhelming," she remarked. "It's becoming clear that this issue extends beyond what we initially imagined."
Dennis LeGear, a respected firefighting consultant based in California, pointed out that the adoption of lightweight hoses stems from practical considerations in high-rise firefighting scenarios. These hoses are easier to transport, store, and purchase, making them appealing for many departments. However, their limitations became evident during routine operations in smaller structures, where they failed under unexpected conditions.
LeGear described the challenge of rectifying this problem as immense. Meanwhile, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting an investigation into the Beacon Street fire, with results expected in the near future.
Boston Fire Department spokesperson Steve MacDonald defended the use of lightweight hoses, stating that they comply with national safety standards. Notarianni outlined a comprehensive plan for WPI's research, which includes testing available hoses, reviewing outdated standards from 1961, gathering national data on hose failures, and identifying innovative materials for improved designs. The initiative seeks collaboration between manufacturers and users in March to tackle this urgent issue collectively.