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Researcher blasts lightweight fire hose
A recent article on The BostonHerald.com highlights a concerning issue regarding the durability of fire hoses, particularly the lightweight versions commonly used today. The piece focuses on comments made by Kathy Notarianni, an associate professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Fire Protection Engineering Department, who has raised alarms about these hoses' failure rates. She warns that the lightweight models, akin to those involved in the tragic Beacon Street fire that claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters, are showing signs of malfunction across the country.
"Not only are we seeing more instances of these hoses burning through, but the severity of the problem seems to be escalating rapidly," Notarianni stated. Her concerns were further validated when WPI, one of only three fire safety research centers in the U.S., received a $75,000 grant from the Last Call Foundation to investigate and potentially develop improved fire hose designs. This initiative was launched in memory of firefighter Michael Kennedy, whose mother founded the foundation after his untimely death alongside Lieutenant Edward Walsh during the Beacon Street incident.
In just three weeks of her study, Notarianni discovered several troubling patterns suggesting that the current lightweight hoses may not withstand the demands placed on them. "I've been flooded with calls and emails since word got out about our research," she admitted. "What I’ve uncovered so far is deeply unsettling, as it points to a much broader issue than initially anticipated." Notarianni expressed her fears about the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface, emphasizing that failures are occurring in situations where they shouldn't.
Dennis LeGear, a prominent firefighting consultant based in California, agreed that the problem stems partly from how these hoses are being utilized. Designed primarily for high-rise firefighting due to their portability and affordability, lightweight hoses are increasingly being deployed in simpler scenarios like residential fires. LeGear likened the trend to a contagious ailment spreading within departments. "Once introduced into a high-rise setup, there’s pressure to adopt them elsewhere," he explained. Addressing this issue, he noted, would require extensive effort.
Meanwhile, Boston Fire Department spokesperson Steve MacDonald supported the use of these hoses, asserting they comply with national safety regulations. Notarianni outlined WPI's plans to thoroughly examine existing models, review outdated standards established back in 1961, gather data on incidents nationwide, and explore new materials for future generations of fire hoses. The institute aims to convene stakeholders from all levels of the industry in March to discuss solutions collaboratively.
As the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health continues its investigation into the Beacon Street tragedy, awaiting a comprehensive report, the urgency surrounding fire hose reliability grows. The stakes are high, not just for professional firefighters but also for anyone relying on their protection.