For low rise one and two family homes, which size hand line is typically sufficient for proper water flow?

The choice of a 1 1/2 to 2-inch hand line is typically optimal for low rise one and two family homes due to its balance between maneuverability and the ability to deliver sufficient water flow. This size is particularly effective in residential settings, where the fire load and potential fire scenarios can often be managed effectively with this diameter.

Using a hand line within this range allows firefighters to maintain adequate pressure while providing enough volume of water to combat structure fires efficiently. This is crucial in residential firefighting, where the fire might spread quickly and immediate and effective suppression is necessary to protect lives and property.

In contrast, smaller lines, like a 1-inch line, would not provide the necessary water flow for the demands of a structure fire, making it insufficient for the task. Larger lines, such as the 2 1/2 and 3-inch options, may be more cumbersome and challenging to handle in residential scenarios, potentially slowing down response times and making it harder to navigate tight spaces often found in these structures. Thus, the selected size strikes an effective balance for the specific requirements of low rise residential firefighting.