The Bulletin, Condensed
The 2-inch Metro Hose Pack replaces the legacy 2-inch rubber-jacketed high-rise system. Each section below is collapsible — tap a heading to open. Tap the speaker to have it read aloud.
IIntroduction & Purpose ›
For over three decades LAFD used the 2-inch rubber-jacketed high-rise hose with a complete spray nozzle. Advances in building construction, standpipe systems, and smooth-bore nozzle technology drove the change to the new 2-inch Metro Hose Pack.
The system is built for: high-rise fire attack, low-rise and garden-style apartments, metro rail and subterranean responses, extended deployments in complex layouts, and reverse hose lays. It also replaces the 1-3/4-inch stinger when extending off the primary attack line.
IISpecifications — Kraken EXO Hose ›
Kraken EXO 2-inch hose by Mercedes Textiles. Outer jacket is 100% filament polyester warp yarn with two 5/8-inch red stripes spaced 1/4 inch apart running the full length. The polyurethane waterway is fused (welded to the jacket as it is woven) for a smoother interior — less turbulence, more flow, less friction loss.
- Internal diameter 2.04", expandable outside diameter up to 2.42".
- Gold WAYOUT couplings with yellow reflective arrows. Female coupling has three arrows (visible from any angle), engraved below the surface. Arrows point toward the water source.
| Size | Service | Proof | Burst | Wt /50' | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-inch | 400 psi | 800 psi | 1500 psi | 17 lbs | 2-5/16" |
IIIHose Pack Components & Nozzle ›
A company complement is four (4) 50-foot packs. One is the nozzle pack (TFT 1-inch smooth bore, 1-1/2-inch detent ball shutoff, 1-3/8-inch waterway). Each pack uses three 23-inch red 3M reflective straps; the nozzle pack adds one 26-inch black-and-red strap to secure the nozzle coupling.
The TFT 1-inch smooth bore is hard-anodized aluminum. A solid stream gives more reach, penetration, and less air entrainment than fog — better for interior attack, high heat, and wind-influenced fires.
| Tip | NP | FL | @40 | @50 | @60 | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | 50 | 30 | 185 | 210 | 230 | 78 |
Discharge pressure — 100' = 80 psi · 150' = 95 psi · 200' = 110 psi
IVStandpipe Bag (Overview) ›
The Elkhart tool bag replaces the traditional gated wye and pigtail. It lets the nozzle team control discharge pressure at the standpipe outlet — the pump operator simply supplies enough pressure to reach roof level while the team sets outlet pressure for fire attack.
Minimum contents: 2-1/2" gate valve, in-line pressure gauge, 45° drain elbow, 60° elbow, two universal spanners, two spring clamps, a 2-1/2"-to-1-1/2" reducer, two commercial door stops, two wood wedges, and the Fast Wrench. Full detail with photos is on the Appliances & Tools tab.
VHose Pack Assembly — The LA Fold ›
Metro packs are built and deployed in the Los Angeles (LA) Fold. Female coupling on the left; first fold begins 60 inches from the female end (marked by the black line). The visual walkthrough follows.
- Roll out a 50-foot section; lay out three straps.
- First fold at 60" from the female coupling (black line). Folds stop even with the female coupling.
- Folds may be staggered shorter/longer at the coupling to stay tight. Finish with the male coupling on the opposite side.
- Body-weight compress. Strap nearest the coupling sits 8-10 inches back (lets packs couple together while strapped).
- All three strap tabs open on the same side. Secure in order: fold side, then center, then couplings (pushes out trapped air). Buckle on the flat portion.
- Nozzle pack: shutoff handle faces the opposite side; male nozzle coupling recessed 3-4 inches, black/red strap around hose and shutoff body.
VIExtending From Fire Attack Lines ›
A 2-inch pack flows about 210 GPM — nearly a 1-3/4-inch line. As an extension, a smooth-bore pack runs at 50 psi NP, cutting friction loss in the extended lay. It replaces the 1-3/4-inch stinger.
| Attack line | PDP @200' | FL of 2" /100' @210gpm | New PDP @300' |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3/4" | 175 psi (± height) | 10 psi | 185 psi |
| 1-1/2" | 145 psi (± height) | 40 psi | 185 psi |
VII–IXMarking, Testing & Routine Checks ›
Marking: station number stamped on the male couplings (left to right, near a lug); also stenciled lengthwise with 1-1/2-inch stencils, six inches from each coupling.
Testing (annual): lay out no more than 300 feet to a single outlet, bleed air, then 400 psi for 5 minutes. Operator stays at the panel. Damaged hose goes to S&M.
Routine: inspect packs and equipment daily and after each use. Test the in-line gauge monthly against a pumped 2-1/2" discharge; exchange 1:1 with S&M if off. Fabric-jacketed hose swapped every 3 months; hand lines within 24 hours if damp/dirty; supply lines weekly.
Two things drive every standpipe decision: where the water comes from and what valve is on the outlet. This tab covers the three valve types, how to identify and defeat each, the pressure rules by building era, and how you connect and flush before the lay.
1The Three Valve Types ›
Every member should be able to recognize three valve types on a standpipe outlet: the Standard 2½" Globe Valve (non-regulating), the Pressure-Restricting Device (PRD), and the Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV). Knowing which one you're on tells you what pressure to expect and what you have to do about it.
2Globe Valve — Non-Regulating ›
A standard 2½" globe valve is a non-regulating, full-flow outlet valve. It does not reduce or regulate pressure and opens/closes with minimal effort. Typical flow range is 250–550 GPM.
- Installed where standpipe riser pressure is 175 psi or less.
- Found in low-rise buildings, parking garages, older construction (many pre-1960 and pre-1974 buildings), and upper floors of high-rises where pressure stays below 175 psi.
- Identifying feature: a threaded stem visible inside the valve opening.
3Pressure-Restricting Device (PRD) ›
A PRD is a simple external component placed on or into a standpipe outlet valve to limit pressure. It only reduces pressure while flowing — it does not reduce static pressure. Commonly found in buildings from the 1960–1974 era, with internal pressures ranging 100–175 psi.
Three designs: adjustable pin, adjustable clip, and orifice plate. A PRD does not act as a one-way check valve. When identified, remove it as soon as practical to restore full flow, then open the outlet slowly.
PRDs were largely replaced in the 1970s by PRVs and are not commonly found today.
4Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV) ›
A PRV regulates both static and residual pressure, maintaining a predetermined outlet pressure that won't be exceeded under any flow condition. Most act as a one-way check valve. Found in modern high-rises (post-1974). Identifying feature: a smooth, non-threaded stem visible after removing the outlet cap.
Two kinds:
- Factory pre-set (non-adjustable): set during manufacturing for a specific floor/pressure zone. Cannot be adjusted on the fireground — considered the least desirable valve. If pressure is inadequate, consider alternate water supply or tactics.
- Field-adjustable: can be adjusted during operations to deliver optimal pressure/flow. More desirable for emergency work.
Giacomini — the two-hand valve
The Giacomini is a firefighter-adjustable PRV found sporadically in pre-1993 high-rises. It needs about 70 lbs of force on the adjustment rod to raise outlet pressure — use both hands to keep control and avoid bending or breaking the rod.
5PRD vs PRV — Quick Compare ›
| PRD | PRV | |
|---|---|---|
| Era | 1960–1974 | Post-1974 |
| Internal pressure | 100–175 psi | >175 psi |
| Reduces when | Flowing only | Static & flowing (over 175) |
| Location | Added to / inserted in valve mouth | Internal, built into valve body (can't remove) |
| Removable? | Usually removed/overcome | Factory-preset or field-adjustable |
| Check valve? | No | Most act as one-way check |
| Stem tell | Threaded = NOT a PRV | Smooth = IS a PRV |
6Pressure Rules by Building Era ›
NFPA 14 sets minimum design/installation requirements for standpipes. LAFD often exceeds it via local amendments (e.g. many LA systems provide 750 gpm @ 65 psi residual at the roof outlet).
Pre-1993 buildings
Residual 65–80 psi at most remote outlet flowing 500 gpm (NFPA). LAFD maintains 65–100 psi. Flowing pressures 65–100 psi @ 300 GPM.
1993 & later
Minimum residual 100 psi at most remote 2½" outlet flowing 500 gpm (NFPA). LAFD maintains 100–125 psi. Flowing pressures 100–125 psi @ 300 GPM.
| Requirement | Pre-1993 | 1993 & Post |
|---|---|---|
| Max residual @ roof | 80 (NFPA) / 100 (LAFD) | 175 max @ 2½" outlets |
| Min residual @ roof | 65 | 100 (NFPA) / 100–125 (LAFD) |
| Min flow @ roof | 500 first riser / 250 each add'l | 500 first riser / 250 each add'l |
| Max hose reach | Within 30 ft using 100-ft line | 150 ft + one stairway (200 ft if sprinklered) |
Static rule when adjusting a PRV: outlet static shall not exceed 175 psi.
7Adjusting a Field-Adjustable PRV ›
Among all standpipe valves, PRVs historically have the highest failure/improper-adjustment rate. The FastWrench lets fire attack raise outlet pressure on improperly-set field-adjustable PRVs — critical to prevent being supplied with insufficient pressure. Thanks to LAFD's Reg 4 testing program, an improperly-set PRV should be the exception, not the norm.
Adjust only when the handwheel is fully open AND the line is flowing with the nozzle bale fully open. Adjusting under non-flow conditions gives inaccurate pressures.
Procedure — bonnet-access PRV
- Remove the bonnet with a pipe wrench to access the adjustment nut.
- Place the 1-1/16" deep-well socket onto the nut.
- Turn the nut clockwise to increase pressure.
- Adjust while flowing, raising pressure to achieve ~210 GPM at the nozzle.
Note: do not exceed 175 psi static.
Firefighter-adjustable PRVs (tamper-proof shield)
If conditions permit, remove the tamper-proof shield by loosening its two set screws with the 5/32" hex wrench on the adjustment rod, then slide the shield down toward the valve body. In an emergency, the shield may be knocked off with the striking face of the FastWrench. Insert the 3/8" adjustment rod into a hole on the nut and rotate clockwise while flowing until you reach ~210 GPM at the nozzle.
8Connecting & Flushing ›
When initiating fire attack from an above-ground standpipe, connect directly to the outlet with a 45° or 60° elbow, gate valve, and pressure gauge, develop the lay, and fight fire with the 1" smooth-bore nozzle. The company officer decides the appropriate application of the Metro Pack for the conditions.
Do NOT connect a gated wye during standpipe operations — testing shows it causes dangerous GPM drops, pressure fluctuations, and can be accidentally closed, disrupting water to crews in the IDLH.
Flush before attaching the line
After connecting the elbow/gate/gauge assembly, fully open the outlet and flush debris (rust, scale, bags, gloves, cans) before connecting the hose. Dry standpipes need a longer flush. In non-sprinklered buildings (or sprinklered where sprinklers aren't flowing), keep flushing until residual drops enough to trip the fire pump's Mercoid pressure switch, then continue until the gauge shows pressure has risen back to original static — confirming the pump has started.
Setting the gate-valve gauge
When the nozzleman calls for water: open the gate valve 3–4 turns off a standard globe valve to limit surge; off a PRV, open fully (pressure is mechanically limited, ~120 psi). Once the nozzleman is in position and in full PPE with the bale open, adjust the gate valve to the pressure for ~210 GPM. Setting pressure should take 10–15 seconds. Desired pressures:
| 2" hose length | Gauge pressure |
|---|---|
| 100 ft | 80 psi |
| 150 ft | 95 psi |
| 200 ft | 110 psi |
Direct water into the fire compartment while setting pressure when possible; if not, flow into the hallway — but avoid directing water toward elevator vestibules or down stairwells where crews may be operating.
The pictures carry this tab. Read the conditions on the fire floor first, pick the lay, then follow the sequence. Two configurations: Hallway Lay (preferred for residential) and Stairwell Lay (when the hallway or stairwell is compromised). The coil method is discontinued — deploy straight, kink-free hose to maximize flow.
1Read the Conditions First ›
As the fire attack team ascends, the company officer recons the stairwell and fire floor to determine thermal conditions, then communicates the condition and corresponding operation to the IC (or Division Supervisor). Three possibilities:
Wind-impacted fires
Consider descending a floor and crossing to the opposite stairwell before connecting. Use the windward stairwell where possible — keep the wind at your back to push heat, smoke, and fire away from the team.
2Clean Hallway — Hallway Lay ›
The Hallway Lay is the preferred method for residential/compartmentalized occupancies — most efficient way to position the nozzle and first coupling at the point of attack. It depends on a tenable hallway.
Sequence
- Lay the needed packs in the fire-floor hallway, nozzle facing the fire. Connect male-to-female couplings of each pack. Remove Velcro straps on all packs except the nozzle pack.
- Shoulder the nozzle pack and walk to the fire unit. Drop the pack in front of the door — nozzle toward the unit, folded side toward the hinge side of the door.
- Grab the middle fold and walk 25 ft forward to lay out straight hose. Call for water while returning to the nozzle and suiting up.
- The Hydrant FF grabs the middle fold of the remaining pack closest to the standpipe, walks out 25 ft to lay straight hose in the hallway, then returns to the outlet to load the line.
- With the nozzle fully open, flow water into the room to set the gauge (~5–10 sec). Officer maintains door control while pressure is set.
Door-hinge orientation
Develop the line differently for near-side vs far-side door hinge orientation from the attack stairwell — so the hose feeds cleanly toward the door swing.
3Dirty Hallway / Stairwell — Stairwell Lay ›
Use the Stairwell Lay when the hallway is compromised, in commercial occupancies (open floor plans, center-core, higher fire load), or when a charged line must be staged before advancing. Initiate from a standpipe at least one floor below the fire floor — avoid connecting on the fire floor. A charged line must be positioned and available before crews advance onto the fire floor.
Before opening the stairwell door into the IDLH, the officer verifies and communicates to the IC: attack stairwell identified & selected; area outside the IDLH searched for occupants; a second company ready to support (Initial RIC); team is entering the IDLH.
Sequence
- Lay packs on the corridor of the floor below the fire, male couplings toward the ascent stairwell. Connect all packs; strip Velcro from each except the nozzle pack (keep secured until deployment).
- Hydrant member takes the female coupling to the standpipe outlet; nozzle member shoulders the nozzle pack and grabs the middle fold of the next pack, then walks up to the stairwell landing on the fire floor.
- Nozzle member drops the pack in front of the stairwell door, nozzle side toward the outside wall. Officer follows, clearing kinks and pushing hose toward the outside wall of the stairs.
- Nozzle member removes all straps, grabs the center fold, walks up laying straight hose on the landing above the fire floor.
- Working simultaneously: hydrant member connects the standpipe gate & gauge, fully opens the outlet to flush, then connects the hose's female coupling and returns to the hallway one floor below. Deploy remaining hose by pulling the center fold and walking straight down the hallway to remove kinks. Return to outlet, wait for call for water.
- Once charged, nozzle member fully opens the shutoff and flows into the fire-floor hallway (when practical) to set the gauge. Officer maintains door control.
4Second Company & Relief ›
On arriving at the floor below the fire, the second company relieves the hydrant member at the standpipe, freeing that firefighter to join the attack team — preserving crew integrity. The relieved firefighter moves up to the stairwell door, relieves the officer, and positions at the outside corner of the doorway to pull hose as the line advances. The fire attack officer normally stays within 10 ft of the nozzle member.
The second officer briefs with the attack officer, then assumes Division Supervisor at the stairwell landing. The second company's nozzle member positions at the outside corner of the landing below and pulls hose up the stairwell; the second hydrant member feeds hose up from the door below. Rotate crews every 10–15 minutes.
Note: LA Fire Code allows up to 150 ft between hose outlets on a floor. When connecting on the floor below, failure to connect all four packs can leave the team without enough hose. For County buildings or unusual layouts, connect an additional pack from the next-arriving company.
5Extending the Hose Lay ›
Extensions are needed when the deployed length can't reach the objective. Members must be competent extending lines inside the IDLH.
Procedure
- Establish a safe area — flow water to cool walls/ceiling until conditions are stable and flashover risk is reduced.
- Prep the pack before shutting down — remove three Velcro straps (two outer straps before entering the IDLH when possible), position nozzle/coupling toward the fire, pull nozzle and coupling toward the end of the operating line.
- Shut down — close the fire attack nozzle, remove the nozzle tip from the shutoff butt.
- Connect the female coupling of the dry pack to the shutoff butt of the charged line.
- Verify the bale of the pack's nozzle is fully closed before charging.
- Recharge slowly.
- Adjust pressure — open the nozzle and request an additional 10 psi from the engineer/gate-valve firefighter to compensate for added friction loss.
- Secure the shutoff butt in the open position with a Velcro strap capturing both the butt and the backside of the male coupling.
62½" Hose & Master Stream ›
Stream effectiveness comes down to flow rate (GPM), reach, and penetration — volume is usually the most important. Consider larger lines for: commercial heavy fuel loads, upper-floor residential high-rise fires, delayed notification with significant spread, or compromised suppression systems.
Outlet pressures for effective 2½" flow are often comparable to 2" — e.g. a 200-ft 2½" line with a 1¼" smooth-bore tip flowing ~325 GPM @ 50 psi NP needs ~100 psi outlet. Unlike smaller lines, 2½" is not carried in preconfigured packs — prep into a shoulder load before ascending.
2½" Stairwell Lay
Each attack team member carries one 50-ft section while ascending. At the floor below the fire, the hydrant member places their section down and begins connecting couplings. The nozzle pack stays on the nozzle member's shoulder, connected to the officer's pack. Nozzle member ascends to the fire floor while the officer ensures the hose pays out smoothly around the stairwell perimeter; place the nozzle pack down at the landing and prep for deployment.
Interior master stream (portable monitor)
For a large, uncontrolled fire, a portable monitor supplied by a single 2½" line delivers high volume/reach/penetration and directs nozzle reaction into the floor (better stream stability, less fatigue). Most effective during initial attack — operate slow and methodical. Watch for air entrainment altering flow paths in remote areas.
| Supply | Expected flow |
|---|---|
| 100 ft 2½" from floor below | ~470 gpm @ 120 psi from riser |
| Metro packs, non-PRV outlet | ~375 gpm @ 150 psi |
| Metro packs, PRV outlet | ~330 gpm @ 120 psi |
Transition to handline once the majority of fire is controlled — switch to the Metro pack line for final extinguishment, hidden fire, and overhaul. Avoid excess water after knockdown (weight → collapse risk).
What Am I Connecting To?
Before the pack goes to work, identify the outlet. The decision turns on one number — 175 psi — and a few visual tells. Read the flow, then the cards, then what each means for your hookup.
A visible threaded stem is the classic tell of a standard globe valve (non-regulating). Note the body style and whether a handwheel or restricting device is present.
Attach the gate valve to the elbow at the outlet before flushing. Open the standpipe valve fully, then set flow pressure at the gate valve using the in-line gauge (100'=80, 150'=95, 200'=110 psi).
The Three Outlets
2-1/2" Globe Valve
Connect normally. Gate valve to elbow, open standpipe fully, set your pressure at the gauge. No PRV to manage.
Pressure Restricting Device (PRD)
If the gauge shows low pressure with the valve full open, the PRD may need to be removed. Keep the line moving to avoid a static spike.
Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)
Open the standpipe handwheels completely when operating from a PRV outlet, then control pressure at your gate valve. Use the Fast Wrench for field-adjustable PRVs.
Reading The Gate Valve & Gauge
Identification drives the action — here is what your hands are on once you commit to the outlet.
OPEN / CLOSE Knob
TFT GATE VALVE · AY370LBlue = OPEN, Red = CLOSE. After the standpipe valve is fully open, set your desired flow pressure here.
In-Line Gauge Dial
TFT · 0–200 PSI LIQUID-FILLEDConfirms the pressure you set at the outlet. Full detail and the length/pressure card are on the Pressure Logic tab.
REFFull Poster — Identifying Standpipe Outlets ›
Appliances & Tools
Every bag carries this minimum. Company commanders may add to it. The order the appliances stack on the outlet matters — see the sequence below the cards.
2-1/2" Gate Valve
TFT · QUARTER-TURN BALL2-1/2" female NH swivel inlet, 2-1/2" male NH rigid outlet. Full waterway, position indicator, rated 200 psi.
- Attach to elbow at the outlet before flushing.
- Set flow pressure after the standpipe valve is fully open.
- Open standpipe handwheels fully on a PRV outlet.
In-Line Pressure Gauge
TFT · PIVOTING · 0–200 PSILiquid-filled, pivoting dial for visibility in tight stairwells. Reads outlet pressure in real time.
- Set proper pressure at the standpipe; troubleshoot.
- Good pressure, weak stream = kink downstream.
- Full open, low pressure = pull PRD / adjust PRV.
45° High-Rise Drain Elbow
ELKHART · 2 LBS · 200 PSI45° elbow with an integrated drain valve. Reduces kinking and stress at the outlet.
- Place before the in-line gauge.
- Gradual bend toward the floor to kill kinks.
- Bleed the line in the stairwell to limit water damage.
60° Elbow
AKRON · 2-1/2"Works with the 45° elbow to clear Class III combination hose cabinets. Replaces the 8-foot pigtail.
- Clears cabinet lips in confined stairwells.
- Reduces kinking and coupling strain.
2-1/2" to 1-1/2" Reducer
1 EAUsed with the in-line gauge to reduce from 2-1/2" to 1-1/2" and connect the hose pack system.
Fast Wrench
10-IN-1 · ~3.5 LBS LIGHTERField-adjustable standpipe multi-tool for virtually all PRVs. Removes stubborn caps, frees vandalized wheels. Eliminates carrying a Hayward.
- Adj. wrench (2-7/8" = bonnet), striking face, 3 valve-stem slots.
- Spanner, 1-1/16" socket (internal PRV), 15/16" (Zurn).
- Adjusting rod, 5/32" security hex, gas/hydrant nut.
Universal Spanners
(2) ELKHART · 2-1/2"Coupling wrench for rocker/pin-lug couplings, caps, plugs. Fits 1-1/2" to 3". Includes gas shutoff / pry / belt hook.
Spring Clamps
(2) 2-INCHPositioned on the lock/knob side of the door. Keeps the door from locking while keeping positive door control.
Commercial Door Stops
(2)Top of the door for piano hinges, or on the hinge of commercial doors — holds the door fully open while advancing line.
Wood Wedge Door Chalks
(2)Chalk open hallway doors after a charged hose line has been placed into operation.
Order On The Outlet
From the standpipe outlet outward, the appliances stack in this sequence.
Identify it first (Tab 02). Attach at the elbow before flushing.
Clears the cabinet and bends the line gradually toward the floor. Drain elbow sits before the gauge.
Your control point — set flow pressure here after the standpipe valve is fully open.
Confirm the set pressure; reduce 2-1/2" to 1-1/2" to connect the pack.
Female to the source. Advance, chalk doors, flow.
DIAGFast Wrench — Ten Tools In One ›
Pressure Logic
Four numbers run the whole system. Know these cold and the outlet, the gauge, and the troubleshooting all fall into place.
Set It By Length
The red stickers on the in-line gauge collar — discharge pressure by hose length to the fire.
Nozzle & Extension Numbers
| Smooth bore NP | @40 psi | @50 psi | @60 psi | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" tip | 185 gpm | 210 gpm | 230 gpm | 78 |
| Extend from | PDP @200' | FL 2"/100' | New PDP @300' |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3/4" | 175 psi | 10 psi | 185 psi |
| 1-1/2" | 145 psi | 40 psi | 185 psi |
Gauge Troubleshooting
REFPRV Set Pressures — NFPA & LAFD ›
| Era / Standard | Set pressure |
|---|---|
| Pre-93 (NFPA) | 65–100 psi |
| Post-93 (NFPA) | 100–175 psi |
| LAFD residual | 300 gpm @ 80–125 psi |
| LAFD flow | 300 gpm @ 100–125 psi |
Flashcards
Tap the card to flip. Mark what you know to track progress — it saves on this device.