Which guideline should be followed when loading fire hose?

• A. Tighten couplings mechanically
• B. Pack the hose as tightly as possible
• C. Load Large-Diameter Hose (LDH) with all couplings near the back of the bed
• D. Remove kinks and twists from hose when bent to form a loop in the hose bed

Answer: (D)

Loading fire hose properly starts with keeping the hose smooth and free of kinks as you form the loop in the hose bed. If kinks or twists are allowed at the bend, the hose can pinch or kink, which stresses the fabric and reinforcement, can restrict water flow, and creates snags that slow deployment. By guiding the hose to form a clean, twist-free loop, you protect the hose from damage, maintain its flexibility, and ensure a quick, unobstructed pull when needed. Proper loading also means avoiding over-tightening couplings, not packing the hose too tightly, and keeping couplings accessible so they aren’t buried or damaged during loading. The key practice here is removing kinks and twists when forming the loop.