These were big in the 80s and 90s, but fortunately are phasing out of interior firefighting. If you don’t agree or understand, go flow test one and you will see. Don’t use them with interior firefighting. The greater the nozzle pressure, the greater the nozzle reaction which equates to gating down the flow. To keep it brief, it equates to high volume of H2o (150+) with low nozzle reaction. Best Fog nozzle weapons are the 50 psi nozzle pressure nozzles. In addition, it does provide the firefighter with a little more versatility to use during overhaul and hydraulic ventilation if needed. With that being said, fog nozzles on a straight stream are extremely effective and are excellent weapons. Again, watch video and it clearly demonstrates why we should not be using fog patterns. Andy Fredrick’s, then come back and finish reading my boring rant. Don’t think so? Just google the history of the fog nozzle and pattern and how they were originally designed to be used or read up on Lt. Moral of this point, NEVER operate any type of fog pattern, no matter how narrow the fog pattern, when combating interior fires (when fire suppression, not to be confused with mop up). I’ve learned this through training, education, and experience of being steamed burned (multiple times). “We don’t know what we don’t know, until we know we don’t know.” I now know it was wrong and dangerous. The ironic thing is, this is what I was taught in 1989 in rookie school. Drastically changes conditions and heat conditions increase significantly. Observe how “violent” the conditions get. Again, see the video when the fog pattern is opened twice. When operated on a fog pattern, you can move almost as much air as a PPV, essentially creating a wind fueled fire. Watch the video and see what type of “protection” it provides. It is a myth that has absolutely no merit. Fog nozzles DO NOT provide ANY type of protection with interior firefighting. Here are some quick points to ponder that are FACT. This is not an opinion, it is an evidence based FACT. That’s right, not just your job, but ALL OF US. I will take it one step further, it not only prevents progress, but it makes OUR job that more dangerous. Close minded firemen…”We have always done it this way…and no one got hurt….or just put the damn fire out” mentality, prevents progress. Staying in your own “bubble” (not getting out of your own department to see how the rest of the world does business) prevents progress.
The biggest problem I see when debating these nozzles is that many firefighters are just simply uninformed or under educated on the advantages and disadvantages of BOTH nozzles and even at times, don’t know how to operate the nozzle properly so that it is an effective weapon. Where I work in suburban America, BOTH nozzles are needed and are beneficial. SB and Fog a lot of times are dependent on the demographics they serve. There certainly is a place for both and if you find yourself only taking a stand on one of the two nozzles, chances are you are uninformed.