When approaching a burning flammable liquid vessel to operate the valve, which combination of hose streams should be used?

When dealing with a burning flammable liquid vessel, it's essential to have an effective fire suppression strategy to ensure both the safety of the firefighters and the effective operation of the valve. The selected option involves using two 1¾" (45 mm) hose streams, which is appropriate for managing the situation.

Using two hose streams provides an increased volume of water and a wider coverage area, effectively cooling the surrounding environment and creating a barrier between the firefighters and the flammable liquid fire. The smaller diameter of the 1¾" hoses allows for better maneuverability and can be operated by fewer personnel, providing enough control over the water stream while maintaining the necessary flow rate to combat the flames.

This combination balances the need for flow with the versatility required when navigating around hazardous situations involving flammable liquids. In contrast, using a larger hose like a 2½" (65 mm) may generate higher flow rates but can become cumbersome and less manageable in tight or precarious environments. Moreover, relying on a single hose could compromise the firefighters' ability to maintain adequate coverage and control the fire effectively. Therefore, the chosen combination optimizes both fire control and operational safety.