How should a charged hose line be advanced to the fire via stairs?

• A. With proper team coordination, keeping the line controlled and the nozzle pointed toward the fire; do not drag loosely up the stairs
• B. Drag loosely up the stairs
• C. Push it up without coordination
• D. Lay the line on the stairs and wait

Answer: (A)

Advancing a charged hose line up stairs requires control, teamwork, and the nozzle aimed toward the fire. When the line is charged, water pressure makes the hose stiff and harder to maneuver, so keeping it under tension helps prevent kinks, snagging on treads, or getting caught on the rail or door frames. Proper coordination means crew members move in a planned rhythm, communicate, and position themselves so the line remains controlled from the pump to the nozzle. This setup lets the nozzle firefighter direct water where it’s needed, maintain a steady flow, and quickly respond to changing fire conditions as you ascend.

Dragging loosely up the stairs creases the line, increases the chance of snagging or kinks, and makes it hard to control the stream. Pushing without coordination or laying the line on the stairs and waiting delays attack and sacrifices safety and effectiveness.