You still see Fire Hose installation’s from time to time in the UK and the one pictured above was found at a local university, however it was screwed shut.
Why was it screwed shut and why don’t we use these anymore? Well imagine the difference in risk between attempting to put out a small fire with a co2 extinguisher knowing it only lasts for 20 seconds, or a water extinguisher which lasts for around 1 minute. Compared to an endless supply of water within a fire hose. Bear in mind you have no respiratory protection on and more fire fatalities are from smoke inhalation than actual burning.
The fire hose installation’s offered an increased opportunity to take risk while attempting to put out a fire. The operator may be unaware of the increased risk and spend minutes breathing in smoke before getting themselves out if it wasn’t to late.
Fire extinguishers are small and short for a reason. If you can’t put it out with just one, get out and let the fire service deal with it.
