When stretching a 2 1/2" hose vertically up the open stairwell shaft, how many floors can one section reach?

When stretching a 2 1/2" hose vertically up an open stairwell shaft, one section can effectively reach up to four floors due to the length of the hose section and the typical height of each floor in a building.

A standard length for a hose section is 50 feet. Given that the average height of a commercial or residential floor in most buildings ranges from 10 to 12 feet, this means a 50-foot section can span approximately four floors. When considering ductwork or other obstructions in stairwells, stretch ability may slightly vary, but the standard calculation for a straight vertical climb without significant interruptions allows for a reach across four complete floors.

This practical application is important for firefighting operations and allows firefighters to plan for sufficient hose coverage when tackling incidents that occur in multi-story structures. Thus, the correct understanding aligns with this typical stretch capability for adequate reach and operational effectiveness on the fireground.