How many sections of hose are typically required for the working load on a Minneapolis engine?

The standard operating procedure for the Minneapolis Fire Department indicates that typically 18 sections of hose are required for the working load on a Minneapolis engine. This number is based on the average operational need for effective fire suppression in various scenarios, ensuring firefighters have sufficient length and pressure to combat fires effectively.

The choice of 18 sections allows for flexibility in deployment, whether tackling urban residential fires, larger commercial fires, or complex multi-story structures where strategic placement of hose lines is critical. Using this amount of hose ensures that crews can maintain an adequate flow of water from the engine to the fire while also allowing for adjustments as situations on the ground evolve.

Alternative quantities, while possibly useful in specific instances, do not align with the established SOP, reflecting the tailored training and strategic planning employed by the department to prepare for the majority of incident types encountered in Minneapolis.