Size Matters for Fire Hoses

Gary gives tips on fire defense during the Bay Area Infernos of August, 2020 in which California's 2nd and 3rd largest wildfires in state history rage uncontrolled nearby, almost having burned Gary's Winters Ranch to the ground the previous day having been stopped by brave firefighters just 30' away on the other side of the road. Gary flashes back 35 years previous just one mile away when he found himself alone as a 16 year old in the middle of a like inferno and saved the family home with just a small garden hose. This time, he's ready with multiple BIG real firehoses.

[@christophermozeleski7149]

get double jacket fire hose. it may last longer than the hose you are using now.

[@Nhoj31neirbo47]

We’ve got a ways to go before our winter rains. Hopefully this fire season won’t get worse. Unfortunately, with our changing climate the fire season is becoming a year round thing. Bummer. We don’t need another Berkeley Hills type fire event. Great to see your young women earning their keep. That hose set up is swell. If your property is threatened by a burn, wet it down and GET THE HECK OUT ! Even professional firefighters get injured and sometimes perish in very unpredictable wildfires.

[@waydeepinside]

Gary - Kudos to You having installed those 1.5” strategically placed lines etc. Clearly, Your experience and insight gained in the fire in 86 was & is a catalyst of inspiration and action. I wouldn’t be surprised if You are out furthering preparedness at this moment. Of course, be safe as possible ! We know how nature has a way of surprising people. The Best of Luck to You !

[@falconeaterf15]

Seems like a defensible location. However, how does water get to your house? If it’s dependent on a distant pumping station it may not be running when you need it most.

[@marckenny3131]

Fingers crossed for you, and your property 🤞

[@chrisdick9860]

Heck yeah man i like how you set up all those comnect points thats pretty genius , if you added 2 pumps one at each of the points you had flowing in the video you could move a hell of a lot more water and reach a lot further with more pressure , just my 2 cents but really i cant complain you put together a great system

[@ScaryHairyGary]

Hopefully it never gets used

[@falconeaterf15]

What rhymes with fire hose…..? I’m so evil……sorry.

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

Budddyyyyyyy you need to install new wire and new connections where that rats nest was lol

[@KosukiFire]

Get a better nozzle, preferably a smooth bore

[@iamwarren219]

Be safe Gary. Good luck and I hope the fires are a non-issue on your property

[@thenukerunner4906]

I’m curious if that’s a 75 gpm nozzle, and what psi that flow is running at? Awesome work getting that setup!

[@ScaryHairyGary]

Probably 50 plus or minus.

[@beingsneaky]

No wonders houses are burning down in cali. All that fuel right next to the house, and on your escape route out.

[@ScaryHairyGary]

Yes, I could just have a 100 yard perimeter of just gravel all around the house but I do like to live on the edge. Just to keep things exciting.

[@aussie8114]

Fire comes through and you won’t be able to breath with all the smoke. Fire also consumes the oxygen in the air I think. If I lived in an area like that I would also build a fire safe cool room with breathing apparatus in it.

[@ScaryHairyGary]

It all depends on how severe the fire is as I’ve been in one before and there can come a point where you just need to get up and run. Recognizing that moment if it comes is the most important thing you’ll ever do.

[@aussie8114]

@@ScaryHairyGary Yes but there needs to be somewhere to run to. Some years ago there was a terrible bushfire nearby that completely wiped out the town. About 140 people died. They had nowhere to run to. Some died in the flames, most from smoke, and oxygen deprivation.

[@TropicalGardenGuy]

Interesting vid!

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

What ever you do, just don't run out of mains water! What about that expensive wrapping that protects the houses?

[@beingsneaky]

If you have enough warning set up sprinkles and run them for hours..

[@Yodie208]

Well prepared with an Awesome Fire Crew..No worries!

[@brians09crf450x]

Best of luck to you and your family. Hopefully this is just a good training exercise

[@Bobby381666]

All them leaves tightly paced shrubs would scare the crap out of me, my homes here in California are loosing their insurance so been buying up fire fighting tools built a 70 by 20 pound holds a lot of water got water tanks 2000 plus gallons each not planning on leaving if fire comes, have family set to leave but us men of the house will stay and fight . fire hose nozzle i just got doesn't shoot as well as yours just ordered another. moving them hoses full of water is hard.

[@DanielLee89501]

Bobby, What are you using to boost your water pressure? Like above “Defensible Space” the proper gear and a safety zone. A small concrete building might help. Be sure to watch the PBS video on the Paradise fire. It’s an eye opener.

[@justplaywoman2]

dem 1 1/2" jose look wonderful eith the big pipe !

[@ZaatarGardens]

My family and I watched this together, our thoughts are with you!

[@kolmichelson]

Ayy epic day brother