The Can

[@Fredengle]

any way for those that were wondering I was able to make indirect contact with Mike and here is what he said in individual units in the FDNY, they will often fill their cans with a little less water. This enables the can to have more air in it, which can assist a unit while awaiting the engine's hose line. It won't add that more pressure because the can is normally filled to 100psi and the gauge will read overcharged when going past that pressure. The reason for less water and more air, allows us more time inside the apartment or dwelling containing the fire, while the engine is making a long hose stretch to the fire area. As for the exact amount of water, units play it by ear and don't measure the water exactly. Most units may put 2 1/4 gallons in it and leave the 1/4 out, some may just run 2 gallons and leave the half out. We have also been adding some foam to all of our cans so that the mixture adheres to the burning materials better. With today's new plastics, we've seen flare ups when hit with water. So we're hoping the foam saturates the material or cuts off some of the oxygen and smothers the burning plastics. As for measuring, our books say we use 10 ounces of foam in the cans.

[@Hearthman1159]

You didn't mention adding a dash of dish soap as a wetting agent. Do you foresee any problems with this? It's been a standard for years for small fires such as the cigarette in the couch where surface tension beads the water up. Same for small roadside fires. Good stuff Mike. 343 buddy.

[@Fredengle]

What I see if you ask me is that dish soap conducts even more than foam so there is no possibility you can use it on an electrical fire

[@jlt7793]

Nice tips! We also add about 10cc’s of fire aid to our cans.

[@Fredengle]

Hi JLt77 my question to you is I see that in this link its titled water extinguisher on class b I guess that would explain why he is using a misting finger ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2LdpHadhrZ_pdE ideas please thank you

[@jlt7793]

@@Fredengle I don’t see how less water and more air would be beneficial. Not to overstate the obvious but water puts fires out. More pressure may help a bit with reach but you would then need less water since there’s only so much room inside. We use 2 1/2 gallon extinguishers. Water goes in first, usually just to the bottom of the sleeve to leave room for air. Then add in some fire aid. If the fire aid goes in before the water then you’re getting bubbles and it’s a lot messier. Then pressurize to 100psi and you’re good to go. And the ring should only be hand tightened. Hope that helps.

[@Fredengle]

heres a question for you would you take a chance with a can that was not currently hydro tested?

[@jlt7793]

@@Fredengle no. Water cans aren’t pressurized enough to need hydro testing. They’re only hand tightened.

[@Fredengle]

@@jlt7793 Hi JL thank you for your response then you say you dont think a water can needs to be hydro tested so in your opinion than the fact that it may be a requirement would mean they have probably done that intentionally to insure that a refill technnican will make money by requiring the performance of an uncessary test? do you agree than?

[@owensweetland342]

This guy's great. Real good stuff.

[@280StJohnsPl]

A tip I was told by a legendary FDNY Fire officer .....when you as The Can Man are holding the fire and the Officer and Irons Man go past the fire, let the Officer know when you are getting low on water. (This of course if the Engine isn't on the fire floor yet) so you will have enough water to hold the fire long enough for the Officer and Irons Man to escape the fire apartment. 2 1/2 gallons of water used properly, and balls will put out a lot of fire. FDNY Ret.

[@coltonwolfe4412]

Probably don't want to know but I'm on the can

[@rhoonah5849]

Let us know how it all came out.

[@Blazefork]

A1 for a chimney fire...steam from the bottom!