What should be the line sizes used while combating liquid propane fires?

When combating liquid propane fires, the appropriate line size is crucial for effectively managing the fire's intensity while maintaining sufficient reach and flow. A line size of 2 1/2 inches is often recommended when dealing with liquid propane due to the highly volatile nature of propane and its potential for rapid fire spread. Utilizing a larger diameter line allows firefighters to deliver a higher volume of water or foam which is necessary to cool the propane and prevent re-ignition, while also creating a sufficient stand-off distance from the fire.

Larger lines provide increased flow rates, which are essential when suppressing fires involving flammable liquids like propane. This allows firefighters to effectively combat the heat and potential for flare-ups while ensuring safety by maintaining a distance from the base of the fire.

In this context, while lines of 1 1/2 inches may be used for smaller fires or in low-risk conditions, they do not provide the required flow for effective suppression of hazardous propane situations. Lines of size 2 1/4 inches and 3 inches could also be used in some scenarios, but incorporating foam or water through a 2 1/2-inch line represents standard practice for maximum effectiveness and firefighter safety during firefighting operations involving liquid propane.