What type of hose lay is suitable when the water source is past the incident location?

A reverse lay is the appropriate hose lay technique when the water source is located beyond the incident location. This method involves laying the hose in the opposite direction from the water source to the fire, which allows firefighters to connect the hose to the hydrant or water supply first before extending it to the incident scene.

In practice, when approaching a fire or emergency scene, it is essential to ensure that firefighters have a reliable water supply that is established before engaging in firefighting operations. The reverse lay helps achieve that by allowing the supply line to be connected to the water source first, which provides an uninterrupted flow of water as firefighters advance towards the fire or incident location. This approach enhances safety and efficiency, enabling firefighters to combat the situation more effectively once the hose is set up and operational.

Other hose lay types, like forward lay, split lay, and direct lay, each have their unique applications primarily when the water source is adjacent to or in front of the incident. However, for situations where the water source lies beyond the incident, the reverse lay is the most suitable choice.