How far behind the truck should a hose clamp be applied?

Applying a hose clamp behind a truck at a distance of 20 feet is recommended to ensure safety and maintain optimal water flow during firefighting operations. This distance provides enough space to effectively stop the flow of water in the hose without interfering with the truck's positioning and operations.

When a clamp is positioned too close to the truck, it can lead to complications, such as the potential for damaging equipment or creating an unsafe situation during a rapid response scenario. The 20-foot distance strikes a balance between accessibility to the hose for adjustments or repairs and maintaining a safe operational perimeter surrounding the firefighting equipment.

Ensuring that the clamp is placed at this distance allows firefighters to manage the hose effectively while still being able to operate efficiently around the truck, which is crucial in emergency situations.