At what angle does a fire stream achieve the greatest horizontal reach?

The angle at which a fire stream achieves the greatest horizontal reach is critical for effective firefighting operations, particularly when targeting high or distant areas. When a stream is projected at approximately 30 to 34 degrees, it uses the principles of projectile motion to maximize its horizontal distance.

At this angle, the fire stream balances vertical lift and horizontal distance, allowing for a more sustained reach without excessive loss of pressure or volume. Angles lower than this, such as 20 to 25 degrees, may not provide adequate height for the water to reach elevated positions. Conversely, higher angles like 45 to 50 degrees or 50 to 60 degrees often result in greater vertical reach at the cost of horizontal distance, limiting their effectiveness in certain firefighting scenarios.

Thus, using a 30 to 34-degree angle optimizes the fire stream's reach, allowing firefighters to effectively deliver water to the desired target while maintaining sufficient pressure and flow.