What is the effect of using a solid stream over a fog stream in firefighting?

Using a solid stream in firefighting brings about greater penetration compared to a fog stream. A solid stream is characterized by a focused, concentrated column of water that can push through barriers, such as flames, smoke, and debris, more effectively. This allows firefighters to reach the seat of the fire with greater intensity, helping to extinguish it more rapidly and efficiently.

The established reach of a solid stream also supports its ability to penetrate deep into storage areas or other confined spaces, providing optimal effectiveness when combating structural fires. The high velocity and mass of the water stream enable it to overcome wind conditions and travel further distances, thus increasing the effectiveness of cooling and suppression efforts.

In contrast, fog streams disperse the water over a larger area with smaller droplets and are more effective for cooling and creating a protective barrier. However, they do not have the same level of penetrating power as solid streams, which is why the choice of solid stream is significantly advantageous in situations where penetrating the fire or reaching a deep-seated fire is necessary.