What defines the status of "In Service" for hose equipment?

The status of "In Service" for hose equipment is accurately defined as when the hose is ready for immediate use at an incident. This classification indicates that the hose has been inspected, maintained, and is currently operational, allowing firefighters to deploy it without delay to combat fires or respond to emergencies. Being "in service" means that it meets all safety and operational standards, ensuring that crews can rely on the hose when it matters most.

In contrast, hoses that are not on a vehicle indicate they are not currently available for quick deployment. Hoses under routine maintenance are temporarily out of service to ensure they remain functional and safe. Additionally, hoses designated for training only are explicitly set aside for instructional purposes, meaning they are not available for emergency response. Therefore, the definition of a hose being "in service" is tightly associated with its readiness and suitability for immediate operational use in firefighting scenarios.