What was the typical length of fire hose sections in the 17th century?

The typical length of fire hose sections in the 17th century was indeed 50 feet. This length was practical for various reasons, including the ability to manage the hose during firefighting and the capacity to transport and store the hose effectively.

Firefighting technology in the 17th century was still developing, and hoses were often made of materials such as leather or linen, which influenced their weight and flexibility. A 50-foot section allowed firefighters to maneuver easily and connect multiple hoses as needed when facing larger structures or geographic challenges.

Hoses of 25 feet would have been too short for effective coverage, while options of 75 feet and 100 feet would have posed significant handling challenges and difficulties in storage and transportation. The 50-foot length struck a balance between reach and manageability, making it the standard during that time period.