What type of hose layout is defined as being laid from the fire to the hydrant?

The type of hose layout that is defined as being laid from the fire to the hydrant is known as a reverse lay. This technique is typically employed when a fire apparatus is positioned at the emergency scene and the firefighters need to connect to a nearby hydrant to supply water.

In a reverse lay, the hose is deployed starting from the fire scene and is then run back to the hydrant, which optimizes the time taken to get water to the firefighters while allowing them to focus immediately on combatting the fire. This method is particularly effective in situations where the most immediate need is to establish water protection at the fire source. Furthermore, it enables the apparatus to be in a more advantageous position for any subsequent operations.

Other hose layouts, while useful in specific scenarios, do not match the definition provided. Forward lays start at the hydrant and proceed to the fire, split lays involve laying two lines simultaneously (one to the hydrant and one to the fire), and combination lays have both elements of forward and reverse. Hence, within the context of the question, reverse lay is the correct identification for this operational tactic.