FF Skills - Gloassary:1 Flashcards
911 dispatcher/telecommunicator
From the communications center, the dispatcher takes the calls from the public, sends appro-priate units to the scene, assists callers with treatment instructions until the EMS unit arrives, and assists the incident commander with needed resources.
Accelerator
A device that speeds up the removal of the air from a dry pipe or preaction sprinkler system. An accelerator reduces the time required for water to start flowing from sprinkler heads.
Accidental fire
Fires for which the cause does not involve a human act with the intent to ignite or spread a fire. (NFPA 556)
Accordion hose load
A method of loading hose on a vehicle that results in a hose appearance that resembles accordion sections. This is achieved bv standing the hose on its edge and laying it side to side in the hose bed.
Activity logging system
A device that keeps a detailed record of every incident and activity that occurs.
Adaptor
A device that allows fire hose couplings to be safely interconnected with couplings of different sizes, threads, or mat-ing surfacing or that allows fire hose couplings to be safely connected to other appliances.
Adjustable-gallonage fog nozzle
A nozzle that allows the operator to select a desired flow from several settings.
Adolescent firesetters
Firesetters who are typically 14 to 16 years old and may exhibit serious emotional or psychological symptoms such as extreme stress or anger. Target buildings include schools, churches, outbuildings, vacant homes, and vacant lots.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
A member of EMS who can perform limited procedures that usually fall between those provided by an EMT and those provided by a paramedic, including IV therapy, interpretation of cardiac rhythms, defibrillation, and airway intubation.
Adze
The blade or wedge part of a tool such as the Halligan tool.
Aerial fuels
Fuels located more than 6 ft (2 m) off the ground, usually part of or attached to trees.
Aerial ladder
A self-supporting, turntable-mounted, power-operated ladder of two or more sections permanently attached to a self-propelled automotive fire apparatus and designed to provide a continuous egress route from an elevated position to the ground. (NFPA 1901)
Aircraft/crash rescue fire fighter (ARFF)
An individual who takes firefighting actions to prevent, control, or extinguish fireinvolved or adjacent to an aircraft for the purpose of maintaining maximum escape routes for occupants using normal and emer-gency routes for egress. (NFPA 414)
Air cylinder
The pressure vessel or vessels that are an integral part of the SCBA and that contain the breathing gas supply; can be configured as a single cylinder or other pressure vessel or as multiple cylinders or pressure vessels. (NFPA 1981)
Air line
The hose through which air flows, either within an SCBA or from an outside source to a supplied air respirator.
Air management
The use of a limited air supply in such a way as to ensure that it will last long enough to enter a hazardous area, accomplish needed tasks, and return safely.
Air-purifying respirator (APR)
A respirator that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through one or more air purification components. (NFPA 1984)
Air sampling detector
A system that captures a sample of air from a room or enclosed space and passes it through a smoke detection or gas analysis device.
Alarm initiating device
An automatic or manually operated device in a fire alarm system that, when activated, causes the system to indicate an alarm condition.
Alarm notification appliance
An audible and/or visual device in a fire alarm system that makes occupants or other persons aware of an alarm condition.
Alarm valve
A valve that signals an alarm when1 a sprinkler head is activated and prevents nuisance alarms caused by pressure variations.
Alarm verification feature
A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period after being reset in order to be accepted as a valid alarm initiation signal. (NFPA 72)
Alcohol-resistant foam concentrate
A concentrate used for fighting fires on water-soluble materials and other fuels destructive to regular, AFFF, or FFFP foams, as well as for fires involving hydrocarbons. (NFPA 11)
Alternative-fuel vehicle
A vehicle that uses anything other than a petroleum-based motor fuel (gasoline or diesel fuel) to pro-pel a motorized vehicle.
Ammonium phosphate
An extinguishing agent used in dry-chemical fire extinguishers that can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.
Anchor, flank, and pinch attack
A direct method of suppressing a wildland or ground cover fire that involves two teams of fire fighters establishing anchor points on each side of the fire and working toward the head of the fire until the fire gets ÒpinchedÓbetween them; also known as the pincer attack.
Anchor point
A strategic and safe point from which to start con-structing a fire control line. An anchor point is used to reduce the chance of fire fighters being flanked by fire.
Annealed
The process of forming standard glass.
A-posts
Vertical support members that form the sides of the windshield of a motor veh’cle.
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)
A concentrate based on fluorinated surfactants plus foam stabilizers to produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing hydrocarbon fuel vapors and usually diluted with water to a 1 percent, 3 percent, or 6 percent solution. (NFPA 11)
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)
is A solution based on fluorinated surfactants plus foam stabilizers to produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing liquid fuel vapors. (NFPA 10)
Arc mapping
The systematic evaluation of the electrical circuit configuration, spatial relationship of the circuit components, and identification of electrical arc sites to assist in the identification of the area of origin and analysis of the fire’s spread. (NFPA 921)
Area of origin
A structure, part of a structure, or general geographic location within a fire scene in which the Òpoint of origin” of a fire or explosion is reasonably believed to be located. (NFPA 901,921)
Arson
The crime of maliciously and intentionally, or recklessly, starting a fire or causing an explosion. (NFPA 921)
Arson reporting immunity laws
Laws that generally require private investigators to provide information regarding possible criminal activity upon the written request of the authority having jurisdiction. These laws also provide immunity from liability for disclosing such information as provided for by the law.
Assistant or division chief
A midlevel chief who often has a functional area of responsibility, such as training, and who answers directly to the fire chief.
Atmosphere-supplying respirator (ASR)
A respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere and includes self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and supplied air respirators (SAR). (NFPA 1981)
Atom
The smallest particle of an element, which can exist alone or in combination.
A Tool
A cutting tool with a pry bar built into the cutting part of the tool.
Attack hose
Hose designed to be used by trained fire fighters and fire brigade members to combat fires beyond the incipient stage. (NFPA 1961)
Attack line operations
The delivery of water from an attack engine to a handline, which discharges the water onto the fire.
Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure. (NFPA 1)
Automatic-adjusting fog nozzle
A nozzle that can deliver a wide range of water stream flows. As the pressure at the nozzle increases or decreases, an internal spring-loaded piston moves in or out to adjust the size of the opening.
Automatic dry standpipe system
A standpipe system permanently attached to a water supply capable of supplying the system demand at all times, containing air or nitrogen under pressure, the release of which opens a dry pipe valve to allow water to flow into the piping system and out of the opened hose valve. (NFPA 14)
Automatic location identification (ALI)
A series of data elements that informs the recipient of the location of the alarm. (NFPA 1221)
Automatic number identification (ANI)
A series of alphanumeric characters that informs the recipient of the source of the alarm. (NFPA 1221)
Automatic sprinkler heads
The working ends of a sprinkler system, which serve to activate the system and to apply water to the fire.
Automatic sprinkler system
A system of pipes filled with water under pressure that discharges water immediately when a sprinkler head opens.
Automatic wet standpipe system
A standpipe system containing water at all times that is attached to a water supply capable of supplying the system demand and that requires no action other than opening a hose valve to provide water at hose connections. (NFPA 14)
Awning windows
Windows that have one large or multiple medium-size panels that do not overlap when they are closed. The window is operated by a hand crank from the corner of the window. The hinge is on the top.
Backdraft
A deflagration (explosion) resulting from the sudden introduction of air into a confined space containing oxygen-deficient products of incomplete combustion. (NFPA 1403)
Backfire
A fire set along the inner edge of a fire control line to consume the fuel in the path of a wildland fire or change the direction of force of the fire’s convection column. (NFPA 901)
Backpack fire extinguisher
A portable fire extinguisher usually consisting of a 5-gal (19-L) water tank that is worn on the user’s back and features a hand-powered piston pump for discharging the water.
Balloon-frame construction
An older type of wood frame construction in which the wall studs extend vertically from the basement of a structure to the roof without any fire stops.
Ball valves
Valves used on nozzles, gated wyes, and engine dis-charge gates. They consist of a ball with a hole in the middle of the ball.
Bam-bam tool
A sliding hammer with a case-hardened screw, which is inserted, secured, and driven into the keyway of a lock to remove the keyway from the lock.
Bangor ladder
A ladder equipped with tormentor poles, or staypoles, that stabilize the ladder during raising and lowering operations.
Banked
Covering a fire to ensure low burning.
Base (bed) section
The lowest or widest section of an extension ladder. (NFPA 1931)
Base station
A stationary radio transceiver with an integral AC power supply. (NFPA 1221)
Batch mix
The manual addition of foam concentrate to a water storage container or tank to make foam solution. (NFPA 1145)
Battalion chief
Usually the first level of fire chief. These chiefs are often in charge of running calls and supervising multiple sta-tions or districts within a city. A battalion chief is usually the offi-cer in charge of a single-alarm working fire.
Battering ram
A tool made of hardened steel with handles on the sides used to force doors and to breach walls. Larger versions may be used by as many as four people; smaller versions are made for one or two people.
Battery electric vehicles
Vehicles that are powered by electricity.
Beam
The main structural side of a ground ladder. (NFPA 1931)
Beam detector
A smoke detection device that projects a nar-row beam of light across a large open area from a sending unit to a receiving unit. When the beam is interrupted by smoke, the receiver detects a reduction in light transmission and activates the fire alarm.
Beam raise
A ladder raise used to raise a ladder perpendicular to a building.
Bend
A knot that joins two ropes or webbing pieces together.(NFPA 1670)
Bight
The open loop in a rope or piece of webbing formed when it is doubled back on itself. (NFPA 1006)
Bimetallic strip
A device with components made from two dis-tinct metals that respond differently to heat. When heated,the metals will bend or change shape.
Black
An area that has already been burned
Black fire
A hot, high-volume, high-velocity, turbulent, ultra-dense black smoke that indicates an impending flashover or auto-ignition
Block creel construction
Rope constructed without knots or splic-es in the yarns, ply yarns, strands or braids, or rope. (NFPA 1983)
Body-over-frame construction
A type of vehicle frame resem-bling a ladder, which is made up of two parallel rails joined by a series of cross members. This kind of construction is typically used for luxury vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and all types of trucks.
Boiling liquid/expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE)
An explo-sion that occurs when pressurized liquefied materials (e.g,, pro-pane or butane) inside a closed vessel are exposed to a source of high heat.
Boiling point
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure. (NFPA 1)
Bolt cutter
A cutting tool used to cut through thick metal objects such as bolts, locks,and wire fences.
Booster hose (booster line)
A noncollapsible hose used under positive pressure having an elastomeric or thermoplastic tube,a braided or spiraled reinforcement, and an outer protective cover.(NFPA 1962)
Bounce-off method
A foam application method that applies the stream onto a nearby object, such as a wall, instead of directly onto the surface of the fire. Also referred to as the bank-shot or bank-down method.
Bowstring truss
A truss that is curved on the top and straight on the bottom.
Box-end wrench
A hand tool used to tighten or loosen bolts.The end is enclosed, as opposed to an open-end wrench.Each wvrench is a specific size, and most have ratchets for easier use.
B-posts
Vertical support members located between the front and rear doors of a motor vehicle.
Braided rope
Rope constructed by intertwining strands in the same way that hair is braided.
Branch
A supervisory level established in either the operations or logistics function to provide a span of control. (NFPA 1561)
Branch director
A person in a supervisory level position in either the operations or logistics function to provide a span of control. (NFPA 1561)
Breakaway type nozzle
A nozzle with a tipthat can be separat-ed from the shut-off valve.
Bresnan distributor nozzle
A nozzle that can be placed in confined spaces such as cellars or basements. The nozzle spins,spreading water over a large area.
Bulkhead
The separation between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment. (NFPA 556)
Butt
The end of the beam that is placed on the ground,or other lower support surface,when ground ladders are in the raised posi-tion. (NFPA 1931)
Butt plate
An alternative to a simple butt spur; a swiveling plate with both a spur and a cleat or pad that is attached to the butt of the ladder.
Butt spurs
That component of ground ladder support that remains in contact with the lower support surface to reduce slip-page. (NFPA 1931)
Butterfly valves
Valves that are found on the large pump intake connections where the suction hose connects to the suction side of the fire pump.
Call box
A system of telephones connected by phone lines,radio equipment, or cellular technology to a communications center or fire department.
Captain
The second rank of promotion in the fire service,between the lieutenant and the battalion chief. Captains are responsible for managing a fire company and for coordinating the activities of that company among the other shifts.
Carabiner
An auxiliary equipment system item; load-bearing connector with a self-closing gate used to join other components of life safety rope. (NFPA 1983)
Carbon dioxide
A colorless, odorless, electrically nonconduc-tive inert gas that is a suitable medium for extinguishing Class B and Class C fires. (NFPA 10)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher that uses carbon dioxide gas as the extinguishing agent. It is rated for useon Class B and C fires.
Carbon dioxide extinguishing system
A fire suppression sys-tem designed to protect either a single room or series of rooms by flooding the area with carbon dioxide.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
A toxic gas produced through incom-plete combustion.
Carcinogen
A cancer-causing substance that is identified in one of several published lists, including, but not limited to, NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, Hazardous Chemicals Desk Reference, and the ACGIH 2007 TLVs and BEIs. (NFPA 1851)
Carpenter’s handsaw
A saw designed for cutting wood. Carryall A piece of heavy canvas with handles, wh’ch can be used to tote debris, ash, embers, and burning materials out of a structure.
Cartridge/cylinder-operated fire extinguisher
A fire extin-guisher in which the expellant gas is in a separate container from the agent storage container. (NFPA 10)
Cascade system
A method of piping air tanks together to allow air to be supplied to the SCBA fill station using a progressive selec-tion of tanks, each with a higher pressure level. (NFPA 1901)
Case-hardened steel
Steel created in a process that uses carbon and nitrogento harden the outer core of a steel component, while the inner core remains soft. Case-hardened steel can be cut only with specialized tools.
Casement windows
Windows in a steel or wood frame that open away from the building via a crank mechanism. These win-dows have a side hinge.
Ceiling hook
A tool with a long wooden or fiberglass pole that has a metal point with a spur at right angles at one end. It can be used to probe ceilings and pull down plaster lath material.
Cellar nozzle
A nozzle used to fight fires in cellars or basements and other inaccessible places. The device works by spreading water in a wide pattern as the nozzle is lowered through a hole into the cellar.
Central station service alarm system
A system or group of systems in which the operations of circuits and devices are trans-mitted automatically to, recorded in, maintained by, and super-vised from a listed central station that is controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose business is the furnish-ing, maintaining, or monitoring of supervised alarm systems. (NFPA 72)
Chain of command
A rank structure,spanning the fire fighter through the fire chief, for managing a fire department and fire-ground operations.
Chain of custody
The trail of accountability that documents the possession of evidence in an investigation.
Chainsaw
A power saw that uses the rotating movement of a chain equipped with sharpened cutting edges. It is typically used to cut through wood.
Channel
An assigned frequency or frequencies used to carry voice and/or data communications.
Chase
Open space within walls for wires and pipes.
Chassis
The basic operating motor vehicle, including the engine,frame, and other essential structural and mechanical parts,but exclusive of the body and all appurtenances for the accommo-dation of driver, property, passengers, appliances, or equipment related to other than control. Common usage might,but need not,include a cab (or cowl).
Chemical energy
Energy that is created or released by the com-bination or decomposition of chemical compounds.
Chemical-pellet sprinkler head
A sprinkler head activated by a chemical pellet that liquefies at a preset temperature.
Chief of the department
The top position in the fire department. The fire chief has ultimate responsibility for the fire department and usually answers directly to the mayor or other designated public official.
Chief’s trumpet
An obsolete amplification device that enabled a chief officer to give orders to fire fighters during an emergency. Also called a bugle, it was a precursor to a bullhorn and portable radios.
Child firesetters
Firesetters who are typically 2 to 6 years old and are often curious about fire. They lack the mental capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
Chisel
A metal tool with one sharpened end that is used to break apart material in conjunction with a hammer, mallet, or sledgehammer.
Circumstantial evidence
Evidence that is based on logical inference rather than personal observation.
Clapper mechanism
A mechanical device installed within a pip-ing system that allows water to flow in only one direction.
Class A fire
A fire in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. (NFPA 1)
Class A foam
Foam for use on fires in Class A fuels. (NFPA 1145)
Class B fire
A fire in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. (NFPA 1,10)
Class B foam
Foam intended for use on Class B fires. (NFPA 1901)
Class C fire
A fire that involves energized electrical equipment. (NFPA 1,10)
Class D fire
A fire in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. (NFPA 1,10)
Class III standpipe
A combination system that has features of both Class I and Class II standpipes.
Class II standpipe
A standpipe system designed for use by occupants of a building only. Each outlet is generally equipped with a length of 112-in. (38-mm) single-jacket hose and a nozzle, which are preconnected to the system.
Class I standpipe
A standpipe system designed for use by fire department personnel only. Each outlet should have a valve to control the flow of water and a 21/2-in. (65-mm) male coupling for fire hose.
Class K fire
A fire in a cooking appliance that involves combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats). (NFPA 1,10)
Claw bar
A tool with a pointed claw-hook on one end and a forked-or flat-chisel pry on the other end. It is often used for forcible entry.
Clean agent
Electrically nonconducting, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon evaporation. (NFPA 10)
Clean agent extinguishing system
A self-contained extinguishing system that expels an electrically nonconducting, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue uponevaporation.
Clemens hook
A muItipurpose tool that can be used for several forcible entry and ventilation applications because of its unique head design.
Closet hook
A type of pike pole intended for use in tight spaces, commonly 2 to 4 ft (0.6 to 1 m) in length.
Cockloft
The concealed space between the top-floor ceiling and the roof of a building.
Coded system
A fire alarm system design that divides a building or facility into zones and has audible notification devices that can be used to identify the area where an alarm originated.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
A collection of permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the U.S. federal government. Its 50 titles represent broad areas of interest that are governed by federal regulation. Each volume of the CFR is updated annually and issued on a quarterly basis.
Cold zone
The control zone of an incident that contains the command post and such other support functions as are deemed necessary to control the incident. (NFPA 1500)
Combination attack
A type of attack employing both direct attack and indirect attack methods.
Combination hose load
A hose loading method used when one long hose line is needed; the end of the last length of a hose in one bed of a split hose bed is coupled to the beginning of the first length of hose in the opposite bed.
Combination ladder
A ground ladder that is capable of being used both as a stepladder and as a single or extension ladder. (NFPA 1931)
Combination wrench
A hand tool with an open-end wrench on one end and a box-end wrench on the other.
Combustibility
The property describing whether a material will burn and how quickly it will burn.
Combustion
A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or a flame. (NFPA 1)
Come along
A hand-operated tool used for dragging or lifting heavy objects that uses pulleys and cables or chains to multiply a pulling or lifting force
Command staff
The command staff consists of the public information officer, safety officer, and liaison officer, all of whom report directly to the incident commander and are responsible for functions in the incident management system that are not a part of the function of the line organization. (NFPA 1561)
Command
The act of directing and/or controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal, agency, or delegated authority. (NFPA 1026)
Community risk reduction (CRR)
Programs, actions, and ser-vices used by a community, which prevent or mitigate the loss of life, property, and resources associated with life safety, fire, and other disasters within a community. (NFPA 1035)
Company officer
The individual responsible for command of a company, a designation not specific to any particular fire department rank (can be a fire fighter, lieutenant, captain, or chief officer, if responsible for command of a single company). (NFPA 1026)
Compartment
A space completely enclosed by walls and a ceiling. Each wall in the compartment is permitted to have openings to an adjoining space if the openings have a minimum lintel depth of 8 in. (200 mm) from the ceiling and the total width o the openings in each wall does not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m). A single opening of 36 in. (900 mm) or less in width without a lintel is permitted when there are no other openings to adjoining spaces. (NFPA 13)
Competent ignition source
An ignition source that has sufficient energy and is capable of transferring that energy to the fuel long enough to raise the fuel to its ignition temperature. (NFPA 921)
Compressed air foam (CAF)
A homogenous foam produced by the combination of water, foam concentrate, and air or nitrogen under pressure. (NFPA 11)
Compressed air foam system (CAFS)
A foam system that com-bines air under pressure with foam solution to create foam. (NFPA 1901,1906)
Compressor
A device used for increasing the pressure and density of a gas. (NFPA 853)
Computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
A combination of hardware and software that provides data entry, makes resource recommendations, and notifies and tracks those resources before, during, and after fire service alarms, preserving records of those alarms and status changes for later analysis. (NFPA 1221)
Conduction
Heat transfer to another body or within a body by direct contact. (NFPA 921)
Confined Space
An area large enough and so configured that a member can bodily enter and perform assigned work but which has limited or restricted means for entry and exit and is not designed for continuous human occupancy. (NFPA 1500)
Contemporary construction
Buildings constructed since about 1970 that incorporate lightweight construction techniques and engineered wood components. These buildings exhibit less resistance to fire than older buildings.
Convection
Heat transfer by circulation within a medium such as a gas or a liquid. (NFPA 921)
Conventional vehicles
Vehicles that use internal combustion engines for power.
Coping Saw
A saw designed to cut curves in wood.
Council rake
A long-handled rake constructed with hardened triangular-shaped steel teeth that is used for raking a fire control line down to soil with no subsurface fuel, for digging, for rolling burning logs, and for cutting grass and small brush.
Coupling
One set or pair of connection devices attached to a fire hose that allow the hose to be interconnected to additional lengths of hose or adapters and other firefighting appliances. (NFPA 1963)
C-posts
Vertical support members located behind the rear doors of a motor vehicle.
Crew
A team of two or more fire fighters. (NFPA 1500)
Crew resource management (CRM)
A program focused on improved situational awareness, sound critical decision making, effective communication, proper task allocation, and successful teamwork and leadership. (NFPA 1500)
Cribbing
Short lengths of timber/composite materials, usually 4 in. x 4 in. (101.60 mm x 101.60 mm) and 18 in.x 24 in. (457.20mm x 609.60 mm) long that are used in various configurations to stabilize loads in place or while load is moving. (NFPA 1006)
Critical incident stress debriefing
A post-incident meeting designed to assist rescue personnel in dealing with psychological trauma as the result of an emergency. (NFPA 1006)
Critical incident stress management (CISM)
A program designed to reduce acute and chronic effects of stress related to job functions. (NFPA 450)
Cross-zoned system
A fire alarm system that requires activation of two separate detection devices before initiating an alarm condition. If a single detection device is activated, the alarm control unit will usually show a problem or trouble condition.
Crowbar
A straight bar made of steel or iron with a forked chisel on the working end that is suitable for performing forcible entry.
Curtain
Nonbearing walls that separate the inside and outside of the building but are not part of the support structure for the building.
Curved
A roof with a curved shape.
Cutting torch
A torch that produces a high-temperature flame capable of heating metal to its melting point, thereby cutting through an object. Because of the high temperatures (5700¡F [3148_]) that these torches produce, the operator must be specially trained before using this tool.
Cylinder
The body of the fire extinguisher where the extinguishing agent is stored.
Cylindrical locks
The most common fixed locks in use today. The locks and handles are placed into a predrilled hole in the door. The outside of the doorknob will usually have a key-in-the-knob lock; the inside will usually have a keyway, a button, or another type of locking/unlocking mechanism.
Deadbolt
Surface- or interior-mounted lock on or in a door with a bolt that provides additional security.
Dead load
Dead loads consist of the weight of all materials of construction incorporated into the building including but not limited to walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, stairways, built-in partitions, finishes, cladding and other similarly incorporated architectural and structural items, and fixed service equipment including the weight of cranes. (NFPA 5000)
Decay stage
The stage of fire development within a structure characterized by either a decrease in the fuel load or available oxygen to support combustion, resulting in lower temperatures and lower pressure in the fire area. (NFPA 1410)
Deck gun
A device that is permanently mounted on and operated from a vehicle and equipped with a piping system that delivers water to the gun.
Defend in place
The operational response in which the action is to relocate the affected occupants to a safe place within the structure during an emergency. (NFPA 1620)
Defensible space
An area, as defined by the authority having jurisdiction [typically a width of 30 ft (9 m) or more], between an improved property and a potential wildland fire where combustible materials and vegetation have been removed or modified to reduce the potential for fire on improved property spreading to wildland fuels or to provide a safe working area for fire fighters protecting life and improved property from wild-land fire. (NFPA 1051)
Defensive operation
Actions that are intended to control a fire by limiting its spread to a defined area, avoiding the commitment of personnel and equipment to dangerous areas. (NFPA 1500)
Dehydration
A state in which the body’s fluid losses are greater than fluid intake. If left untreated, dehydration may lead to shock and even death.
Deluge head
A sprinkler head that has no release mechanism; the orifice is always open.
Deluge sprinkler system
A sprinkler system employing open sprinklers or nozzles that are attached to a piping system that is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers or the nozzles. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers or nozzles attached thereto. (NFPA 13)
Deluge valve
A water supply control valve intended to be operated by actuation of an automatic detection system that is installed in the same area as the discharge devices. (NFPA 25)
Demonstrative evidence
Any type of tangible evidence relevant to a case, such as diagrams, photographs, maps, x-rays, visible tests, and demonstrations.
Depth of char
A fire effect that, when evaluated as a pattern on identical fuels, may be used to determine locations within a structure that were exposed longest to a heat source.
Destructive analysis investigation
An investigation that uses the methodical deconstruction of evidence to determine specific component conditions, functionality, or failures as they relate to fire investigation.
Digital radio
The transmission of information via radio waves using native digital (computer) data or analog (voice) signals that have been converted to a digital signal and compressed.
Direct attack
A method of wildland fire attack in which fire fighters focus on containing and extinguishing the fire at its burning edge.
Direct attack
Firefighting operations involving the application of extinguishing agents directly onto the burning fuel. (NFPA 1145)
Direct evidence
Testimony of witnesses who observe acts or detect something through their five senses or through surveillance equipment such as CCTV.
Direct line
A telephone that connects two predetermined points.
Discipline
The guidelines that a department sets for fire fighters to work within.
Dispatch
To send out emergency response resources promptly to an address or incident location for a specific purpose. (NFPA 450)
Distributors
The smallest-diameter underground water main pipes in a water distribution system that deliver water to local users within a neighborhood.
Division
That organizational level having responsibility for operations within a defined geographic location. (NFPA 1026)
Division of labor
Breaking down an incident or task into a series of smaller, more manageable tasks and assigning personnel to complete those tasks.
Division supervisor
A person in a supervisory level position responsible for a specific geographic area of operations at an incident. (NFPA 1561)
Documentary evidence
Any type of written record or document that is relevant to the case.
Doff
To take off an item of clothing or equipment.
Don
To put on an item of clothing or equipment.
Door
An entryway; the primary choice for forcing entry into a vehicle or structure.
Door jamb
The upright or vertical parts of a door frame onto which a door is secured.
Double-action pull station
A manual fire alarm activation device that requires two steps to activate the alarm. The user must push in a flap, lift a cover, or break a piece of glass before activating the alarm.
Double-female adaptor
A hose adaptor that is used to join two male hose couplings.
Double-hung windows
Windows that have two movable panels or sashes that can move up and down.
Double-jacket hose
A hose constructed with two layers of woven fibers.
Double-male adaptor
A hose adaptor that is used to join two female hose couplings.
Double/triple-pane glass
A window design that traps air or inert gas between two pieces of glass to help insulate a house.
Drag rescue device (DRD)
A component integrated within the protective coat element to aid in the rescue of an incapacitated fire fighter. (NFPA 1851)
Dry-barrel hydrant (frostproof hydrant)
A type of hydrant used in areas subject to freezing weather. The valve that allows water to flow into the hydrant is located underground below the frost line, and the barrel of the hydrant is normally dry.
Dry chemical
A powder composed of very small particles, usually sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate based with added particulate material supplemented by special treatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking), and the proper flow capabilities. (NFPA 10)
Dry-chemical extinguishing system
An automatic fire-extinguishing system that discharges a dry-chemical agent.
Dry-chemical fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher that uses a powder composed of very small particles, usually sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate based with added particulate material supplemented by special treatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking), and the proper flow capabilities. These fire extinguishers are rated for use on Class B and C fires, although some are also rated for Class A fires.
Dry hydrant
An arrangement of pipe permanently connected to a water source other than a piped, pressurized water supply system that provides a ready means of water supply for firefighting purposes and that utilizes the drafting (suction) capability of a fire department pump. (NFPA 1142)
Dry pipe sprinkler system
A sprinkler system employing automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping. (NFPA 13)
Dry pipe valve
The valve assembly on a dry pipe sprinkler system that prevents water from entering the system unti1 the air pressure is released.
Dry powder
powder Solid materials in powder or granular form designed to extinguish Class D combustible metal fires by crusting, smothering, or heat-transferring means. (NFPA 10)
Dry-powder fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher that uses sol-id materials in powder or granular form to extinguish Class D combustible metal fires by crusting, smothering, or heat-transferring means.
Drywall hook
A specialized version of a pike pole that can remove drywall more effectively because of its hook design.
Dual-path pressure reducer
A feature that automatically pro-vides a backup method for air to be supplied to the regulator of an SCBA if the primary passage malfunctions.
Duck-billed lock breaker
A tool with a point that can be inserted into the shackles of a padlock. As the point is driven farther into the lock, it gets larger and forces the shackles apart until they break.
Duct detector
A type of smoke detector that samples the air through the air distribution system ductwork or plenum; upon detecting smoke, the detector sends a signal to shut down the air distribution unit, close any associated smoke damper, or initiate smoke control system operation.
Dump valve
A large opening from the water tank of a mobile water supply apparatus for unloading purposes. (NFPA 1901)
Duplex channel
A radio system that is able to simultaneously use two frequencies per channel; one frequency transmits and the other receives messages. Such a system uses a repeater site to transmit messages over a greater distance than is possible with a simplex system.
Dutchman
A short fold placed in a hose when loading it into the bed; the fold keeps the hose properly oriented and prevents the coupling from turning in the hose bed.
Dynamic rope
A rope generally made from synthetic materials that is designed to be elastic and stretch when loaded. Mountain climbers often use dynamic rope.
Early-suppression fast-response sprinkler head (ESFR)
A sprinkler head designed to react quickly and suppress a fire in its early stages.
Eductor
A device that uses the Venturi principle to siphon a liquid into a water stream. The pressure at the throat is below atmospheric pressure, allowing liquid at atmospheric pressure to flow into the water stream. (NFPA 1145)
Eighteen watch out situations
A list of situations published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and used to assess whether or not a wildland firefighting assignment is safe to conduct.
Electrical energy
Heat that is produced by electricity.
Electrolytes
Certain salts and other chemicals that are dissolved in body fluids and cells. Proper levels of electrolytes need to be maintained for good health and strength.
Elevated master stream appliance
A nozzle mounted on the end of an aerial device that is capable of delivering large amounts of water into a fire or exposed building from an elevated position.
Elevated platform
An apparatus that includes a passenger-carrying platform (bucket) attached to the tip of a boom or ladder.
Elevated water storage tower
An above-ground water storage tank that is designed to maintain pressure on a water distribution system.
Elevation pressure
The amount of pressure created by gravity. Also known as head pressure.
Emergency breathing safety systems (EBSS)
A device on an SCBA that allows users to share their available air supply in an emergency situation. (NFPA 1981)
Emergency incident rehabilitation
A function on the emergency scene that cares for the well-being of the fire fighters. It includes relief from climatic conditions, rest, cooling or warming, rehydration, calorie replacement, medical monitoring, member accountability, and release.
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
The first trained professional, such as a police officer, fire fighter, lifeguard, or other rescuer, to arrive at the scene of an emergency to provide initial medical assistance. EMRs have basic training and often perform in an assistant role within the ambulance.
Emergency medical services (EMS) company
A company that may be made up of medical units and first-response vehicles. Members of this company respond to and assist in the transport of medical and trauma victims to medical facilities. They often have medications, defibrillators, and paramedics who can stabilize a critical patient.
Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel
Personnel who are responsible for administering prehospital care to people who are sick and injured. Prehospital calls make up the majority of responses in most fire departments, and in some organizations, EMS personnel are crossed-trained as fire fighters.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMS personnel who account for most of the EMS providers in the United States. An EMT has training in basic emergency care skills, including oxygen therapy, bleeding control, CPR, automated external defibrillation, use of basic airway devices, and assisting patients with certain medications.
Emergency traffic
An urgent message, such as a call for help or evacuation, transmitted over a radio that takes precedence over all normal radio traffic.
Emergency vehicle technician (EVT)
The individual who per-forms maintenance, diagnosis, and repair on emergency vehicles.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
An employee-sponsored service designed for personal or family problems, including men-tal health, substance abuse, various addictions, marital problems, parenting problems, emotional problems, or financial or legal concerns. (NFPA 450)
End-of-service-time-indicator (EOSTI)
A warning device on an SCBA that alerts the user that the reserved air supply is being utilized. (NFPA 1981)
Endothermic
Reactions that absorb heat or require heat to be added.
Engine company
A group of fire fighters who work as a unit and are equipped with one or more pumping engines that have rated capacities of 2839 L/min (750 gpm) or more. (NFPA 1410)
Entrapment
A condition in which a victim is trapped by debris, soil, or other material and is unable to extricate himself or herself.
Escape rope
A single-purpose, emergency self-escape (self-rescue) rope; not classified as a life safety rope. (NFPA 1983)
Evacuation signal
A distinctive signal intended to be recognized by the occupants as requiring evacuation of the building. (NFPA 72)
Exhauster
A device that accelerates the removal of the air from a dry pipe or preaction sprinkler system.
Exigent circumstances rule
A legal condition that allows emergency service providers to enter, search, seize, and control private property and to investigate the cause of a fire without consent or warrant while in the lawful performance of emergency operations.
Exit Drills In The Home (E.D.I.T.H.)
A public fire and life safe-ty education program designed to teach occupants how to safely exit a house in the event of a fire or other emergency. It stresses the importance of having a pre-established meeting place for all family members.
Exothermic
Reactions that result in the release of energy in the form of heat.
Expectation bias
Any preconceived determination or premature conclusions as to the cause of a fire without having examined or considered all relevant evidence.
Exposure
Any person or property that could be endangered by fire, smoke, gases, runoff, or other hazardous conditions. (NFPA 402)
Extension ladder
A non-self-supporting ground ladder that consists of two or more sections traveling in guides, brackets, or the equivalent arranged so as to allow length adjustment. (NFPA 1931)
Exterior wall
A wall-often made of wood, brick, metal, or masonry-that makes up the outer perimeter of a building. Exterior walls are often load bearing.
Extinguishing agent
A material used to stop the combustion process. Extinguishing agents may include liquids, gases, dry-chemical compounds, and dry-powder compounds.
Extra (high) hazard locations
Occupancies where the total amounts of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are greater than expected in occupancies classed as ordinary (moder-ate) hazards. The combustibility and heat release rate of the mate-rials are high.
Face piece
Describes both full face pieces that cover the nose, mouth, and eyes and half face pieces that cover the nose and mouth. (NFPA 1404)
Face shield
A protective device commonly intended to shield the wearer’s face, or portions thereof, in addition to the eyes from certain hazards, depending on face shield type. (NFPA 1500)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The federal regulatory authority that oversees radio communications in the United States.
Film-forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP)
A protein-foam solution that uses fluorinated surfactants to produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing liquid fuel vapors. (NFPA 10)
Finance/administration section
Section responsible for all costs and financial actions of the incident or planned event, including the time unit, procurement unit, compensation/claims unit, and the cost unit. (NFPA 1026)
Finance/administration section chief
The general staff position responsible for directing the finance/administrative function. It is generally assigned on large-scale or long-duration incidents that require immediate fiscal management.
Fine fuels
Fuels that ignite and burn easily, such as dried twigs, leaves, needles, grass, moss, and light brush.
Finger
A narrow point of fire whose extension is created by a shift in wind or a change in topography.
Fire
A rapid, persistent chemical reaction that releases both heat and light.
Fire alarm
A warning signal that alerts occupants of a fire emergency.
Fire alarm control unit (FACU)
A component of the fire alarm system, provided with primary and secondary power sources, which receives signals from initiating devices or other fire alarm control units, and processes these signals to determine part of all of the required fire alarm system output function(s). (NFPA 72)
Fire alarm signal
A signal that results from the manual or automatic detection of a fire alarm condition. (NFPA 72)
Fire and life safety educator (FLSE)
The individual who has demonstrated the ability to coordinate, create, administer, pre-pare, deliver, and evaluate educational programs and information.
Fire apparatus driver/operator
A fire department member who is authorized by the authority having jurisdiction to drive, operate, or both drive and operate fire department vehicles. (NFPA 1451)
Fire barrier wall
A wall, other than a fire wall, having a fire resistance rating.(NFPA 5000)
Fire codes
A set of legally adopted rules and regulations designed to prevent fires and protect lives and property in the event of a fire.
Fire control line
Comprehensive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire. (NFPA 901)
Fire department connection (FDC)
A connection through which the fire department can pump supplemental water into the sprinkler system, standpipe, or other system furnishing water for fire extinguishment to supplement existing water supplies. (NFPA 25)
Fire department ground ladder
Any portable ladder specifically designed for fire department use in rescue, firefighting operations, or training. (NFPA 1931)
Fire door assembly
Any combination of a fire door, a frame, hardware, and other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire protection to the opening. (NFPA 80)
Fire effects
The observable or measurable changes in or on a material as a result of a fire.(NFPA 921)
Fire escape rope
An emergency self-rescue rope used to escape an immediately hazardous environment involving fire or fire products; not classified as a life safety rope. (NFPA 1983)
Fire Fighter I
A person, at the first level of progression as defined in Chapter 4 of NFPA 1001, who has demonstrated the knowledge and skills to function as an integral member of a firefighting team under direct supervision in hazardous conditions. (NFPA 1001)
Fire Fighter I
A person, at the first level of progression as defined in Chapter 4 of NFPA 1001, who has demonstrated the knowledge and skills to function as an integral member of a firefighting team under direct supervision in hazardous conditions. (NFPA 1001)
Fire Fighter II
A person, at the second level of progression as defined in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1001, who has demonstrated the skills and depth of knowledge to function under general supervision. (NFPA 1001)
Fire-ground command (FGC)
An incident management system developed in the 1970s for day-to-day fire department incidents (generally handled with fewer than 25 units or companies).
Fire helmet
Protective head covering worn by fire fighters to protect the head from falling objects, blunt trauma, and heat.
Fire hooks
Tools used to pull down burning structures.
Fire hydraulics
The physical science of how water flows through a pipe or hose.
Fire inspector
An individual who conducts fire code inspections and applies codes and standards. (NFPA 1037)
Fire investigator
An individual who has demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct, coordinate, and complete an investigation. (NFPA 1037)
Fire load
The total energy content of combustible materials in a building, space, or area including furnishing and contents and combustible building elements expressed in MJ. (NFPA 557)
Fire mark
Historically, an identifying symbol on a building informing fire fighters that the building was insured by a company that would pay them for extinguishing the fire.
Fire marshal
A person designated to provide delivery, management, and/or administration of fire protection and life safety-related codes and standards, investigations, education, and/or prevention services for local, county, state, provincial, federal, tribal, or private sector jurisdictions as adopted or determined by that entity. (NFPA 1037)
Fire patterns
The visible or measurable physical changes, or identifiable shapes, formed by a fire effect or group of fire effects. (NFPA 921)
Fireplug
Historically speaking, a plug installed to control water accessed from wooden pipes. Today, this is a slang term used to describe a fire hydrant.
Fire point
The lowest temperature at which a liquid will ignite and achieve sustained burning when exposed to a test flame in accordance with ASTM 92, Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester. (NFPA 1)
Fire police officer
An individual officially deployed who pro-vides scene security, directs traffic, and conducts other duties as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. (NFPA 1091)
Fire prevention
Measures taken toward avoiding the inception of fire. (NFPA 801)
Fire protection engineer
A member of the fire department who is responsible for reviewing plans and working with building owners to ensure that the design of and systems for fire detection and suppression will meet applicable codes and function as needed. They also may be employed by an architectural firm to assure that buildings are constructed in a fire-safe manner.
Fire protection system
Any fire alarm device or system or fire-extinguishing device or system, or combination thereof, that is designed and installed for detecting, controlling, or extinguishing a fire or otherwise alerting occupants, or the fire department, or both. (NFPA 914)
Fire resistance
‘The measure of the ability of a material, product, or assembly to withstand fire or give protection from it. (NFPA 251)
Fire safety survey
A voluntary inspection of a residence or occupied structure to identify fire and life safety hazards.
FIRESCOPE (Fire Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies
An organization of agencies established in the early 1970s to develop a standardized system for managing fire resources at large-scale incidents such as wildland fires.
Fire separation
A horizontal or vertical fire resistance-rated assembly of materials that have protected openings and are designed to restrict the spread of fire. (NFPA 45)
Fire Shelter
An item of protective equipment configured as an aluminized tent utilized for protection, by means of reflecting radiant heat, in a fire entrapment situation. (NFPA 1500)
Fire streams
Streams of water or extinguishing agents.
Fire tetrahedron
A geometric shape used to depict the four components required for a fire to occur: fuel, oxygen, heat, and chemical chain reactions.
Fire triangle
A geometric shape used to depict the three components of which a fire is composed: fuel, oxygen, and heat.
Fire wall
A wall separating buildings or subdividing a building to prevent the spread of fire and having a fire-resistance rating and structural stability. (NFPA 5000)
Fire wardens
Individuals who were charged with enforcing fire regulations in colonial America.
Fire window
A window assembly rated in accordance with NFPA 257 and installed in accordance with NFPA 80. (NFPA 5000)
Firing out
A wildland firefighting technique that involves setting a fire along the inner edge of a fire control line to consume the fuel between a fire control line and the fire’s edge.
Fixed-gallonage fog nozzle
A nozzle that delivers a set number of gallons per minute (liters per minute) as per the nozzle’s design, no matter what pressure is applied to the nozzle.
Fixed-temperature heat detector
A device that responds when its operating element become heated to a predetermined level. (NFPA 72)
Flame detector
A radiant energy-sensing fire detector that detects the radiant energy emitted by a flame. (NFPA 72)
Flammable range (explosive limits)
The range in concentration between the lower and upper flammable limits. (NFPA 67)
Flanking attack
A direct method of suppressing a wildland or ground cover fire that involves placing a suppression crew on one flank of a fire.
Flank of the fire
The edge between the head and heel of the fire that runs parallel to the direction of the fire spread.
Flashover
A transition phase in the development of a compartment fire in which surfaces exposed to thermal radiation reach ignition temperature more or less simultaneously, and fire spreads rapidly throughout the space, resulting in full room involvement or total involvement of the compartment or enclosed space. (NFPA 921)
Flash point
The minimum temperature at which a liquid or a solid emits vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid or the solid. (NFPA 115)
Flat bar
A specialized type of prying tool made of flat steel with prying ends suitable for performing forcible entry.
Flat-head axe
A tool that has a head with an axe on one side and a flat head on the opposite side.
Flat hose load
A hose loading method in which the hose is laid flat and stacked on top of the previous section.
Flat raise (rung raise)
A ladder raise used to position a ladder parallel to a building. Also called a rung raise.
Flat roof
A horizontal roof; often found on commercial or industrial occupancies.
Floodlight
A light that can illuminate a broad area.
Floor runner
A piece of canvas or plastic material, usually 3 to 4 ft (91 to 122 cm) wide and available in various lengths, that is used to protect flooring from dropped debris and dirt from shoes and boots.
Flow path
The movement of het and smoke from the higher pressure within the fire area toward the lower pressure areas accessible via doors, window openings, and roof structures. (NFPA 1410)
Fluoroprotein foam
A protein-based foam concentrate to which fluorochemical surfactants have been added. (NFPA 402)
Fly section
Any section of an aerial telescoping device beyond the base section. (NFPA 1901) This definition applies to aerial lad-der devices and ground ladders.
Foam blanket
A covering of foam over a surface to insulate, pre-vent ignition, or extinguish the fire. (NFPA 1145)
Foam concentrate
The foaming agent as received from the sup-plier that, when mixed with water, becomes foam solution. (NFPA 1145)
Foam injector
A device installed on a fire pump that meters out foam by pumping or injecting it into the fire stream.
Foam proportioner
A device or method to add foam concentrate to water to make foam solution. (NFPA 1901)
Foam solution
A homogeneous mixture of foam concentrate and water, in the mix ratio required for the application. (NFPA 1145)
Fog-stream nozzle
A nozzle that is placed at the end of a fire hose and can be adjusted to produce a straight stream or to separate the water into droplets to produce a variety of fog streams.
Folding ladder
A single-section ladder with rungs that can be folded or moved to allow the beams to be brought into a position touching or nearly touching each other. (NFPA 1931)
Forcible entry
Techniques used by fire personnel to gain entry into buildings, vehicles, aircraft, or other areas of confinement when normal means of entry are locked or blocked. (NFPA 402)
Forcible entry
Techniques used by fire personnel to gain entry into buildings, vehicles, aircraft, or other areas of confinement when normal means of entry are locked or blocked. (NFPA 402)
Forestry fire hose
hose A hose designed to meet specialized requirements for fighting wildland fires. (NFPA 1961)
Fork
The fork or claw end of a tool.
Foreward hose lay
A method of laying a supply line where the line starts at the water source and ends at the attack engine. This is also referred to as the straight hose lay.
Four-way hydrant valve
A specialized type of valve that can be placed on a hydrant and that allows another engine to increase the supply pressure without interrupting flow.
Frangible-bulb sprinkler head
A sprinkler head with a liquid-filled bulb. The sprinkler head becomes activated when the liquid is heated and the glass bulb breaks.
Freelancing
Individuals or crews operating independently of the established ICS structure.
Frequency
The number of cycles (oscillations) per second of a radio signal.
Fresno ladder
A narrow, two-section extension ladder that has no halyard. Because of its limited length, it can be extended manually.
Friction loss
The reduction in pressure resulting from the water being in contact with the side of the hose. This contact requires force to overcome the drag that the wall of the hose creates.
Friction points
Those places where a hose line encounters resistance, such as corners, doorways, and stairs.
Frostbite
A localized condition that occurs when the layers of the skin and deeper tissue freeze. (NFPA 704)
Fuel
A material that will maintain combustion under specified environmental conditions. (NFPA 53)
Fuel cells
Cells that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to produce water and in the process produce electricity to propel a vehicle.
Fuel compactness
The extent to which fuels are tightly packed together.
Fuel continuity
The relative closeness of wildland fuels, which affects a fire’s ability to spread from one area of fuel to another.
Fuel-limited fire
A fire in which the heat release rate and fire growth are controlled by the characteristics of the fuel because there is adequate oxygen available for combustion. (NFPA 1410)
Fuel moisture
The amount of moisture present in a fuel, which affects how readily the fuel will ignite and burn.
Fuel orientation
The position of a fuel relative to the ground.
Fuel volume
The amount of fuel present in a given area.
Fully developed stage
The stage of fire development where heat release rate has reached its peak within a compartment. (NFPA 1410)
Fully encapsulated suit
A protective suit that completely covers the fire fighter, including the breathing apparatus, and does not let any vapor or fluids enter the suit. It is commonly used in hazardous materials emergencies.
Fusible-link sprinkler head
A sprinkler head with an activation mechanism that incorporates two pieces of metal held together by low-melting-point solder. When the solder melts, it releases the link, and water begins to flow.
Gas
The physical state of a substance that has no shape or volume of its own and will expand to take the shape and volume of the container or enclosure it occupies. (NFPA 921)
Gas detector
A device that detects the presence of a specified gas concentration. Gas detectors can be either spot-type or line-type detectors. (NFPA 72)
Gaseous suppression system
A system often installed in areas where computers or sensitive electronic equipment issued or where valuable documents are stored.
Gated wye
A valved device that splits a single hose into two separate hose, allowing each hose to be turned on and off independently.
Gate valves
Valves found on hydrants and sprinkler systems. Rotating a spindle causes a gate to move slowly across the opening.
General staff
A group of incident management personnel organized according to function and reporting to the incident commander, normally consisting of the operations section chief, planning section chief, logistics section chief, and finance/administration section chief. (NFPA 1026)
General use life safety rope
A life safety rope that is no larger than 5/s in. (16 mm) and no smaller than 7/16 in.(11mm),with a minimum breaking strength of 8992 lbf (40 kN).
Generator
An electromechanical device for the production of electricity. (NFPA 1901)
Geographic information systems (GIS)
A system of computer software, hardware, data, and personnel to describe information tied to a spatial location. (NFPA 450)
Glass blocks
Thick pieces of glass that are similar to bricks or tiles.
Glazing
Glass or transparent or translucent plastic sheet used in windows, doors, skylights, or curtain walls. ASCE/SEI 7:6.2
Global positioning systems (GPS)
A satellite-based radio navigation system comprised of three segments: space, control, and user. (NFPA 414)
Glucose
The source of energy for the body. One of the basic sugars, it is the body’s primary fuel, along with oxygen.
Governance
The process by which an organization exercises authority and performs the functions assigned to it.
Gravity-feed system
A water distribution system that depends on gravity to provide the required pressure. The system storage is usually located at a higher elevation than the end users of the water.
Green
An area of unburned fuels.
Gripping pliers
A hand tool with a pincer-like working end that can be used to bend wire or hold smaller objects.
Ground cover fire
A fire that burns loose debris on the surface of the ground.
Ground duff
Partly decomposed organic material on a forest floor; a type of light fuel.
Group
Established to divide the incident management structure into functional assignments of operation. (NFPA 1026)
Group supervisor
A person in a supervisory level position responsible for a functional area of operation. (NFPA 1561)
Growth stage
The stage of fire development where the heat release rate from an incipient fire has increased to the point where heat transferred from the fire and the combustion products are pyrolyzing adjacent fuel sources and the fire begins to spread across the ceiling of the fire compartment (rollover). (NFPA 1410)
Guideline
A rope used for orientation when fire fighters are inside a structure where there is low or no visibility. ‘The line is attached to a fixed object outside the hazardous area.
Guides
Strips of metal or wood that serve to guide a fly section during extension. Channels or slots in the bed or fly section may also serve as guides.
Gusset plate
Connecting plate made of a thin sheet of steel used to connect the components of a truss.
Gypsum
A naturally occurring material consisting of calcium sulfate and water molecules.
Gypsum board
The generic name for a family of sheet products consisting of a noncombustible core primarily of gypsum with paper surfacing. (NFPA 5000)
Hacksaw
A cutting tool designed for use on metal. Different blades can be used for cutting different types of metal.
Halligan tool
A prying tool that incorporates a sharp tapered pick, a blade (either an adze or wedge), and a fork or claw; it is specifically designed for use in the fire service.
Halocarbon
Halocarbon agents include hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), perfluorocarbon (PFC), fluoroiodocarbon (FIC) types of agents, and other halo-carbons that are found acceptable under the Environmental Protection Agency Significant New Alternatives Policy program. (NFPA 10)
Halogenated agents
A liquefied gas extinguishing agent that extinguishes fire by chemically interrupting the combustion reaction between fuel and oxygen. Halogenated agents leave no residue. (NFPA 402)
Halogenated-agent fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher that uses a halogenated extinguishing agent; also called a clean agent fire extinguisher.
Halon 1211
A halogenated agent whose chemical name is bromochlorodifluoromethane (CBrClF2) and that is a multipurpose, Class ABC-rated agent effective against flammable liquid fires. (NFPA 408)
Halons
Halons include bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211), bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301), and mixtures of Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 (Halon 1211/1301). (NFPA 10)
Halyard
Rope used on extension ladders for the purpose of raising a fly section(s). (NFPA 1931)
Hammer
A striking tool.
Handle
The grip used for holding and carrying a portable fire extinguisher.
Hand light
A small, portable light carried by fire fighters to improve visibility at emergency scenes; it is often powered by rechargeable batteries.
Handline
A hose and nozzle that can be held and directed by hand. (NFPA 11)
Handline nozzle
A nozzle with a rated discharge of less than 350gpm (1325 L/min).
Handsaw
A manually powered saw designed to cut different types of materials. Examples include hacksaws, carpenter’s hand-saws, keyhole saws, and coping saws.
Hard suction hose
A short section of supply hose that is used to draft water from a static source such as a river, lake, or portable drafting basin to the suction side of the fire pump on a fire department engine or into a portable pump.
Hardware
The parts of a door or window that enable it to be locked or opened.
Harness
An equipment item; an arrangement of materials secured about the body used to support a person. (NFPA 1971)
Hazardous material
A substance (either matter-solid, liquid, or gas-or energy) that when released is capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property, including weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as defined in 18 U.S. Code, Section 2332a, as well as any other criminal use of hazardous materials, such as illicit labs, environmental crimes, or industrial sabotage. (NFPA 472)
Hazardous materials company
A fire company that responds to and controls scenes where hazardous materials have spilled or leaked. Responders wear special suits and are trained to deal with most chemicals.
Hazardous materials technician
A person who responds to hazardous materials/weapons of mass destruction incidents using a risk-based response process by which he or she analyzes the problem at hand, selects applicable decontamination procedures, and controls a release while using specialized protective clothing and control equipment. (NFPA 472)
Hazel hoe
A hand tool used to grub out heavy brush to create a fire control line; also known as an adze hoe.
Head of the fire
The main or running edge of a fire; the part of the fire that spreads with the greatest speed.
Heads-up display (HUD)
Visual display of information and system conditions status that is visible to the wearer. (NFPA 1981)
Heat cramps
Painful muscle spasms that occur suddenly during or after physical exertion; usually involve muscles in the leg or abdomen.
Heat detector
A fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature or rate of temperature rise, or both. (NFPA 72)
Heat flux
The measure of the rate of heat transfer to a surface, typically expressed in kilowatts per meter squared (kW/_) or Btu/ft2. (NFPA 268)
Heat rash
Itchy rash on skin that is wet from sweating; seen after prolonged sweating.
Heat release rate (HRR)
The rate at which heat energy is generated by burning. (NFPA 921)
Heat sensor label
A label that changes color at a preset temperature to indicate a specific heat exposure. (NFPA1931)
Heat transfer
The movement of heat energy from a hotter medium to a cooler medium by conduction, convection, or radiation.
Heavy fuels
Fuels of a large diameter, such as large brush, heavy timber, snags, stumps, branches, and dead timber on the ground. These fuels ignite and are consumed more slowly than light fuels.
Heel of the fire
The side opposite the head of the fire, which is often close to the area of origin.
Higbee indicators
Indicators on the male and female threaded couplings that indicate where the threads start. These indicators should be aligned before fire fighters start to thread the couplings together.
High-angle operation
A rope rescue operation where the angle of the slope is greater than 45 degrees. In this scenario, rescuers depend on life safety rope rather than a fixed support surface such as the ground.
Hitch
knot that attaches to or wraps around an object so that when the object is removed, the knot will fall apart. (NFPA 1670)
Hockey puck lock
A type of padlock with hidden shackles that cannot be forced open through conventional methods.
Hollow-core door
A door made of panels that are honeycombed inside, creating an inexpensive and lightweight design.
Horizontal evacuation
Moving occupants from a dangerous area to a safe area on the same floor level.
Horizontal-sliding windows
Windows that slide open horizontally.
Horizontal ventilation
The opening or removal of windows or doors on any floor of a fire building to create flow paths for fire conditions. (NFPA 1410)
Horn
The tapered discharge nozzle of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.
Horseshoe hose load
A hose loading method in which the hose is laid on its edge in the bed around the perimeter of the bed so that it resembles a horseshoe.
Hose appliance
A piece of hardware (excluding nozzles) generally intended for connection to fire hose to control or convey water. (NFPA 1962)
Hose bridge
A device that protects a hose when it is necessary for a vehicle to drive over a hose.
Hose clamp
A device used to compress a fire hose to stop water flow.
Hose jacket
A device used to stop a leak in a fire hose or to join hose that have damaged couplings.
Hose liner
The inside portion of a hose that is in contact with the flowing water; also called the hose inner jacket.
Hose roller
A device that is placed on the edge of a roof and is used to protect hose as it is hoisted up and over the roof edge.
Hostile fireevent
A general descriptor for hazardous fire conditions, including flashover, backdraft, smoke-explosion, flameover, and rapid fire spread. (NFPA 1521)
Hot zone
The control zone immediately surrounding a hazardous area, which extends far enough to prevent adverse effects to personnel outside the zone. (NFPA 1500)
Hux bar
A multipurpose tool that can be used for several forcible entry and ventilation applications because of its unique design. It also may be used as a hydrant wrench.
Hybrid building
A building that does not fit entirely into any of the five construction types because it incorporates building mate-rials of more than one type.
Hybrid electric vehicles
Vehicles that use both a battery-powered electric motor and a liquid-fueled engine to propel a vehicle.
Hydrant wrench
A hand tool that is used to operate the valves on a hydrant; it also may be used as a spanner wrench. Some models are plain wrenches, whereas others have a ratchet feature.
Hydraulic shears
A lightweight, hand-operated tool that can produce up to 10,000 lb (4500 kg) of cutting force.
Hydraulic spreader
A lightweight, hand-operated tool that can produce up to 10,000 lb (4500 kg) of prying and spreading force.
Hydraulic ventilation
Ventilation that relies on the movement of air caused by a fog stream that is placed 2 to 4 ft (0.6 to 1.2m)in front of an open window.
Hydrogen cyanide
An extremely toxic gas produced by the combustion of many common plastic-based materials. Low-level exposure can cause cyanosis, headache, dizziness, unsteady gait, and nausea.
Hydrostatic testing
A test performed by filling pressure-containing components completely with water or other incompressible fluid while expelling all contained air, closing or capping all open ports of the pressure-containing components, and then raising and maintaining the contained pressure to pressurize the pressure-containing components to a prescribed value through an externally supplied pressure-generating device. (NFPA 1901)
Hydrostatic testing
Pressure testing of a fire extinguisher to verify its strength against unwanted rupture. (NFPA 10)
Hypothermia
A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95¡F(35_C), usually a result of prolonged exposure to cold or freezing temperatures.
l-beam
A ladder beam constructed of one continuous piece of I-shaped metal or fiberglass to which the rungs are attached.
Ignitable liquid
Any liquid or the liquid phase of any material that is capable of fueling a fire, including a flammable liquid, combustible liquid, or any other material that can be liquefied and burned. (NFPA 556)
Ignition temperature
Minimum temperature a substance should attain in order to ignite under specific test conditions. (NFPA 402)
Ignition
The action of setting something on fire.
Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
Any condition that would pose an immediate or delayed threat to life, cause irreversible adverse health effects, or interfere with an individualÕs ability to escape unaided from a hazardous environment. (NFPA 1670)
Incendiary device
A device or mechanism used to initiate an incendiary fire or explosion.
Incendiary fire
A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not be a fire. (NFPA 921)
Incident action plan (IAP)
A verbal or written plan containing incident objectives reflecting the overall strategy and specific control actions where appropriate for managing an incident or planned event. (NFPA 1026)
Incident commander (IC)
The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and release of resources. (NFPA 1026, 1500)
Incident command post (ICP)
The field location at which the primary tactical-level, on-scene incident command functions are performed. (NFPA 1026)
Incident command system (ICS)
The combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure that has responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives pertaining to an incident or training exercise. (NFPA 1670)
Incident command system (ICS)
The combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure that has responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives pertaining to an incident or training exercise. (NFPA 1670)
Incident report
A document prepared by fire department personnel on a particular incident. (NFPA 901
Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG)
A job and training reference for personnel operating at a wildland fire. It may also be used for all-hazard incident response.
Incident safety officer
A member of the command staff responsible for monitoring and assessing safety hazards and unsafe situations and for developing measures for ensuring personnel safety. (NFPA 1500)
Incipient stage
The early stage of fire development where the fire’s progression is limited to a fuel source and the thermal hazard is localized to the area of the burning material. (NFPA 1410)
Incomplete combustion
A burning process in which the fuel is not completely consumed, usually due to a limited supply of oxygen.
Indirect attack
A method of wildland fire attack in which the control line is located along natural fuel breaks, at favorable breaks in the topography, or at considerable distance from the fire, and the intervening fuel is burned out.
Indirect attack
Firefighting operations involving the application of extinguishing agents to reduce the build-up of heat released from a fire without applying the agent directly onto the burning fuel. (NFPA 1145)
Information management
Fire fighters or civilians who take care of the computer and networking systems that a fire department needs to operate.
Initial attack apparatus
Fire apparatus with a fire pump of at least 250 gpm (946 L/min) capacity, water tank, and hose body, whose primary purpose is to initiate a fire suppression attack on structural, vehicular, or vegetation fires and to support associated fire department operations. May also be referred to as quick attack apparatus.
In-line eductor
A Venturi-type proportioning device that meters foam concentrate at a fixed or variable concentration into the water stream at a point between the water source and a nozzle or other discharge device. (NFPA 11)
Interior attack
The assignment of a team of fire fighters to enter a structure and attempt fire suppression.
Interior finish
The exposed surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floors within buildings. (NFPA 5000)
Interior wall
A wall inside a building that divides a large space into smaller areas.
Inverter
Equipment that is used to change the voltage level or waveform, or both, of electrical energy. Commonly, an inverter [also known as a power conditioning unit (PCU) or power con-version system (PCS)] is a device that changes DC input to AC output. Inverters may also function as battery chargers that use alternating current from another source and convert it into direct current for charging batteries. (NFPA 70)
lonization smoke detection
The principle of using a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air between two differentially charged electrodes to sense the presence of smoke particles. Smoke particles entering the ionization volume decrease the conductance of the air by reducing ion mobility. The reduced conductance signal is processed and used to convey an alarm condition when it meets preset criteria. (NFPA 72)
Irons
A combination of tools, usually consisting of a Halligan tool and a flat-head axe, that are commonly used for forcible entry.
Irons
A combination of tools, usually consisting of a Halligan tool and a flat-head axe, that is commonly used for forcible entry.
Island
An unburned area surrounded by fire.
Jalousie windows
Windows made of small slats of tempered glass, which overlap each other when the window is closed. Often found in trailers and mobile homes, jalousie windows are held together by a metal frame and operated by a small hand wheel or crank found in the corner of the window.
J tool
A tool that is designed to fit between double doors equipped with push bars or panic bars.
Junction box
A device that attaches to an electrical cord to pro-vide additional outlets.
Juvenile firesetters
Firesetters who are typically 7 to 13 years old and often suffer from emotional or psychological problems. Juvenile firesetters often ignite fires in or around their own homes or schools.
Kelly tool
A steel bar with two main features: a large pick and a large chisel or fork.
Kerf cut
A cut that is the width and depth of the saw blade. It is used to inspect cockloft spaces from the roof.
Kernmantle rope
Rope made of two parts-the kern (interior component) and the mantle (the outside sheath).
Keyhole saw
A saw designed to cut keyhole circles in wood and drywall.
Kinetic energy
The energy possessed by an object as a result of its motion.
Knot
A fastening made by tying rope or webbing in a prescribed way. (NFPA 1670)
K tool
A tool that is used to remove lock cylinders from structural doors so the locking mechanism can be unlocked.
Ladder A-frame
An A-shaped structure formed with two ladder sections. It can be used as a makeshift lift when raising a trapped person. Sometimes referred to as an A-frame hoist.
Ladder belt
A compliant equipment item that is intended for use as a positioning device for a person on a ladder: (NFPA 1983)
