Hamilton Fire Academy Definitions

Question 1

Pyrolysis

Answer 1

The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat

Question 2

Fire point

Answer 2

The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat

Question 3

Back Draft

Answer 3

A very rapid, often explosive burning of hot gases that occurs when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-depleted confined space

Question 4

Auto ignition/ignition temperature

Answer 4

The minimum temperature to which a fuel in air must be heated in order to start self-sustaining combustion independent of the heat source.

Question 5

Fire

Answer 5

Rapid oxidation of combustible material accompanied by release of energy in the form of heat and light.

Question 6

Flashover

Answer 6

The simultaneous ignition of all combustibles, in a space. (Full room involvement. Transition between the growth and full developed stage.)

Question 7

Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)

Answer 7

minimum concentration of fuel vapor and air that supports combustion.

Question 8

Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)

Answer 8

Concentration above which combustion cannot take place.

Question 9

Flash point

Answer 9

Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air near the liquid’s surface.

Question 10

Fire hose

Answer 10

identifies a flexible tube used by firefighter to carry water under pressure from the course of supply to a point where it is discharged.

Question 11

Fire Stream

Answer 11

A stream of water of other extinguishing agent as it leaves a fire hose nozzle until reaching the desired target

Question 12

Conduction

Answer 12

is the point to point transmission of heat energy. Conduction occurs when material is heated as a result of direct contact with a heat source.

Question 13

Convection

Answer 13

is the transfer of heat energy by the movement of heated liquids or gas

Question 14

Radiation

Answer 14

is the transmission of energy as an electromagnetic wave without an intervening medium.

Question 15

Rescue

Answer 15

Involves removal of victims of entrapment by fires, terrain features, structure collapse, elevation differences, confined spaces and non-extrication situations

Question 16

Extrication

Answer 16

Involves disentanglement, removal of victims from vehicles of machinery

Question 17

High rise

Answer 17

1) Beyond the reach of fire department aerial equipment
2) Requires unreasonable evacuation time
3) Poses the potential for significant “stack effect”
4) Fire on the upper floors must be fought from the inside of the building

Question 18

Salvage

Answer 18

Salvage is the saving of property consisting of those methods which reduce fire, water and smoke damage during and after a fire with the goal of minimizing property damage

Question 19

Overhaul

Answer 19

Includes those operations that are required to complete extinguishment of any remaining fire, prevent rekindling, and place the building in a fire safe condition.

Question 20

Aerial Apparatus

Answer 20

An aerial apparatus is a type of firefighting apparatus with five defining attributes; A pump, Hose, A water tank, Ground ladders, An aerial ladder

Question 21

Thermal Layering

Answer 21

The outcome of combustion in a confined space in which gases tend to form into layers according to temp with the hottest gases at the ceiling and the coolest at the floor.

Question 22

Arson

Answer 22

The crime of intentionally or recklessly causing damage by fire or explosion to another’s property or to one’s own, with or without the intent to defraud

Question 23

Alligatoring

Answer 23

Large, deep, shiny charring which indicates extremely rapid fire spread, due to the use of a flammable liquid

Question 24

Splash pattern

Answer 24

Characteristic pattern left on a wall by an accelerant splashed there, usually in the shape of an Inverted “V”

Question 25

Trailer

Answer 25

Combustible material, such as rolled rags, blankets, and newspapers or flammable liquid, used to spread fire from one point or area to other points or areas, often used in conjunction with incendiary devices