Hamilton Fire Academy Definitions Flashcards
Pyrolysis
The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat
Fire point
The chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat
Back Draft
A very rapid, often explosive burning of hot gases that occurs when oxygen is introduced into an oxygen-depleted confined space
Auto ignition/ignition temperature
The minimum temperature to which a fuel in air must be heated in order to start self-sustaining combustion independent of the heat source.
Fire
Rapid oxidation of combustible material accompanied by release of energy in the form of heat and light.
Flashover
The simultaneous ignition of all combustibles, in a space. (Full room involvement. Transition between the growth and full developed stage.)
Lower Flammable Limit (LFL)
minimum concentration of fuel vapor and air that supports combustion.
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)
Concentration above which combustion cannot take place.
Flash point
Minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air near the liquid’s surface.
Fire hose
identifies a flexible tube used by firefighter to carry water under pressure from the course of supply to a point where it is discharged.
Fire Stream
A stream of water of other extinguishing agent as it leaves a fire hose nozzle until reaching the desired target
Conduction
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.
Convection
is the transfer of heat energy by the movement of heated liquids or gas
Radiation
is the transmission of energy as an electromagnetic wave without an intervening medium.
Rescue
Involves removal of victims of entrapment by fires, terrain features, structure collapse, elevation differences, confined spaces and non-extrication situations
Extrication
Involves disentanglement, removal of victims from vehicles of machinery
High rise
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
Salvage
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
Overhaul
Includes those operations that are required to complete extinguishment of any remaining fire, prevent rekindling, and place the building in a fire safe condition.
Aerial Apparatus
An aerial apparatus is a type of firefighting apparatus with five defining attributes; A pump, Hose, A water tank, Ground ladders, An aerial ladder
Thermal Layering
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.
Arson
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
Alligatoring
Large, deep, shiny charring which indicates extremely rapid fire spread, due to the use of a flammable liquid
Splash pattern
Characteristic pattern left on a wall by an accelerant splashed there, usually in the shape of an Inverted “V”
Trailer
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
