Firefighter Assist and Search Team (also called Rapid Entry Team or Rapid Intervention Team) firefighters assigned to stand by for rescue of other firefighters inside a structure; an implementation to support the Two-in, two-out rule; may have specialized training, experience and tools.

Location in which pumping apparatus hooks to a buildings standpipe and or sprinkler system. Usually a 3 female connection.

Fluoroprotein film forming foam.

System for receiving and announcing location of fire based upon input from smoke, flame or heat detectors, or manual call points or pull stations.

There are two main types of axes used in firefighting, a flathead axe, which just has a wedge for cutting into objects. The second type is a pickhead axe which has a cutting wedge on one side, and then a pointed pick for penetration of objects.

The manner in which a fire reacts to the influences of fuel, weather, and topography.

Temporary camp established at large fires to provide food, rest, and other necessities to fire crews.

Regulations for fire prevention and safety involving flammables, explosives and other dangerous operations and occupancies.

Special keys provided to firefighters to access a lockbox, located on some commercial buildings, containing additional keys required for entry or other safety features.

The boundary of a fire at a given moment.

Scientific design of materials, structures and processes for fire safety

A building structure arranged outside to assist in safe evacuation of occupants during an emergency; may connect horizontally beyond a fire wall or verically to a roof or (preferably) to the ground, perhaps with a counter-weighted span to deny access to intruders.

See Extinguisher above.

The amount of water being pumped onto a fire, or required to extinguish a hypothetical fire. A critical calculation in light of the axiom that an ordinary fire will not be extinguished unless there is sufficient water to remove the heat of the fire.

Glass bottle filled with carbon tetrachloride or similar fire extinguishing fluid; meant to be thrown and shatter at base of fire to mix with air to produce non-combustible mixture; Similar to extinguishers comprised of glass fixtures with spring-loaded clapper released by heat-fusible link. Limited effectiveness, and phased out in 1950s when better extinguishers became available.

Materials, structures or processes that may result in creating a fire, permitting a fire to grow undetected, or preventing people from escaping a fire.

See hydrant.

The study of pumps, hoses, pipes, accessories and tools for moving water or other extinguishing agents from a water supply to a fire.

A person responsible for issuing permits and enforcing the fire code, including any necessary premises inspection, as before allowing (or during) a large indoor gathering.

A boundary of a fire scene established for public safety and to identify the area in which firefighters may be working.

An estimate of the amount of heat that will be given off during ordinary combustion of all the fuel in a given space; e.g., a bedroom or a lumberyard.

A person that keeps an eye for possible fire starts and conditions. They can work in a Fire Lookout Tower or perform the duty as a role for a fire crew on the fireline.

A structure located at a high vantage point to house and protect the person performing the duties of a Fire Lookout.

Administrative and investigative office for fire prevention and arson investigation.

Temperature at which materials give off flammable gases that will sustain fire, typically higher than flash point. Temperature at flashover.

Fire safety; standards for minimizing fire hazards.

Any substance (except plain water) that by chemical or physical actions reduces flammability of fuels or slows their rate of combustion. See retardent slurry, AFFF, and Foam as examples.

An aluminized tent offering protection by means of reflecting radiant heat and providing a volume of breathable air in a fire entrapment situation. Carried as a safety tool, fire shelters should only be used in life threatening situations, as a last resort, as severe burns or asphyxiation often result.

Distinctive yellow shirts made of Nomex or other lightweight materials of low combustibility, used as uniform PPE of wildland firefighters.

Fire department dispatching system using radio controls to activate remote signals at designated fire stations and to transmit emergency information via audio or digital channels.