Glossary

The boundary line around the area affected by a fire. The fire perimeter is used to measure the extent of the fire and helps guide containment and suppression efforts.

The temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to sustain continuous combustion after ignition. The fire point is higher than the flash point and is critical for understanding fire risks of flammable liquids.

Measures taken to reduce the risk of fire starting or spreading, such as implementing fire codes, conducting inspections, and educating the public. Fire prevention is essential for protecting lives and property.

The application of fire-resistant materials to structural components to increase their resistance to fire and heat. Fireproofing helps delay the spread of fire and provides additional time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.

The process by which a fire spreads from its point of origin to surrounding areas. Factors affecting fire propagation include fuel type, wind, humidity, and topography.

Systems, practices, and materials designed to prevent, detect, and suppress fires to protect people and property. Fire protection includes both active systems, like sprinklers, and passive systems, like fire-resistant building materials.

An integrated system of equipment and processes, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors, aimed at detecting and controlling or extinguishing fires. These systems help ensure the safety of occupants and minimize property damage.

The pattern, frequency, and intensity of wildfires in a particular ecosystem over time. Fire regimes help ecologists and fire managers understand the natural role of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

The examination of ash, soot, and other remnants left after a fire to determine the presence of accelerants or other chemical indicators. This analysis aids in identifying whether a fire was accidental or intentional.

The ability of a material or structure to withstand fire and maintain its integrity for a specified period. Fire resistance is tested and rated to meet safety standards for building construction.

The duration for which a building component, such as a wall or door, can withstand fire exposure while maintaining its structural integrity. Ratings are typically expressed in hours and are essential for building code compliance.

Roofing materials that have been treated or manufactured to resist catching fire. Fire-resistant roofs help protect homes from wildfires and embers that can ignite roofs made of more flammable materials.

A type of tree or plant that has properties that make it less likely to ignite or spread fire. Fire-resistant trees are often included in landscape designs to create defensible space around properties.

Packaging materials that have been treated or manufactured to resist catching fire or to slow the spread of flames. This is commonly used for shipping hazardous materials or in industries requiring high fire safety standards.

Chemicals or substances applied to materials or vegetation to slow down or stop the spread of fire. Fire retardants are used in aerial drops during wildfires and in building materials for added fire protection.

The process of evaluating the potential fire hazards and risks in a building or area to implement appropriate safety measures. This assessment helps prioritize fire prevention efforts and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

A set of practices and precautions aimed at preventing fire outbreaks and ensuring the safety of people and property. Fire safety includes fire prevention measures, safety protocols, and the use of fire protection systems.

Devices and tools used to detect, suppress, or fight fires, such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire blankets. Having appropriate fire safety equipment is essential for emergency preparedness.

The practice of documenting a fire scene through photographs to capture evidence, damage, and burn patterns. Fire scene photography is critical for investigations, insurance claims, and legal proceedings.

The study of the behavior, effects, and control of fire. Fire science encompasses fire dynamics, combustion processes, fire prevention, and firefighting techniques.

The period during which wildfires are most likely to occur, typically characterized by dry weather, high temperatures, and low humidity. Fire season varies by region and is influenced by climate and vegetation conditions.

A portable, heat-reflective tent carried by wildland firefighters for emergency protection in case they become trapped by fire. Fire shelters provide temporary refuge and help shield against radiant heat and flames.

The act of setting up and using a fire shelter during an emergency to protect oneself from intense heat and flames. Firefighters are trained to deploy shelters quickly to maximize survival chances in entrapment situations.

The practice of creating and maintaining fire-resilient properties and landscapes through strategies such as vegetation management, fire-resistant building materials, and community planning. Fire smart practices help reduce the risk of fire damage.

The movement of fire across an area or through a structure. Fire spread can be influenced by factors such as fuel type, wind, topography, and ventilation.

The process of examining how and why a fire spread in a particular way, including analyzing burn patterns, fuel loads, and environmental conditions. Fire spread analysis helps improve fire management and prevention strategies.

The visual traces and damage paths left behind that show the direction and manner in which a fire has moved. Analyzing these patterns helps investigators determine the origin and progression of the fire.

An intense and often uncontrollable fire that generates powerful updrafts and can create its own wind system. Fire storms can spread rapidly and cause severe damage over a large area.

A substance used to extinguish or control a fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion. Common fire suppressants include water, foam, and chemical agents.

The act of controlling and extinguishing a fire to prevent its spread and minimize damage. Fire suppression involves various tactics, including direct and indirect attack, the use of fire retardants, and creating firebreaks.

An automated system designed to detect and suppress fires in buildings or vehicles. Examples include sprinkler systems, foam systems, and gas suppression systems.

An expanded version of the fire triangle that includes four elements necessary for combustion: heat, fuel, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction. The fire tetrahedron helps explain how fires sustain themselves and how to extinguish them.

A model that illustrates the three essential elements required for combustion: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Removing any one of these elements can extinguish a fire.

A team of specialized personnel who manage and conduct prescribed burns and other planned fire operations to achieve land management goals. Fire use modules help reduce hazardous fuel loads and maintain ecological balance.

A fire-resistant barrier designed to prevent the spread of fire from one part of a building to another. Fire walls are constructed to withstand high temperatures for a specified period and are essential for building safety.

The specific meteorological conditions that influence fire behavior, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. Fire weather forecasts help fire managers plan and implement effective firefighting strategies.

A prediction of weather conditions that could affect fire behavior and spread. Fire weather forecasts are used by firefighters and emergency management teams to anticipate fire risks and prepare for incidents.

An alert issued when weather conditions conducive to wildfires are expected but not yet occurring. A fire weather watch warns residents and fire management teams to be prepared for potential fire activity.

A spinning vortex of flame and hot gases that can occur in intense fires, similar to a tornado. Fire whirls can spread embers and create dangerous conditions for firefighters and nearby structures.

The comprehensive approach to minimizing fire hazards and ensuring the safety of building occupants. This includes fire prevention measures, safety equipment, training, and emergency plans.

The duration for which a building component, such as a wall or door, can withstand fire exposure while maintaining its structural integrity. Ratings are typically expressed in hours and are essential for building code compliance.

A material applied to surfaces to increase their resistance to heat and flames. Fire-resistant coatings help prevent the rapid spread of fire and provide additional protection for structural components.

Residential structures designed and built using materials and practices that resist ignition and flame spread. These houses incorporate fire-resistant roofs, walls, and other components to enhance safety.

Materials that are designed to withstand high temperatures and flames for a specified time without igniting or deteriorating. Examples include fire-rated drywall, treated wood, and certain types of glass.

Structural walls constructed with materials that can resist fire for a certain duration, helping to contain fires within specific sections of a building. These walls are crucial for compartmentalization in fire safety design.

A piece of burning material, such as an ember or a spark, that can be carried by the wind and ignite new fires. Firebrands are a significant cause of spot fires during wildfires.

A trained professional or volunteer who is responsible for combating fires, conducting rescues, and providing emergency response services. Firefighters undergo rigorous training to handle different types of fire incidents.

Equipment, personnel, and tools used to combat and manage fires. Resources include fire engines, aerial units, hand tools, protective gear, and communication systems.

A national program designed to teach communities how to adapt to living with wildfire risk and encourage neighbors to work together to protect their homes and property. The program provides resources for creating defensible space and implementing fire-resistant practices.

The initial material that catches fire and starts the combustion process. Identifying the first fuel ignited helps fire investigators determine the origin and cause of a fire.

Specialized training provided to emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, to respond effectively to emergency situations such as fires, accidents, and natural disasters.

The visible, gaseous part of a fire that emits heat and light. Flames are the result of the combustion process and vary in color, shape, and intensity based on the type of fuel and conditions.

The study of the characteristics of a flame, such as color, height, and spread, to gather information about the type of fuel burning and fire conditions. Flame analysis helps fire investigators understand the nature of the fire.

The leading edge of a flame as it advances across a surface or through fuel. The flame front is the area where combustion is actively occurring and is often the hottest part of the fire.

The vertical measurement of a flame from its base to its tip. Flame height is an indicator of fire intensity and is used to assess potential damage and firefighting needs.

The distance from the flame's base to its tip, typically measured at an angle relative to the ground. Flame length is an important factor in determining the type of suppression tactics needed to control a fire.

The temperature at which a liquid emits enough vapor to sustain a continuous flame once ignited. The flame point is higher than the flash point and indicates a liquid’s flammability risk.

Substances applied to materials to reduce their flammability and slow the spread of fire. Flame retardants are used in furniture, building materials, and clothing to enhance fire safety.

The rate at which fire moves across a surface. Flame spread ratings are used to classify building materials based on their behavior in a fire and help determine safety standards.

Also known as "rollover," it occurs when unburned gases in a confined space ignite and flash across the ceiling or upper portions of a room. This can be an early warning sign of a potential flashover and is dangerous for firefighters.

The part of the fire where active combustion takes place and where flames are most visible. The flaming front is often targeted during suppression efforts to slow or stop the spread of the fire.

The ability of a material or substance to ignite and burn. Flammability ratings help assess the fire risk of various materials and are important in fire prevention and safety measures.

A term used to describe a material that easily catches fire and burns quickly. Flammable materials have a low ignition point and pose significant fire hazards.

Electrolytes used in batteries or other devices that are capable of catching fire if exposed to heat or a spark. Managing these electrolytes safely is essential to prevent fires in battery-operated devices.

The range of concentrations of a flammable vapor or gas in the air within which combustion can occur if an ignition source is present. The lower and upper flammable limits (LFL and UFL) define this range.

Any liquid with a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C). These liquids are highly volatile and can produce flammable vapors at relatively low temperatures, increasing the risk of fire.

Liquids that can ignite easily due to their low flash points. Examples include gasoline, alcohol, and acetone. Proper storage and handling are critical to reducing the risk of fire.

Substances that can ignite and burn readily when exposed to an ignition source. Flammable materials include gases, liquids, and solids that pose fire risks in various environments.

The concentration range of a flammable vapor or gas in the air within which combustion can occur. This range lies between the lower flammable limit (LFL) and upper flammable limit (UFL), where a substance can ignite if an ignition source is present.

The practice of safely storing flammable liquids, gases, and materials to minimize the risk of fire. Proper flammable storage includes using fire-resistant cabinets, containers, and ensuring adequate ventilation.

The sides of a fire perimeter, which may spread at different rates depending on wind direction and terrain. Firefighters often work to control the flanks to prevent a fire from widening.

A sudden and temporary increase in fire intensity and rate of spread. Flare-ups can occur due to changes in wind, fuel, or other environmental factors and pose dangers to firefighting crews.

A fast-moving fire that spreads rapidly through a combustible gas or vapor cloud. Flash fires are typically short-lived but can cause severe burns and injuries due to their high intensity.

Light, dry materials such as grass, leaves, or small twigs that ignite easily and burn rapidly. Flash fuels contribute to the quick spread of surface fires and influence fire behavior.

The lowest temperature at which a liquid can produce enough vapor to ignite when exposed to an ignition source. The flash point is an important indicator of the fire hazard associated with a liquid.

The temperature at which a liquid emits sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air. This temperature helps assess the risk of flammability for various liquids and guides safety protocols.

A rapid transition to full room involvement in a fire, where nearly all combustible surfaces in an enclosed area ignite simultaneously. Flashovers are extremely dangerous and can be deadly for occupants and firefighters.

The process of igniting a liquid or gaseous substance when exposed to sufficient heat or an ignition source. This term is relevant in scenarios where flammable fluids or vapors are present.

A fire suppression agent that forms a barrier between the fuel and the air, smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition. Foam is used in fighting flammable liquid fires and wildfires.

A non-woody, flowering plant that can serve as fuel for a fire, particularly in wildland areas. The presence of forbs can influence fire behavior by adding to the available fuel load.

The application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil cases. Forensic analysis in fire investigations includes examining evidence, chemical residues, and burn patterns to determine the cause of a fire.

The investigation of financial records and transactions to detect fraud or discrepancies that may be related to arson or insurance claims. Forensic accountants may assist in uncovering motives behind intentionally set fires.

The detailed examination and interpretation of evidence using scientific techniques. In fire investigations, this may include chemical analysis, material testing, and evaluating burn patterns.

The branch of forensic science that focuses on the chemical analysis of substances found at a fire scene. This includes testing for accelerants, chemical residues, and other indicators of fire causes.

Material collected during an investigation that can be used in court to establish facts. In fire cases, forensic evidence may include samples of charred materials, accelerant residues, and witness statements.

The analysis of biological samples to detect the presence of toxic substances, such as smoke inhalation byproducts, in fire victims. This helps determine whether toxic exposure contributed to injuries or fatalities.

Intentional deception for personal or financial gain. In fire investigations, fraud may involve arson for insurance purposes, where the fire is deliberately set to collect a payout.

Any material that can be burned to produce heat and energy. In the context of fire, fuels are categorized by type (e.g., wood, gasoline, paper) and can be solid, liquid, or gaseous.

An accumulation of combustible materials, such as grass, leaves, and twigs, that provides the fuel for a fire. The characteristics of a fuel bed, such as its moisture content and arrangement, significantly influence fire behavior.

A strip of land where vegetation has been removed or reduced to slow or stop the spread of a wildfire. Fuel breaks are a key part of wildfire prevention and management strategies.

The state of combustible materials, including their moisture content, size, and arrangement. Fuel condition plays a crucial role in determining how easily a fire can ignite and spread.

A type of gas, such as natural gas or propane, used as a fuel source for heating, cooking, or industrial processes. Improper handling or leaks can lead to fire hazards and explosions.

Systems or processes used to identify and monitor leaks in fuel lines or storage tanks. Early detection helps prevent fires and explosions resulting from fuel leaks.

A break or damage in a fuel line that allows flammable liquid or gas to escape, posing a significant risk of fire. Fuel line ruptures can occur due to mechanical failure, corrosion, or accidents.

The total amount of combustible material present in an area that can feed a fire. High fuel loads increase the potential intensity and duration of a fire.

The process of measuring and assessing the amount of combustible material available in a specific area. This information helps fire managers predict fire behavior and plan suppression strategies.

The practice of reducing or modifying available fuel to lower the risk of fire ignition and spread. Fuel management techniques include controlled burns, clearing vegetation, and creating firebreaks.

A standardized classification system that describes the characteristics of different types of fuel beds, such as grasslands, forests, or brush. Fuel models help predict fire behavior in various environments.

The process of altering the composition or arrangement of combustible materials to reduce fire risk. This can involve trimming trees, removing underbrush, or other methods to create defensible space.

The amount of water content present in a fuel source, which affects how easily it can ignite and burn. Low fuel moisture levels indicate dry conditions, increasing the likelihood of fire ignition and spread.