Tools
Pick Axe
Uses: Striking & cutting, forcible entry (w/ halligan bar), ventilation, overhaul
Ignition temperature
The minimum temperature to which a substance must be raised before it will ignite.
Mobile Canteen
Provides drinks and snacks to crews at the scene of a major incident
Combustible construction
The use of unprotected wood and wood by-products in building construction
Certification
A document that specifies that a student has successfully completed the prerequisite education and training to perform a job function, such as a firefighter or emergency medical technician.
Halligan
Uses: Prying, forcible entry (w/ sledge hammer or flat head axe) through doors, windows, security bars, vehicle extrication, rescue
Conflagration
A very large fire that defies control efforts and causes extensive damage over a large area.
Water Tender
Provides a source of water for brush rigs and engines at grass fires. Each Tender carries approximately 3,000 gallons of water.
Confined space
An area a person can enter to do work, but which has limited means of entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy by a person.
Chain of command
An orderly line of authority within the ranks of the organization, with lower levels subordinate to, and connected to higher levels. The organization of management at the incident starts with IC and develops downward.
Pike Pole
Uses: Pulling ceiling or walls during firefighting & overhaul, sounding roof during ventilation operations
Rollover
A condition occurring in a structure fire where the fire extends across the ceiling consuming heated gases. Same as flame over.
Brush Engine
Used on grass fires and are specially adapted to firefighting in rough terrain. Used where access is a problem and fire hydrants are few or non-existent. Designed for off-road areas and brush fire fighting
Parapet walls
Walls that extend above the roof life
IDLH
Immediate Danger to Life and Health; An atmosphere that is capable of causing death, irreversible adverse health effects, or the impairment of an individual's ability to escape.
Pulaski
The Pulaski is a specialty hand tool used in fighting fires, particularly wildfires. The Pulaski was developed for constructing firebreaks, able to both dig soil and chop wood.
Backdraft
A type of explosion caused by the sudden influx of air into a mixture of gases, which have been heated above the ignition temperature of at least one of them.
Explosive Device Team and X-Ray Unit
A trailer is towed containing a special fabricated cylinder used for detonating explosives. Designed to carry equipment used for x-raying, disarming and detonating potential explosives
(FRC)
Fire resistive construction; Construction that has been designed to resist the effects of heat from fire.
Span of control
The number of subordinates a manager can directly control. The number varies with the complexity of the operation and the skill of the subordinates.
McLeod
It can be used for clearing brush and debris as well as constructing fire lines.
Flashover
A condition occurring in a structure fire where the contents are heated to their ignition temperature and flames break out over the entire area almost simultaneously.
US&R Rig
Has a large electrical generator on board to run multiple electrical tools. Has several hydraulic tool hose reels and a large air compressor to run air-powered tools, like jackhammers
Standpipe system
Plumbing system installed in multistory buildings for fire department use with outlets on each floor for attaching fire hose.
CISD
Critical incident stress debriefing; A discussion in which personnel is encouraged to express their feelings after responding to and operating at particularly stressful incidents. These are conducted after incident to assist personnel to better deal with their emotions.