FIREGROUND DEFINITIONS
This term describes a group of at least two members assigned to complete a specific task.
What is a Crew?
This term describes the route followed by smoke, air, heat, or flame toward or away from an opening.
What is Flow Path?
This is the written or unwritten plan that outlines strategy, objectives, and support needs.
What is the Incident Action Plan (IAP)?
This benchmark means the primary search has been completed.
What is “All Clear”?
This letter in SLICE-RS stands for “Locate the fire.”
What is “L – Locate the Fire”?
This refers to the purposeful, coordinated removal of smoke and heat while controlling airflow.
What is Controlled Ventilation?
This tactic limits oxygen by controlling or closing ventilation points.
What is Flow Path Control?
This strategy is used when the structure or lives can be saved and may include interior operations.
What is an Offensive Strategy?
This benchmark indicates water or foam is being applied to the fire.
What is “Agent Applied”?
This action reduces thermal threat by applying water from the safest location.
What is “Cool the Space”?
This is the boundary layer between combustion products and uninvolved fuels.
What is the Thermal Layer (Interface Layer)?
This type of airflow moves in opposing directions through an opening
What is Bidirectional Flow?
This strategy is chosen when the structure cannot be saved and operations remain exterior.
What is a Defensive Strategy?
This radio report includes strategy, mode, safety concerns, and actions taken.
What is the Second Radio Report?
This action always takes priority over all other fireground operations.
What is Rescue?
This transition phase occurs when all exposed surfaces ignite almost simultaneously.
What is Flashover?
This is the only situation where a crew may operate without hose line protection.
What is VEIS (Vent-Enter-Isolate-Search)?
This strategy is used when intervention may increase risk or environmental damage.
What is No Attack (Non-Intervention)?
This benchmark confirms that fire is no longer advancing.
What is “Under Control”?
This term describes applying an agent from the exterior to return the fire to pre-flashover conditions.
What is Resetting the Fire?
This term describes a fire whose growth is limited by available oxygen.
What is a Vent-Controlled Fire?
This ventilation rule-of-thumb
What is Ventilation (Control-Coordinate-Communicate)?
This mode of operation requires the Incident Action Plan to be written and tracked.
What is Command Mode?
This benchmark indicates all property conservation efforts are complete.
What is “Loss Stopped”?
This decision-making process asks: “Are people alive in there?”
What is Survival Profiling?