Hi, my name is Félix-Antoine, I am a student in College Montmorency in Fire Safety. This glossary is mint to clarify the meaning of words that are specific to firefighting.
auto-ignition temperature
noun
The auto-ignition temperature of a substance is the lowest temperature in which it spontaneously ignites in a normal atmosphere without an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark.
Example: The auto-ignition temperature of the carbon monoxide is 609 degree Celsius.
fr: température d'auto-inflammation
breathing apparatus (SCBA)
noun
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or simply breathing apparatus, is a device worn to provide breathable air in an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health.
Example: The breathing apparatus is saving my lungs from the smoke of the fire.
fr: appareil de protection respiratoire individuel autonome (APRIA)
bunker gear
noun
Bunker gear is the personal protective equipment used by firefighters.
Example: The bunker gear weighs about 35 pounds without the breathing apparatus.
fr: équipement de protection individuel
face shield
noun
A face shield aims to protect the wearer's entire face from hazards such as falling objects and heat.
Example: Wear your face shield to breath fresh air inside the fire.
fr: partie faciale
fire hydrant
noun
A fire hydrant is a connection point by which firefighters can tap into a water supply.
Example: I nearly ran out of water because the fire hydrant was far away from the fire truck.
fr: borne-fontaine
fire station
noun
A facility where fire engines and other equipment of a fire department are housed.
Example: Firefighters are ready to respond to emergency calls at the fire station.
fr: caserne de pompiers
firefighter's axe
noun
A special type of axe used by firefighters, typically featuring a pick-shaped pointed poll (area of the head opposite the cutting edge).
Example: Use the pic axe to poke a hole in the metal door.
fr: hache à pic
flashlight
noun
A battery-operated portable light.
Example: Use the portable lamp to be able to work in the darkness of a building's fire.
fr: lampe portative
flashover
noun
An instance of a fire spreading very rapidly across a gap because of intense heat.
Example: The flashover nearly killed us.
fr: embrasement généralisé éclair
halligan tool
noun
A halligan tool (also known as a halligan bar) is a forcible entry tool used by firefighters.
Example: Use the halligan tool to open a locked door.
fr: outil halligan
hose
noun
A large-diameter hose used in extinguishing fires.
Example: Open the hose to put water on the fire.
fr: lance incendie
jaws of life
noun
A hydraulic apparatus used to pry apart the wreckage of crashed vehicles in order to free people trapped inside.
Example: Firefighters used their jaws of life to free the victim out of his vehicle.
fr: pince de désincarcération
ladder truck
noun
A vehicle equipped for firefighting and fitted with long, often hydraulic, extensible ladders and other rescue equipment.
Example: This ladder truck can make firefighter go 100 feet up.
fr: camion échelle
mobile radio
noun
Mobile radio or mobiles refer to wireless communications systems and devices which are based on radio frequencies.
Example: Tell everybody that we are here with your mobile radio.
fr: radio portative
New York roof hook
noun
The New York roof hook is a firefighting tool used mostly for rooftop operations including vertical and horizontal ventilation, pulling and prying.
Example: I tear down the ceiling with my New York roof hook.
fr: gaffe type New York
pumper
noun
A fire engine that carries hoses and pumps water.
Example: The pumper is able to pump 1250 gallons per minute.
fr: camion pompe
sprinkler
noun
An automatic fire extinguisher installed in the ceilings of a building.
Example: The sprinkler automatically extinguished the fire.
fr: Gicleur
Storz coupling
noun
Storz couplings, or fire hose fittings, have a symmetrical design with a bayonet locking system protected by a collar. Storz couplings are used for connecting either hoses or connectors together. As these couplings are symmetrical, both sides of the coupling are the same.
Example: Use the Storz coupling to connect the two hoses.
fr: raccord Storz
thermal phenomena
noun
Phenomena that quickly produces a high quantity of heat or an explosion due to the extreme conditions inside an enclosed compartment.
Example: The thermal phenomena that happened in the fire last night scared me.
fr: phénomène thermique
thermographic camera
noun
A thermographic camera is a device that creates an image using infrared (IR) radiation, similar to a normal camera that forms an image using visible light.
Example: Use the thermographic camera to see where are the hot points in the wall.
