This glossary is here to help people with the definition of some Fire Safety terms.
bandage
noun
A strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect an injured part of the body.
Example: She applied a sterile bandage to the cut to stop the bleeding.
fr: bandage
Fire
noun
Combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke.
Example: In Menander's comedy, 'Dyskolos', a character attacks the 'scoundrels' who place on the FIRE 'the tail bone and bile, because they are inedible...then gulp down all the rest'.
fr: Feu
fire boots
noun
Fire boots are specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for firefighters to withstand extreme heat, flames, and hazardous environments. Certified under NFPA 1971 (structural) or 1977 (wildland), they feature puncture-resistant soles, safety toes, waterproof barriers, and high-traction, melt-resistant outsoles. They are crucial for protecting feet from burns, debris, and electrical hazards.
Example: The firefighter quickly pulled on his heavy, heat-resistant fire boots before rushing to the engine.
fr: bottes de feu
fire engine
noun
a vehicle carrying firefighters and equipment for fighting large fires.
Example: As a pumper truck, the fire engine carries water and hoses to the scene.
fr: camion de pompiers
fire extinguisher
noun
A portable device that discharges a jet of water, foam, gas, or other material to extinguish a fire.
Example: The quick-thinking teacher grabbed the fire extinguisher and put out the small flame before it could spread.
fr: extincteur
fire helmet
noun
Fire Fighting Helmet SR-F1041 - EU Model | TECSA fire helmet is a specialized protective headgear designed for firefighters to shield against heat, impact, and debris during emergency operations. These helmets typically feature a durable shell made from thermoplastic, fiberglass, or leather, an interior suspension system for impact absorption, a chinstrap, and a brim that directs water away from the neck.
Example: For many, the, fire helmet is a, sacred, iconic symbol of bravery, tradition, and, self-sacrifice in the face of danger.
fr: casque de pompier
fire hose
noun
A large-diameter hose used in extinguishing fires.
Example: Firefighters connected the fire hose to the hydrant.
fr: Tuyaux d’incendie
fire hose nozzle
noun
A fire hose nozzle is a crucial firefighting tool attached to the end of a fire hose that controls, shapes, and directs the flow of water or fire-extinguishing agents.
Example: A firefighter is responsible for handling the nozzle.
fr: lance à incendie
fire hydrant
noun
A fixture in a street or other public place with a nozzle by which a fire hose may be attached to a water main.
Example: You're not allowed to park directly in front of a fire hydrant.
fire jacket
noun
A fire jacket (or fire-resistant jacket) is specialized protective clothing designed to shield the wearer from flames, high temperatures, and radiant heat. Primarily used by firefighters, industrial workers, and racecar drivers, these jackets are made from flame-retardant materials like Nomex or Kevlar to prevent burns and enhance safety.
Example: Firefighters wear heavy, specialized turn-out coats, often called a fire jacket, to protect themselves from extreme heat and dangerous environments. These jackets are designed with thermal layers and reflective materials to ensure safety and visibility on the scene.
fr: manteau de pompier
first aid kit
noun
A small box containing items such as bandages, Band-Aids, and antiseptic wipes for use in giving help to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available.
Example: Please grab the first aid kit from the kitchen cabinet to treat this scrape.
fr: trousse de secours
Halligan tool
noun
A Halligan tool is a versatile, one-piece forcible entry tool for firefighters, featuring a fork (claw), an adze (wedge), and a pick, designed for prying, twisting, punching, and striking to breach doors, windows, and other obstacles during emergencies.
Example: "The firefighter used the Halligan tool to quickly pry open the locked door during the rescue operation".
fr: outil Halligan
mask
noun
A covering worn over the mouth and nose in order to reduce the transmission of infectious agents, or to prevent the inhalation of pollutants and other harmful substances.
Example: Everyone must wear a mask to the party.
fr: masque
nitrile glove
noun
Nitrile gloves are disposable, synthetic rubber gloves made from acrylonitrile and butadiene, designed as a durable, latex-free alternative for medical, industrial, and food service use.
Example: For maximum protection against, a medical professional should use a powder-free nitrile glove.
fr: gant en nitrile
oxygen
noun
A colorless, odorless reactive gas, the chemical element of atomic number 8 and the life-supporting component of the air.
Example: The patient requires supplemental oxygen.
fr: oxygène
Pick-Head Axe
noun
Features a sharp pick on one side for puncturing, prying, or breaking through materials.
Example: The firefighter swung the pick-head axe with precision, breaking through the wooden door to reach the trapped residents.
fr: Hache à tête de pioche
protective glasses
noun
Safety glasses are defined as protective eyewear that provides moderate protection to the eyes during tasks involving grinding, scaling, sawing, minor splashes, and hazards from flying objects.
Example: Wear your safety glasses: Foresight is better than no sight.
fr: lunettes de protection
Smoke
noun
A visible suspension of carbon or other particles in air, typically one emitted from a burning substance.
Example: There's no smoke without fire.
fr: fumée
smoke detector
noun
A smoke detector is a safety device that senses smoke—typically an early indicator of fire—and emits an audible/visual alarm to alert occupants or sends a signal to a fire alarm system.