This glossary is to help people understand the terms used in the firefighter world.
accelerant
noun
Flammable fuel (often liquid) used by some arsonists to increase size or intensity of fire. May also be accidentally introduced when HAZMAT becomes involved in fire.
Example: They must have used an accelerant for this criminal fire.
en: accélérer
backdraft
noun
A fire phenomenon caused when heat and heavy smoke (unburned fuel particles) accumulate inside a compartment, depleting the available air, and then oxygen/air is re-introduced, completing the fire triangle and causing rapid combustion.
Example: A backdraft happened when we opened the door.
en: retour de flamme
charge a hose
phrase
To make water pressure available on a hose in final preparation for its use. This is done on the scene after the hose is deployed.
Example: We had to charge a hose in order to enter the building.
en: jet armé
chauffeur
noun
Driver of a particular emergency apparatus. A paid position within the fire department and a promotable position.
Example: The chauffeur of this truck is very experienced.
en: chauffeur
collapse zone
phrase
He area around a structure that would contain debris if the building were to collapse.
Example: The acces is forbitten because of a collapse zone.
en: zone d'effondrement
company
noun
Two or more firefighters organized as a team, led by a fire officer, and equipped to perform certain operational functions. Compare with platoon and unit.
Example: The 22th company is working on the roof.
en: unité
deffensive attack
phrase
A primarily exterior form of attack often used when fighting the fire directly or from within a structure is not feasible due to dangers from direct flame, heat, structural collapse or the presence of hazardous materials. Often structures which are fully involved are attacked defensively with the main goal being the protection of nearby exposures. This form of attack is far less effective than an Offensive or Direct attack.
Example: The fire is out of control, we are switching to a defensive attack.
en: attaque défensive
dispatch
noun or verb
Refers to person or place designated for handling a call for help by alerting the specific resources necessary.
Example: Dispatch needs our service !
en: expéditeur
exposure
adverb
Property near fire that may become involved by transfer of heat or burning material from main fire, typically by convection or radiation. May range from 40 feet (12 m) to several miles, depending on size and type of fire or explosion.
Example: The car risks exposure by beeing so close of the burning housse.
en: exposition
fire wall
noun
Building structure designed to delay horizontal spread of a fire from one area of a building to another; often regulated by fire code and required to have self-closing doors, and fireproof construction.
Example: This fire wall did a great job of stopping the fire from spreading.
en: mur coupe feu
flash over
noun
Simultaneous ignition of combustible materials in a closed space, as when materials simultaneously reach their fire point.
Example: The fire was so intense that a flashover happenned.
en: embrasement généralisé
forcable entry
phrase
Gaining entry to an area using force to disable or bypass security devices, typically using force tools, sometimes using tools specialized for entry.
Example: The door was locked, they forced an entry.
gPM
phrase
Gallons Per Minute or how many gallons are being pumped out of a piece of equipment every minute.
Example: There is 100 gpm going throught that hose.
en: gallons par minute
hazmat
noun
Hazardous materials, including solids, liquids, or gases that may cause injury, death, or damage if released or triggered.
Example: This is a matter for the hazmat team.
en: matières dangereuses
master stream
noun
A large nozzle, either portable or fixed to a pumper, capable of throwing large amounts of water relatively long distances.
Example: The master stream was very usefull for this intervention.
en: jet principal
multiple alarms
phrase
A request by an incident commander for additional personnel and apparatus. Each department will vary on the number of apparatus and personnel on each additional alarm.
Example: We got multiple alarms in fonction in this building.
en: alarme multiples
probie
adjective
(also rookie) new firefighter on employment probation (a period of time during which his or her skills are improved, honed, tested, and evaluated).
Example: It's his last day as a probie !
en: probation
static pressure
phrase
The pressure in a water system when the water is not flowing.
Example: We have static pressure of 100 gpm.
en: pression statique
ventilation
noun
Important procedure in firefighting in which the hot smoke and gases are removed from inside a structure, either by natural convection or forced, and either through existing openings or new ones provided by firefighters at appropriate locations (e.g., on the roof). Proper ventilation can save lives and improper ventilation can cause backdraft or other hazards.
Example: A vertical ventilation was used in this intervention.
venturi effect
phrase
Creating a partial vacuum using a constricted fluid flow, used in fire equipment for mixing chemicals into water streams, or for measuring flow velocity.
Example: They used the venturi effect for an hydro dynamic ventilation.
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