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absolute zero – The temperature at which there is no movement of the molecules.

aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) – A foam created by combining water and perfluorocarboxylic acid that is used on flammable liquid fires, such as those in fuel.

auto-exposure – The lapping of fire from one floor to an upper floor on the outside of the building, sometimes through windows.

backfire – A fire set to burn the area between the control line and the fire’s edge to remove fuel in advance of the fire, to change the direction of the fire, and/or to slow the fire’s progress.

backpressure – The pressure applied in the opposite direction of the water flowing from a nozzle; also called nozzle reaction pressure.

balloon frame construction method – An outdated method in which wood studs run from the foundation to the roof and the floors are nailed to the studs.

below grade – A floor lower than ground level.

burn back resistance – The ability to prevent any flame from breaking through the foam barrier.

cellulose material – A complex carbohydrate of plant cell walls used to make paper or rayon.

Class A foam – Foam used on a Class A fire.

Class B foam – Foam used on a Class B fire.

cockloft – A void space, about 3 feet deep, between the ceiling area and the underside of the roof.

collapse zone – The border around the structure that is usually 1.5 times the height of the building where debris would fall during a collapse.

compressed air foam system (CAFS) – Foam-producing systems that are installed on the fire truck or special unit.

control line – All natural and created barriers used to stop a fire from spreading; this is where you begin the backfire.

decision-making model – A five-step process used to solve problems.

defensive attack mode – A fire tactic used outside a building to put out a fire.

deluge system – A dry pipe system that protects areas that are being consumed by a fast-spreading fire; all sprinkler heads are activated at the same time.

drain time – The time needed for the water to drain away from the foam solution.

drip loop – A loop formed by the electrical supply lines; also called a meter head.

dry pipe – A system that has air in the sprinkler piping until it is activated; each sprinkler head is activated by heat.

exposure – A property threatened by radiant heat from a fire in another structure or an outside fire.

eyebrow dormer – A concrete extension over the top of openings, such as windows, doors, and balconies.

fire damper – Item used to prevent transmission of flame where air ducts go through fire barriers.

fire load – The total amount of fuel that might be involved in a fire, measured by the amount of heat given off when that fuel burns; expressed in BTUs.

friction loss – The pressure lost by fluids while they are moving through pipes, hose lines, or other limited spaces.

heat – All of the energy, both kinetic and potential, within the molecules.

heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system – A central system used to heat and cool large buildings.

heavy timber construction – Masonry; however, the inside columns and beams are solid or heavy wood and are built without hidden spaces; also called Type IV or mill construction.

hydrocarbon product – An organic compound, such as benzene or methane, that contains only carbon and hydrogen.

leeward – Facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing.

nonattack mode – A fire tactic used when fire attack is too dangerous or suppression activities are prevented.

occupancy – The building code term that provides standards to match a building’s use and who will use it with features to address fire hazards and life safety concerns.

offensive attack mode – Firefighting that makes a direct attack on a fire.

ordinary construction – A type of building construction in which the outside walls are made of masonry material.

personal alert safety system (PASS) – A small device that is sensitive to motion; worn with SCBA that alerts others when a firefighter is in danger.

personnel accountability report (PAR) – A roll call taken of all firefighters working on the fire ground.

personnel accountability system (PAS) – A tracking system to follow the entry and exit of crew into the working area during an incident.

platform construction – A construction method in which the floors are built separately from the outer walls; this means that the ceiling and floor serve as fire blocks.

rapid intervention team (RIT) / rapid intervention crew (RIC) – A group of people whose purpose is to make a rapid response to reports of firefighters who become lost or confused in the building.

RECEO-VS – An acronym used to develop strategies and tactics on the fire ground.

rehabilitation system – A group of activities for the health and safety of responders at an emergency incident.

rekindle – A fire thought to be out that reignites after the fire department has left.

self-oxidizing material – Material that has extra oxygen, which supports the process of combustion by making the fire stronger.

size-up – An ongoing review by firefighters to identify the problems at an incident.

SLICE-RS – An acronym used to develop strategies and tactics on the fire ground.

slippery water – Water that has polymers, plasticlike substances, to not only reduce friction loss in the hose but also increase the amount of water that can be moved through a hose line.

soffit – A false space under stairways and projecting roof eaves or the false space above cabinets in kitchen or bathrooms.

standard operating procedure (SOP) – Specific instructions on how to complete a task or assignment; also called standard operating guidelines (SOG).

standpipe – A manual firefighting system with piping and hose connections inside buildings.