A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

FAST (or F.A.S.T.)
Firefighter Assist and Search Team (also called Rapid Entry Team or Rapid Intervention Team) firefighters assigned to stand by for rescue of other firefighters inside a structure; an implementation to support the Two-in, two-out rule; may have specialized training, experience and tools.

FDC (Fire Department Connection)
Location in which pumping apparatus hooks to a buildings standpipe and or sprinkler system. Usually a 3 female connection.

FFFP
Fluoroprotein film forming foam.

Fire alarm control panel
System for receiving and announcing location of fire based upon input from smoke, flame or heat detectors, or manual call points or pull stations.

Fire axe
There are two main types of axes used in firefighting, a flathead axe, which just has a wedge for cutting into objects. The second type is a pickhead axe which has a cutting wedge on one side, and then a pointed pick for penetration of objects.

Fire behavior
The manner in which a fire reacts to the influences of fuel, weather, and topography.

Fire camp
Temporary camp established at large fires to provide food, rest, and other necessities to fire crews.

Fire code ( Fire safety code)
Regulations for fire prevention and safety involving flammables, explosives and other dangerous operations and occupancies.

Fire department keys
Special keys provided to firefighters to access a lockbox, located on some commercial buildings, containing additional keys required for entry or other safety features.

Fire edge
The boundary of a fire at a given moment.

Fire engineering
Scientific design of materials, structures and processes for fire safety

Fire escape
A building structure arranged outside to assist in safe evacuation of occupants during an emergency; may connect horizontally beyond a fire wall or verically to a roof or (preferably) to the ground, perhaps with a counter-weighted span to deny access to intruders.

Fire extinguisher
See Extinguisher above.

Fire flow
The amount of water being pumped onto a fire, or required to extinguish a hypothetical fire. A critical calculation in light of the axiom that an ordinary fire will not be extinguished unless there is sufficient water to remove the heat of the fire.

Fire grenade
Glass bottle filled with carbon tetrachloride or similar fire extinguishing fluid; meant to be thrown and shatter at base of fire to mix with air to produce non-combustible mixture; Similar to extinguishers comprised of glass fixtures with spring-loaded clapper released by heat-fusible link. Limited effectiveness, and phased out in 1950s when better extinguishers became available.

Fire hazard
Materials, structures or processes that may result in creating a fire, permitting a fire to grow undetected, or preventing people from escaping a fire.

Fire hydrant
See hydrant.

Fire hydraulics
The study of pumps, hoses, pipes, accessories and tools for moving water or other extinguishing agents from a water supply to a fire.

Fire inspector
A person responsible for issuing permits and enforcing the fire code, including any necessary premises inspection, as before allowing (or during) a large indoor gathering.

Fire line
A boundary of a fire scene established for public safety and to identify the area in which firefighters may be working.

Fire load (Btu/sq ft)
An estimate of the amount of heat that will be given off during ordinary combustion of all the fuel in a given space; e.g., a bedroom or a lumberyard.

Fire Lookout
A person that keeps an eye for possible fire starts and conditions. They can work in a Fire Lookout Tower or perform the duty as a role for a fire crew on the fireline.

Fire lookout tower
A structure located at a high vantage point to house and protect the person performing the duties of a Fire Lookout.

Fire marshal
Administrative and investigative office for fire prevention and arson investigation.

Fire point
Temperature at which materials give off flammable gases that will sustain fire, typically higher than flash point. Temperature at flashover.

Fire prevention
Fire safety; standards for minimizing fire hazards.

Fire retardant
Any substance (except plain water) that by chemical or physical actions reduces flammability of fuels or slows their rate of combustion. See retardent slurry, AFFF, and Foam as examples.

Fire shelter
An aluminized tent offering protection by means of reflecting radiant heat and providing a volume of breathable air in a fire entrapment situation. Carried as a safety tool, fire shelters should only be used in life threatening situations, as a last resort, as severe burns or asphyxiation often result.

Fire shirt
Distinctive yellow shirts made of Nomex or other lightweight materials of low combustibility, used as uniform PPE of wildland firefighters.

Fire station alert system
Fire department dispatching system using radio controls to activate remote signals at designated fire stations and to transmit emergency information via audio or digital channels.

Fire streams
Water (possibly mixed with foam) emitted at nozzle and directed at burning materials.

Fire tetrahedron
The fire tetrahedron is based on the components of igniting or extinguishing a fire. Each component represents a property necessary to sustain fire: fuel, oxygen, heat, and chemical chain reaction. Extinguishment is based upon removing or hindering any one of these properties.

Fire triangle
Model for understanding the major components necessary for fire: heat, fuel and oxygen.

Fire wall
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.

Fire watch
Fixed or mobile patrols that watch for signs of fire or fire hazards so that any necessary alarm can be quickly raised or preventive steps taken.

Fire weather
Weather conditions that affect fire vulnerability, fire behavior and suppression.

Fire-resistant
Materials designed or treated to have an increased fire point.

Firebreak
A natural or constructed barrier used to stop or check fires that may occur, or to provide a control line from which to work.

Firefighter
People who respond to fire alarms and other emergencies for fire suppression, rescue, and related duties.

Firefighter Assist and Search Team
See FAST.