Fire glossary
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70 entries in the Fire glossary beginning with "F"
Forcible entry
Gaining entry to an area using force to disable or bypass security devices, typically using force tools, sometimes using tools specialized for entry (e.g., Halligan, K-tool).
Forward lay
Procedure of stringing water supply hose from a water source toward a fire scene; compare with reverse lay.
Freelancing
Dangerous situation at an incident where an individual carries out tasks alone or without being assigned; violation of personnel accountability procedures.
Friction loss
Reduction of flow in a firehose caused by friction between the water and the lining of the hose. Depends primarily upon diameter, type and length of hose, and amount of water (GPM) flowing through.
Frontage
The size of a building facing a street.
Fuel load
The mass of combustible materials available for a fire usually expressed as weight of fuel per unit area (e.g., 20 tons per acre).
Fuel moisture
Percent water content of vegetation, an important factor in rate of spread, ranging from dead-fuel and fine-fuel moisture (FFM), of 10 percent or less, to live-fuel moisture (LFM), of 60 percent or more. FFM can be estimated by weighing calibrated wood sticks.
Fuel type
An identifiable association of fuel elements of distinctive species, form, size, arrangement, or other characteristics that will cause a predictable rate of spread or resistance to control under specified weather conditions.
Fuelbreak
A natural or manmade change in fuel characteristics which affects fire behavior so that fires burning into them can be more readily controlled.
Fully involved
Term of size-up meaning fire, heat and smoke in a structure are so widespread that internal access must wait until fire streams can be applied.
1 of 42 of 43 of 44 of 4
70 entries in the Fire glossary beginning with "F"
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