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Glossary of Firefighting Terms

Growing up, many children dream of becoming firefighters. Due to the specialized training needed, however, anyone interested in a career as a firefighter should become familiar with commonly used terms. Additionally, other rescue and response personnel might find it helpful to know firefighting terms in order to better communicate with their colleagues in emergency situations.

The National Fire Protection Agency reports that over 24 million calls were made to fire departments in 2006. Responding to those fires were 1,140,900 men and women. Around 72 percent of those fighters were volunteers.

Firefighting is a dangerous job. Death and injury are very real possibilities for men and women who choose this occupation. The United States Fire Administration tracks on-duty death and injuries. Civilians are also at risk of injury or death due to fire. Nationally, over 11,307 deaths and 16,400 injuries were reported in 2006.

Firefighting Glossaries

Although many terms may be found in online dictionaries like yourDictionary, it can be helpful to use a glossary that is geared towards firefighters. Often a word may have several meanings, or more than one word can be used to describe something. Individual departments may also have their own set of terms that are commonly used. Learning how to use lingo that everyone understands is very important during a life-threatening event like a fire.

Find these glossaries with firefighting terms online:

  • CaptainMica.com’s Basic Glossary of Fire Fighting and Rescue Terms: Scroll through this long list of terms to find the one needing definition. Colorful pictures help illustrate many of the words in the glossary. Links to additional information are included with certain entries.
  • FEMA Glossary of Terms Used in Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program: Firefighters and departments often work hard to secure the necessary money to pay for the costs of running the program. When applying for a grant, it is important to use the proper terms to improve your chance of receiving assistance.
  • National Fire Protection Agency Glossary: This site offers a short glossary of commonly understood terminology used in firefighting.
  • Glossary of Firefighting Terms: This page is hosted by the East Glenville Firefighting Department. People who are moving from one department or area of the country to another will find it helpful to learn the local lingo.
  • NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology: Not all fires are in vehicles, homes, or other buildings. Those who fight fires in wildland may encounter different scenarios than those trained for other types of firefighting. Search this glossary online, or download a PDF copy of it for use when not online.
  • Healthy Forests and Rangelands Glossary of Terms: Get terms used in fighting forest fires and other outdoor fires defined here. Links to other terms that may need further explanation are in many definitions.
  • Firefighting Videos Firefighting Terms: A brief listing of various terms used in firefighting is hosted by this Web site that offers a variety of educational and entertaining firefighting products. Proceeds from sales go to the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society.
  • Mifflinburg Hose Company Firefighting Terms: This Pennsylvania town’s fire department maintains their own glossary of firefighting vocabulary. Entries are easy to understand for the non-firefighter, and are written in a casual but professional manner.
  • Rocky Mountain Region’s National Fire Plan Glossary: A compilation of terminology used throughout forest firefighting and in particular, fighting fires within the Rocky Mountain area.

Firefighting Careers

Persons who are interested in becoming a firefighter should contact their local department. Whether a career fighter or a volunteer, firefighters help in situations from fighting massive forest fires to vehicular accidents to disposing of combustible hazardous materials. To learn more about the occupation, visit these Web sites:

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