Aerial Fuels: All live and dead vegetation in the = forest canopy=20 or above surface fuels, including tree branches, twigs and cones, snags, = moss,=20 and high brush.

Aerial Ignition: Ignition of fuels by dropping = incendiary=20 devices or materials from aircraft.

Air Tanker: A fixed-wing aircraft equipped to drop fire = retardants or suppressants.

Agency: Any federal, state, or county government = organization=20 participating with jurisdictional responsibilities.=20

Anchor Point: An advantageous location, usually a = barrier to=20 fire spread, from which to start building a fire line. An anchor point = is used=20 to reduce the chance of firefighters being flanked by fire.

Aramid: The generic name for a high-strength, = flame-resistant=20 synthetic fabric used in the shirts and jeans of firefighters. Nomex, a = brand=20 name for aramid fabric, is the term commonly used by firefighters.

Aspect: Direction toward which a slope faces.

Backfire: A fire set along the inner edge of a fireline = to=20 consume the fuel in the path of a wildfire and/or change the direction = of force=20 of the fire=92s convection column.

Backpack Pump: A portable sprayer with hand-pump, fed = from a=20 liquid-filled container fitted with straps, used mainly in fire and pest = control. (See also Bladder Bag.)

Bambi Bucket: A collapsible bucket slung below a = helicopter.=20 Used to dip water from a variety of sources for fire suppression.

Behave: A system of interactive computer programs for = modeling=20 fuel and fire behavior that consists of two systems: BURN and FUEL.

Bladder Bag: A collapsible backpack portable sprayer = made of=20 neoprene or high-strength nylon fabric fitted with a pump. (See also = Backpack=20 Pump.)

Blow-up: A sudden increase in fire intensity or rate of = spread=20 strong enough to prevent direct control or to upset control plans. = Blow-ups are=20 often accompanied by violent convection and may have other = characteristics of a=20 fire storm. (See Flare-up.)

Brush: A collective term that refers to stands of = vegetation=20 dominated by shrubby, woody plants, or low growing trees, usually of a = type=20 undesirable for livestock or timber management.

Brush Fire: A fire burning in vegetation that is = predominantly=20 shrubs, brush and scrub growth.

Bucket Drops: The dropping of fire retardants or = suppressants=20 from specially designed buckets slung below a helicopter.

Buffer Zones: An area of reduced vegetation that = separates=20 wildlands from vulnerable residential or business developments. This = barrier is=20 similar to a greenbelt in that it is usually used for another purpose = such as=20 agriculture, recreation areas, parks, or golf courses.

Bump-up Method: A progressive method of building a fire = line on=20 a wildfire without changing relative positions in the line. Work is = begun with a=20 suitable space between workers. Whenever one worker overtakes another, = all=20 workers ahead move one space forward and resume work on the uncompleted = part of=20 the line. The last worker does not move ahead until completing his or = her space.

Burn Out: Setting fire inside a control line to widen = it or=20 consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line.

Burning Ban: A declared ban on open air burning within = a=20 specified area, usually due to sustained high fire danger.

Burning Conditions: The state of the combined factors = of the=20 environment that affect fire behavior in a specified fuel type.

Burning Index: An estimate of the potential difficulty = of fire=20 containment as it relates to the flame length at the most rapidly = spreading=20 portion of a fire=92s perimeter.

Burning Period: That part of each 24-hour period when = fires=20 spread most rapidly, typically from 10:00 a.m. to sundown.

Campfire: As used to classify the cause of a wildland = fire, a=20 fire that was started for cooking or warming that spreads sufficiently = from its=20 source to require action by a fire control agency.

Candle or Candling: A single tree or a very small clump = of=20 trees which is burning from the bottom up.

Chain: A unit of linear measurement equal to 66 feet.

Closure: Legal restriction, but not necessarily = elimination of=20 specified activities such as smoking, camping, or entry that might cause = fires=20 in a given area.

Cold Front: The leading edge of a relatively cold air = mass that=20 displaces warmer air. The heavier cold air may cause some of the warm = air to be=20 lifted. If the lifted air contains enough moisture, the result may be=20 cloudiness, precipitation, and thunderstorms. If both air masses are = dry, no=20 clouds may form. Following the passage of a cold front in the Northern=20 Hemisphere, westerly or northwesterly winds of 15 to 30 or more miles = per hour=20 often continue for 12 to 24 hours.

Cold Trailing: A method of controlling a partly dead = fire edge=20 by carefully inspecting and feeling with the hand for heat to detect any = fire,=20 digging out every live spot, and trenching any live edge.

Command Staff: The command staff consists of the = information=20 officer, safety officer and liaison officer. They report directly to the = incident commander and may have assistants.

Complex: Two or more individual incidents located in = the same=20 general area which are assigned to a single incident commander or = unified=20 command.

Contain a fire: A fuel break around the fire has been=20 completed. This break may include natural barriers or manually and/or=20 mechanically constructed line.

Control a fire: The complete extinguishment of a fire,=20 including spot fires. Fireline has been strengthened so that flare-ups = from=20 within the perimeter of the fire will not break through this line.

Control Line: All built or natural fire barriers and = treated=20 fire edge used to control a fire.

Cooperating Agency: An agency supplying assistance = other than=20 direct suppression, rescue, support, or service functions to the = incident=20 control effort; e.g., Red Cross, law enforcement agency, telephone = company, etc.

Coyote Tactics: A progressive line construction duty = involving=20 self-sufficient crews that build fire line until the end of the = operational=20 period, remain at or near the point while off duty, and begin building = fire line=20 again the next operational period where they left off.

Creeping Fire: Fire burning with a low flame and = spreading=20 slowly.

Crew Boss: A person in supervisory charge of usually 16 = to 21=20 firefighters and responsible for their performance, safety, and welfare.

Crown Fire (Crowning): The movement of fire through the = crowns=20 of trees or shrubs more or less independently of the surface fire.

Curing: Drying and browning of herbaceous vegetation or = slash.

Dead Fuels: Fuels with no living tissue in which = moisture=20 content is governed almost entirely by atmospheric moisture (relative = humidity=20 and precipitation), dry-bulb temperature, and solar radiation.

Debris Burning: A fire spreading from any fire = originally set=20 for the purpose of clearing land or for rubbish, garbage, range, = stubble, or=20 meadow burning.

Defensible Space: An area either natural or manmade = where=20 material capable of causing a fire to spread has been treated, cleared, = reduced,=20 or changed to act as a barrier between an advancing wildland fire and = the loss=20 to life, property, or resources. In practice, "defensible space" is = defined as=20 an area a minimum of 30 feet around a structure that is cleared of = flammable=20 brush or vegetation.

Deployment: See Fire Shelter Deployment.

Detection: The act or system of discovering and = locating fires.

Direct Attack: Any treatment of burning fuel, such as = by=20 wetting, smothering, or chemically quenching the fire or by physically=20 separating burning from unburned fuel.

Dispatch: The implementation of a command decision to = move a=20 resource or resources from one place to another.

Dispatcher: A person employed who receives reports of = discovery=20 and status of fires, confirms their locations, takes action promptly to = provide=20 people and equipment likely to be needed for control in first attack, = and sends=20 them to the proper place.

Dispatch Center: A facility from which resources are = directly=20 assigned to an incident.

Division: Divisions are used to divide an incident into = geographical areas of operation. Divisions are established when the = number of=20 resources exceeds the span-of-control of the operations chief. A = division is=20 located with the Incident Command System organization between the branch = and the=20 task force/strike team.

Dozer: Any tracked vehicle with a front-mounted blade = used for=20 exposing mineral soil.

Dozer Line: Fire line constructed by the front blade of = a=20 dozer.

Drip Torch: Hand-held device for igniting fires by = dripping=20 flaming liquid fuel on the materials to be burned; consists of a fuel = fount,=20 burner arm, and igniter. Fuel used is generally a mixture of diesel and=20 gasoline.

Drop Zone: Target area for air tankers, helitankers, = and cargo=20 dropping.

Drought Index: A number representing net effect of = evaporation,=20 transpiration, and precipitation in producing cumulative moisture = depletion in=20 deep duff or upper soil layers.

Dry Lightning Storm: Thunderstorm in which negligible=20 precipitation reaches the ground. Also called a dry storm.

Duff: The layer of decomposing organic materials lying = below=20 the litter layer of freshly fallen twigs, needles, and leaves and = immediately=20 above the mineral soil.

Energy Release Component (ERC): The computed total heat = released per unit area (British thermal units per square foot) within = the fire=20 front at the head of a moving fire.

Engine: Any ground vehicle providing specified levels = of=20 pumping, water and hose capacity.

Engine Crew: Firefighters assigned to an engine. The = Fireline=20 Handbook defines the minimum crew makeup by engine type.

Entrapment: A situation where personnel are = unexpectedly caught=20 in a fire behavior-related, life-threatening position where planned = escape=20 routes or safety zones are absent, inadequate, or compromised. An = entrapment may=20 or may not include deployment of a fire shelter for its intended = purpose. These=20 situations may or may not result in injury. They include "near misses."

Environmental Assessment (EA): EAs were authorized by = the=20 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. They are concise, = analytical=20 documents prepared with public participation that determine if an = Environmental=20 Impact Statement (EIS) is needed for a particular project or action. If = an EA=20 determines an EIS is not needed, the EA becomes the document allowing = agency=20 compliance with NEPA requirements.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): EISs were = authorized by=20 the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. Prepared with = public=20 participation, they assist decision makers by providing information, = analysis=20 and an array of action alternatives, allowing managers to see the = probable=20 effects of decisions on the environment. Generally, EISs are written for = large-scale actions or geographical areas.

Equilibrium Moisture Content: Moisture content that a = fuel=20 particle will attain if exposed for an infinite period in an environment = of=20 specified constant temperature and humidity. When a fuel particle = reaches=20 equilibrium moisture content, net exchange of moisture between it and = the=20 environment is zero.

Escape Route: A preplanned and understood route = firefighters=20 take to move to a safety zone or other low-risk area, such as an already = burned=20 area, previously constructed safety area, a meadow that won=92t burn, = natural=20 rocky area that is large enough to take refuge without being burned. = When escape=20 routes deviate from a defined physical path, they should be clearly = marked=20 (flagged).

Escaped Fire: A fire which has exceeded or is expected = to=20 exceed initial attack capabilities or prescription.

Extended Attack Incident: A wildland fire that has not = been=20 contained or controlled by initial attack forces and for which more = firefighting=20 resources are arriving, en route, or being ordered by the initial attack = incident commander.

Extreme Fire Behavior: "Extreme" implies a level of = fire=20 behavior characteristics that ordinarily precludes methods of direct = control=20 action. One of more of the following is usually involved: high rate of = spread,=20 prolific crowning and/or spotting, presence of fire whirls, strong = convection=20 column. Predictability is difficult because such fires often exercise = some=20 degree of influence on their environment and behave erratically, = sometimes=20 dangerously.

Faller: A person who fells trees. Also called a sawyer = or=20 cutter.

Field Observer: Person responsible to the Situation = Unit Leader=20 for collecting and reporting information about an incident obtained from = personal observations and interviews.

Fine (Light) Fuels: Fast-drying fuels, generally with a = comparatively high surface area-to-volume ratio, which are less than = 1/4-inch in=20 diameter and have a timelag of one hour or less. These fuels readily = ignite and=20 are rapidly consumed by fire when dry.

Fingers of a Fire: The long narrow extensions of a fire = projecting from the main body.

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

Fire Behavior Forecast: Prediction of probable fire = behavior,=20 usually prepared by a Fire Behavior Officer, in support of fire = suppression or=20 prescribed burning operations.

Fire Behavior Specialist: A person responsible to the = Planning=20 Section Chief for establishing a weather data collection system and for=20 developing fire behavior predictions based on fire history, fuel, = weather and=20 topography.

Fire Break: A natural or constructed barrier used to = stop or=20 check fires that may occur, or to provide a control line from which to = work.

Fire Cache: A supply of fire tools and equipment = assembled in=20 planned quantities or standard units at a strategic point for exclusive = use in=20 fire suppression.

Fire Crew: An organized group of firefighters under the = leadership of a crew leader or other designated official.

Fire Front: The part of a fire within which continuous = flaming=20 combustion is taking place. Unless otherwise specified the fire front is = assumed=20 to be the leading edge of the fire perimeter. In ground fires, the fire = front=20 may be mainly smoldering combustion.

Fire Intensity: A general term relating to the heat = energy=20 released by a fire.

Fire Line: A linear fire barrier that is scraped or dug = to=20 mineral soil.

Fire Load: The number and size of fires historically=20 experienced on a specified unit over a specified period (usually one = day) at a=20 specified index of fire danger.

Fire Management Plan (FMP): A strategic plan that = defines a=20 program to manage wildland and prescribed fires and documents the Fire=20 Management Program in the approved land use plan. The plan is = supplemented by=20 operational plans such as preparedness plans, preplanned dispatch plans, = prescribed fire plans, and prevention plans.

Fire Perimeter: The entire outer edge or boundary of a = fire.

Fire Season: 1) Period(s) of the year during which = wildland=20 fires are likely to occur, spread, and affect resource values sufficient = to=20 warrant organized fire management activities. 2) A legally enacted time = during=20 which burning activities are regulated by state or local authority.

Fire Shelter: An aluminized tent offering protection by = means=20 of reflecting radiant heat and providing a volume of breathable air in a = fire=20 entrapment situation. Fire shelters should only be used in = life-threatening=20 situations, as a last resort.

Fire Shelter Deployment: The removing of a fire shelter = from=20 its case and using it as protection against fire.

Fire Storm: Violent convection caused by a large = continuous=20 area of intense fire. Often characterized by destructively violent = surface=20 indrafts, near and beyond the perimeter, and sometimes by tornado-like = whirls.

Fire Triangle: Instructional aid in which the sides of = a=20 triangle are used to represent the three factors (oxygen, heat, fuel) = necessary=20 for combustion and flame production; removal of any of the three factors = causes=20 flame production to cease.

Fire Use Module (Prescribed Fire Module): A team of = skilled and=20 mobile personnel dedicated primarily to prescribed fire management. = These are=20 national and interagency resources, available throughout the prescribed = fire=20 season, that can ignite, hold and monitor prescribed fires.

Fire Weather: Weather conditions that influence fire = ignition,=20 behavior and suppression.

Fire Weather Watch: A term used by fire weather = forecasters to=20 notify using agencies, usually 24 to 72 hours ahead of the event, that = current=20 and developing meteorological conditions may evolve into dangerous fire = weather.

Fire Whirl: Spinning vortex column of ascending hot air = and=20 gases rising from a fire and carrying aloft smoke, debris, and flame. = Fire=20 whirls range in size from less than one foot to more than 500 feet in = diameter.=20 Large fire whirls have the intensity of a small tornado.

Firefighting Resources: All people and major items of = equipment=20 that can or potentially could be assigned to fires.

Flame Height: The average maximum vertical extension of = flames=20 at the leading edge of the fire front. Occasional flashes that rise = above the=20 general level of flames are not considered. This distance is less than = the flame=20 length if flames are tilted due to wind or slope.

Flame Length: The distance between the flame tip and = the=20 midpoint of the flame depth at the base of the flame (generally the = ground=20 surface); an indicator of fire intensity.

Flaming Front: The zone of a moving fire where the = combustion=20 is primarily flaming. Behind this flaming zone combustion is primarily = glowing.=20 Light fuels typically have a shallow flaming front, whereas heavy fuels = have a=20 deeper front. Also called fire front.

Flanks of a Fire: The parts of a fire=92s perimeter = that are=20 roughly parallel to the main direction of spread.

Flare-up: Any sudden acceleration of fire spread or=20 intensification of a fire. Unlike a blow-up, a flare-up lasts a = relatively short=20 time and does not radically change control plans.

Flash Fuels: Fuels such as grass, leaves, draped pine = needles,=20 fern, tree moss and some kinds of slash, that ignite readily and are = consumed=20 rapidly when dry. Also called fine fuels.

Forb: A plant with a soft, rather than permanent woody = stem,=20 that is not a grass or grass-like plant. Fuel: Combustible = material. Includes, vegetation, such as grass, leaves, ground litter, = plants,=20 shrubs and trees, that feed a fire. (See Surface Fuels.)

Fuel Bed: An array of fuels usually constructed with = specific=20 loading, depth and particle size to meet experimental requirements; = also,=20 commonly used to describe the fuel composition in natural settings.

Fuel Loading: The amount of fuel present expressed=20 quantitatively in terms of weight of fuel per unit area.

Fuel Model: Simulated fuel complex (or combination of=20 vegetation types) for which all fuel descriptors required for the = solution of a=20 mathematical rate of spread model have been specified.

Fuel Moisture (Fuel Moisture Content): The quantity of = moisture=20 in fuel expressed as a percentage of the weight when thoroughly dried at = 212=20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fuel Reduction: Manipulation, including combustion, or = removal=20 of fuels to reduce the likelihood of ignition and/or to lessen potential = damage=20 and resistance to control.

Fuel Type: An identifiable association of fuel elements = of a=20 distinctive plant species, form, size, arrangement, or other = characteristics=20 that will cause a predictable rate of fire spread or difficulty of = control under=20 specified weather conditions.

Fusee: A colored flare designed as a railway warning = device and=20 widely used to ignite suppression and prescription fires.

General Staff: The group of incident management = personnel=20 reporting to the incident commander. They may each have a deputy, as = needed.=20 Staff consists of operations section chief, planning section chief, = logistics=20 section chief, and finance/administration section chief.

Geographic Area: A political boundary designated by the = wildland fire protection agencies, where these agencies work together in = the=20 coordination and effective utilization

Ground Fuel: All combustible materials below the = surface=20 litter, including duff, tree or shrub roots, punchy wood, peat, and = sawdust,=20 that normally support a glowing combustion without flame.

Haines Index: An atmospheric index used to indicate the = potential for wildfire growth by measuring the stability and dryness of = the air=20 over a fire.

Hand Line: A fireline built with hand tools.

Hazard Reduction: Any treatment of a hazard that = reduces the=20 threat of ignition and fire intensity or rate of spread.

Head of a Fire: The side of the fire having the fastest = rate of=20 spread.

Heavy Fuels: Fuels of large diameter such as snags, = logs, large=20 limb wood, that ignite and are consumed more slowly than flash fuels.

Helibase: The main location within the general incident = area=20 for parking, fueling, maintaining, and loading helicopters. The helibase = is=20 usually located at or near the incident base.

Helispot: A temporary landing spot for helicopters.

Helitack: The use of helicopters to transport crews, = equipment,=20 and fire retardants or suppressants to the fire line during the initial = stages=20 of a fire.

Helitack Crew: A group of firefighters trained in the = technical=20 and logistical use of helicopters for fire suppression.

Holding Actions: Planned actions required to achieve = wildland=20 prescribed fire management objectives. These actions have specific=20 implementation timeframes for fire use actions but can have less = sensitive=20 implementation demands for suppression actions.

Holding Resources: Firefighting personnel and equipment = assigned to do all required fire suppression work following fireline=20 construction but generally not including extensive mop-up.

Hose Lay: Arrangement of connected lengths of fire hose = and=20 accessories on the ground, beginning at the first pumping unit and = ending at the=20 point of water delivery.

Hotshot Crew: A highly trained fire crew used mainly to = build=20 fireline by hand.

Hotspot: A particular active part of a fire.

Hotspotting: Reducing or stopping the spread of fire at = points=20 of particularly rapid rate of spread or special threat, generally the = first step=20 in prompt control, with emphasis on first priorities.

Incident: A human-caused or natural occurrence, such as = wildland fire, that requires emergency service action to prevent or = reduce the=20 loss of life or damage to property or natural resources.

Incident Action Plan (IAP): Contains objectives = reflecting the=20 overall incident strategy and specific tactical actions and supporting=20 information for the next operational period. The plan may be oral or = written.=20 When written, the plan may have a number of attachments, including: = incident=20 objectives, organization assignment list, division assignment, incident = radio=20 communication plan, medical plan, traffic plan, safety plan, and = incident map.

Incident Command Post (ICP): Location at which primary = command=20 functions are executed. The ICP may be co-located with the incident base = or=20 other incident facilities.

Incident Command System (ICS): The combination of = facilities,=20 equipment, personnel, procedure and communications operating within a = common=20 organizational structure, with responsibility for the management of = assigned=20 resources to effectively accomplish stated objectives pertaining to an = incident.

Incident Commander: Individual responsible for the = management=20 of all incident operations at the incident site.

Incident Management Team: The incident commander and=20 appropriate general or command staff personnel assigned to manage an = incident.

Incident Objectives: Statements of guidance and = direction=20 necessary for selection of appropriate strategy(ies), and the tactical = direction=20 of resources. Incident objectives are based on realistic expectations of = what=20 can be accomplished when all allocated resources have been effectively = deployed.

Infrared Detection: The use of heat sensing equipment, = known as=20 Infrared Scanners, for detection of heat sources that are not visually=20 detectable by the normal surveillance methods of either ground or air = patrols.

Initial Attack: The actions taken by the first = resources to=20 arrive at a wildfire to protect lives and property, and prevent further=20 extension of the fire.

Job Hazard Analysis: This analysis of a project is = completed by=20 staff to identify hazards to employees and the public. It identifies = hazards,=20 corrective actions and the required safety equipment to ensure public = and=20 employee safety.

Jump Spot: Selected landing area for smokejumpers.

Jump Suit: Approved protection suite work by = smokejumpers.

Keech Byram Drought Index (KBDI): Commonly-used drought = index=20 adapted for fire management applications, with a numerical range from 0 = (no=20 moisture deficiency) to 800 (maximum drought).

Knock Down: To reduce the flame or heat on the more = vigorously=20 burning parts of a fire edge.

Ladder Fuels: Fuels which provide vertical continuity = between=20 strata, thereby allowing fire to carry from surface fuels into the = crowns of=20 trees or shrubs with relative ease. They help initiate and assure the=20 continuation of crowning.

Large Fire: 1) For statistical purposes, a fire burning = more=20 than a specified area of land e.g., 300 acres. 2) A fire burning with a = size and=20 intensity such that its behavior is determined by interaction between = its own=20 convection column and weather conditions above the surface.

Lead Plane: Aircraft with pilot used to make dry runs = over the=20 target area to check wing and smoke conditions and topography and to = lead air=20 tankers to targets and supervise their drops.

Light (Fine) Fuels: Fast-drying fuels, generally with a = comparatively high surface area-to-volume ratio, which are less than = 1/4-inch in=20 diameter and have a timelag of one hour or less. These fuels readily = ignite and=20 are rapidly consumed by fire when dry.

Lightning Activity Level (LAL): A number, on a scale of = 1 to 6,=20 that reflects frequency and character of cloud-to-ground lightning. The = scale is=20 exponential, based on powers of 2 (i.e., LAL 3 indicates twice the = lightning of=20 LAL 2).

Line Scout: A firefighter who determines the location = of a fire=20 line.

Litter: Top layer of the forest, scrubland, or = grassland floor,=20 directly above the fermentation layer, composed of loose debris of dead = sticks,=20 branches, twigs, and recently fallen leaves or needles, little altered = in=20 structure by decomposition.

Live Fuels: Living plants, such as trees, grasses, and = shrubs,=20 in which the seasonal moisture content cycle is controlled largely by = internal=20 physiological mechanisms, rather than by external weather influences.

Micro-Remote Environmental Monitoring System = (Micro-REMS):=20 Mobile weather monitoring station. A Micro-REMS usually accompanies an = incident=20 meteorologist and ATMU to an incident.

Mineral Soil: Soil layers below the predominantly = organic=20 horizons; soil with little combustible material.

Mobilization: The process and procedures used by all=20 organizations, federal, state and local for activating, assembling, and=20 transporting all resources that have been requested to respond to or = support an=20 incident.

Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS): A = manufactured=20 unit consisting of five interconnecting tanks, a control pallet, and a = nozzle=20 pallet, with a capacity of 3,000 gallons, designed to be rapidly mounted = inside=20 an unmodified C-130 (Hercules) cargo aircraft for use in dropping = retardant on=20 wildland fires.

Mop-up: To make a fire safe or reduce residual smoke = after the=20 fire has been controlled by extinguishing or removing burning material = along or=20 near the control line, felling snags, or moving logs so they won=92t = roll=20 downhill.

Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC): A generalized term = which=20 describes the functions and activities of representatives of involved = agencies=20 and/or jurisdictions who come together to make decisions regarding the=20 prioritizing of incidents, and the sharing and use of critical = resources. The=20 MAC organization is not a part of the on-scene ICS and is not involved = in=20 developing incident strategy or tactics.

Mutual Aid Agreement: Written agreement between = agencies and/or=20 jurisdictions in which they agree to assist one another upon request, by = furnishing personnel and equipment.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): NEPA is the = basic=20 national law for protection of the environment, passed by Congress in = 1969. It=20 sets policy and procedures for environmental protection, and authorizes=20 Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments to be used = as=20 analytical tools to help federal managers make decisions.

National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS): A uniform = fire=20 danger rating system that focuses on the environmental factors that = control the=20 moisture content of fuels.

National Wildfire Coordinating Group: A group formed = under the=20 direction of the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior and = comprised of=20 representatives of the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, = Bureau of=20 Indian Affairs, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service = and=20 Association of State Foresters. The group=92s purpose is to facilitate=20 coordination and effectiveness of wildland fire activities and provide a = forum=20 to discuss, recommend action, or resolve issues and problems of = substantive=20 nature. NWCG is the certifying body for all courses in the National Fire = Curriculum.

Nomex =AE: Trade name for a fire resistant synthetic = material=20 used in the manufacturing of flight suits and pants and shirts used by=20 firefighters (see Aramid).

Normal Fire Season: 1) A season when weather, fire = danger, and=20 number and distribution of fires are about average. 2) Period of the = year that=20 normally comprises the fire season.

Operations Branch Director: Person under the direction = of the=20 operations section chief who is responsible for implementing that = portion of the=20 incident action plan appropriate to the branch.

Operational Period: The period of time scheduled for = execution=20 of a given set of tactical actions as specified in the Incident Action = Plan.=20 Operational periods can be of various lengths, although usually not more = than 24=20 hours.

Overhead: People assigned to supervisory positions, = including=20 incident commanders, command staff, general staff, directors, = supervisors, and=20 unit leaders.

Pack Test: Used to determine the aerobic capacity of = fire=20 suppression and support personnel and assign physical fitness scores. = The test=20 consists of walking a specified distance, with or without a weighted = pack, in a=20 predetermined period of time, with altitude corrections.

Paracargo: Anything dropped, or intended for dropping, = from an=20 aircraft by parachute, by other retarding devices, or by free fall.

Peak Fire Season: That period of the fire season during = which=20 fires are expected to ignite most readily, to burn with greater than = average=20 intensity, and to create damages at an unacceptable level.

Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE): All firefighting=20 personnel must be equipped with proper equipment and clothing in order = to=20 mitigate the risk of injury from, or exposure to, hazardous conditions=20 encountered while working. PPE includes, but is not limited to: 8-inch=20 high-laced leather boots with lug soles, fire shelter, hard hat with = chin strap,=20 goggles, ear plugs, aramid shirts and trousers, leather gloves and = individual=20 first aid kits.

Preparedness: Condition or degree of being ready to = cope with a=20 potential fire situation

Prescribed Fire: Any fire ignited by management actions = under=20 certain, predetermined conditions to meet specific objectives related to = hazardous fuels or habitat improvement. A written, approved prescribed = fire plan=20 must exist, and NEPA requirements must be met, prior to ignition.

Prescribed Fire Plan (Burn Plan): This document = provides the=20 prescribed fire burn boss information needed to implement an individual=20 prescribed fire project.

Prescription: Measurable criteria that define = conditions under=20 which a prescribed fire may be ignited, guide selection of appropriate=20 management responses, and indicate other required actions. Prescription = criteria=20 may include safety, economic, public health, environmental, geographic,=20 administrative, social, or legal considerations.

Prevention: Activities directed at reducing the = incidence of=20 fires, including public education, law enforcement, personal contact, = and=20 reduction of fuel hazards.

Project Fire: A fire of such size or complexity that a = large=20 organization and prolonged activity is required to suppress it.

Pulaski: A combination chopping and trenching tool, = which=20 combines a single-bitted axe-blade with a narrow adze-like trenching = blade=20 fitted to a straight handle. Useful for grubbing or trenching in duff = and matted=20 roots. Well-balanced for chopping.

Radiant Burn: A burn received from a radiant heat = source.

Radiant Heat Flux: The amount of heat flowing through a = given=20 area in a given time, usually expressed as calories/square = centimeter/second.

Rappelling: Technique of landing specifically trained=20 firefighters from hovering helicopters; involves sliding down ropes with = the aid=20 of friction-producing devices.

Rate of Spread: The relative activity of a fire in = extending=20 its horizontal dimensions. It is expressed as a rate of increase of the = total=20 perimeter of the fire, as rate of forward spread of the fire front, or = as rate=20 of increase in area, depending on the intended use of the information. = Usually=20 it is expressed in chains or acres per hour for a specific period in the = fire=92s=20 history.

Reburn: The burning of an area that has been previously = burned=20 but that contains flammable fuel that ignites when burning conditions = are more=20 favorable; an area that has reburned.

Red Card: Fire qualification card issued to fire rated = persons=20 showing their training needs and their qualifications to fill specified = fire=20 suppression and support positions in a large fire suppression or = incident=20 organization.

Red Flag Warning: Term used by fire weather forecasters = to=20 alert forecast users to an ongoing or imminent critical fire weather = pattern.

Rehabilitation: The activities necessary to repair = damage or=20 disturbance caused by wildland fires or the fire suppression activity.

Relative Humidity (Rh): The ratio of the amount of = moisture in=20 the air, to the maximum amount of moisture that air would contain if it = were=20 saturated. The ratio of the actual vapor pressure to the saturated vapor = pressure.

Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS): An apparatus = that=20 automatically acquires, processes, and stores local weather data for = later=20 transmission to the GOES Satellite, from which the data is = re-transmitted to an=20 earth-receiving station for use in the National Fire Danger Rating = System.

Resources: 1) Personnel, equipment, services and = supplies=20 available, or potentially available, for assignment to incidents. 2) The = natural=20 resources of an area, such as timber, crass, watershed values, = recreation=20 values, and wildlife habitat.

Resource Management Plan (RMP): A document prepared by = field=20 office staff with public participation and approved by field office = managers=20 that provides general guidance and direction for land management = activities at a=20 field office. The RMP identifies the need for fire in a particular area = and for=20 a specific benefit.

Resource Order: An order placed for firefighting or = support=20 resources.

Retardant: A substance or chemical agent which reduced = the=20 flammability of combustibles.

Run (of a fire): The rapid advance of the head of a = fire with a=20 marked change in fire line intensity and rate of spread from that noted = before=20 and after the advance.

Running: A rapidly spreading surface fire with a = well-defined=20 head.

Safety Zone: An area cleared of flammable materials = used for=20 escape in the event the line is outflanked or in case a spot fire causes = fuels=20 outside the control line to render the line unsafe. In firing = operations, crews=20 progress so as to maintain a safety zone close at hand allowing the = fuels inside=20 the control line to be consumed before going ahead. Safety zones may = also be=20 constructed as integral parts of fuel breaks; they are greatly enlarged = areas=20 which can be used with relative safety by firefighters and their = equipment in=20 the event of a blowup in the vicinity.

Scratch Line: An unfinished preliminary fire line = hastily=20 established or built as an emergency measure to check the spread of = fire.

Severity Funding: Funds provided to increase wildland = fire=20 suppression response capability necessitated by abnormal weather = patterns,=20 extended drought, or other events causing abnormal increase in the fire=20 potential and/or danger.

Single Resource: An individual, a piece of equipment = and its=20 personnel complement, or a crew or team of individuals with an = identified work=20 supervisor that can be used on an incident.

Size-up: To evaluate a fire to determine a course of = action for=20 fire suppression.

Slash: Debris left after logging, pruning, thinning or = brush=20 cutting; includes logs, chips, bark, branches, stumps and broken = understory=20 trees or brush.

Sling Load: Any cargo carried beneath a helicopter and = attached=20 by a lead line and swivel.

Slop-over: A fire edge that crosses a control line or = natural=20 barrier intended to contain the fire.

Smokejumper: A firefighter who travels to fires by = aircraft and=20 parachute.

Smoke Management: Application of fire intensities and=20 meteorological processes to minimize degradation of air quality during=20 prescribed fires.

Smoldering Fire: A fire burning without flame and = barely=20 spreading.

Snag: A standing dead tree or part of a dead tree from = which at=20 least the smaller branches have fallen.

Spark Arrester: A device installed in a chimney, flue, = or=20 exhaust pipe to stop the emission of sparks and burning fragments.

Spot Fire: A fire ignited outside the perimeter of the = main=20 fire by flying sparks or embers.

Spot Weather Forecast: A special forecast issued to fit = the=20 time, topography, and weather of each specific fire. These forecasts are = issued=20 upon request of the user agency and are more detailed, timely, and = specific than=20 zone forecasts.

Spotter: In smokejumping, the person responsible for = selecting=20 drop targets and supervising all aspects of dropping smokejumpers.

Spotting: Behavior of a fire producing sparks or embers = that=20 are carried by the wind and start new fires beyond the zone of direct = ignition=20 by the main fire.

Staging Area: Locations set up at an incident where = resources=20 can be placed while awaiting a tactical assignment on a three-minute = available=20 basis. Staging areas are managed by the operations section.

Strategy: The science and art of command as applied to = the=20 overall planning and conduct of an incident.

Strike Team: Specified combinations of the same kind = and type=20 of resources, with common communications, and a leader.

Strike Team Leader: Person responsible to a = division/group=20 supervisor for performing tactical assignments given to the strike team.

Structure Fire: Fire originating in and burning any = part or all=20 of any building, shelter, or other structure.

Suppressant: An agent, such as water or foam, used to=20 extinguish the flaming and glowing phases of combustion when direction = applied=20 to burning fuels.

Suppression: All the work of extinguishing or = containing a=20 fire, beginning with its discovery.

Surface Fuels: Loose surface litter on the soil = surface,=20 normally consisting of fallen leaves or needles, twigs, bark, cones, and = small=20 branches that have not yet decayed enough to lose their identity; also = grasses,=20 forbs, low and medium shrubs, tree seedlings, heavier branchwood, downed = logs,=20 and stumps interspersed with or partially replacing the litter.

Swamper: (1) A worker who assists fallers and/or = sawyers by=20 clearing away brush, limbs and small trees. Carries fuel, oil and tools = and=20 watches for dangerous situations. (2) A worker on a dozer crew who pulls = winch=20 line, helps maintain equipment, etc., to speed suppression work on a = fire.

Tactics: Deploying and directing resources on an = incident to=20 accomplish the objectives designated by strategy.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): A restriction = requested by=20 an agency and put into effect by the Federal Aviation Administration in = the=20 vicinity of an incident which restricts the operation of nonessential = aircraft=20 in the airspace around that incident.

Terra Torch =AE: Device for throwing a stream of = flaming liquid,=20 used to facilitate rapid ignition during burn out operations on a = wildland fire=20 or during a prescribed fire operation.

Test Fire: A small fire ignited within the planned burn = unit to=20 determine the characteristic of the prescribed fire, such as fire = behavior,=20 detection performance and control measures.

Timelag: Time needed under specified conditions for a = fuel=20 particle to lose about 63 percent of the difference between its initial = moisture=20 content and its equilibrium moisture content. If conditions remain = unchanged, a=20 fuel will reach 95 percent of its equilibrium moisture content after = four=20 timelag periods.

Torching: The ignition and flare-up of a tree or small = group of=20 trees, usually from bottom to top.

Two-way Radio: Radio equipment with transmitters in = mobile=20 units on the same frequency as the base station, permitting conversation = in two=20 directions using the same frequency in turn.

Type: The capability of a firefighting resource in = comparison=20 to another type. Type 1 usually means a greater capability due to power, = size,=20 or capacity.

Uncontrolled Fire: Any fire which threatens to destroy = life,=20 property, or natural resources, and

Underburn: A fire that consumes surface fuels but not = trees or=20 shrubs. (See Surface Fuels.)

Vectors: Directions of fire spread as related to rate = of spread=20 calculations (in degrees from upslope).

Volunteer Fire Department (VFD): A fire department of = which=20 some or all members are unpaid.

Water Tender: A ground vehicle capable of transporting=20 specified quantities of water.

Weather Information and Management System (WIMS): An=20 interactive computer system designed to accommodate the weather = information=20 needs of all federal and state natural resource management agencies. = Provides=20 timely access to weather forecasts, current and historical weather data, = the=20 National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), and the National Interagency = Fire=20 Management Integrated Database (NIFMID).

Wet Line: A line of water, or water and chemical = retardant,=20 sprayed along the ground, that serves as a temporary control line from = which to=20 ignite or stop a low-intensity fire.

Wildland Fire: Any nonstructure fire, other than = prescribed=20 fire, that occurs in the wildland.

Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP): A = progressively=20 developed assessment and operational management plan that documents the = analysis=20 and selection of strategies and describes the appropriate management = response=20 for a wildland fire being managed for resource benefits.

Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA): A = decision-making=20 process that evaluates alternative suppression strategies against = selected=20 environmental, social, political, and economic criteria. Provides a = record of=20 decisions.

Wildland Fire Use: The management of naturally ignited = wildland=20 fires to accomplish specific prestated resource management objectives in = predefined geographic areas outlined in Fire Management Plans.

Wildland Urban Interface: The line, area or zone where=20 structures and other human development meet or intermingle with = undeveloped=20 wildland or vegetative fuels.

Wind Vectors: Wind directions used to calculate fire = behavior.