Becoming a firefighter is a noble journey. The job requires physical strength, mental fortitude, and an unyielding commitment to serving the community. Understanding the unique language of firefighting is just as important. Knowing the terminology in this profession is critical for effective communication and can be a lifesaver in high-stakes situations. Here’s a look at common terminology recruiting firefighters should know.
Turnout Gear
This term refers to the clothing firefighters wear to protect themselves on a call. Turnout gear includes the helmet, coat, pants, boots, and gloves. Some firefighters call it “bunker gear,” a throwback to when fire stations required workers to store their gear in sleeping quarters or bunkers.
Working Fire
This phrase doesn’t define when a firefighter is on or off the clock; it rates the severity of a fire incident. A “working fire” indicates a significant blaze that necessitates a substantial response from the fire department rather than a minor incident or even a false alarm.
Flashover
A “flashover” refers to a room about to burst into flames. It occurs when all combustible materials in an enclosed area simultaneously reach their ignition temperature, causing the entire room to become ablaze. This phenomenon is lethal and can rapidly escalate a fire situation.
Backdraft
Though this term sounds like it comes from a Hollywood blockbuster, a backdraft is an explosive event that occurs when oxygen is reintroduced into an oxygen-depleted environment. After oxygen re-enters a flaming space, it causes a smoldering fire to reignite violently. This dangerous occurrence can catch even seasoned firefighters off guard.
Overhaul
An overhaul doesn’t mean a major renovation in the firefighting community. It refers to the meticulous process of searching a fire scene after the main body of the fire has been extinguished. The goal is to find and smother any remaining fire or hot spots and prevent rekindling.
Ventilation
“Ventilation” has a different meaning for firefighters. This term stands for the strategic practice of removing heat and smoke from a structure, usually by creating an opening, to improve visibility and prevent a fire from spreading.
Apparatus
This term refers to the range of vehicles and equipment a fire department uses to combat fires and perform rescue operations. The name can encompass everything from fire engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances to the specialized fire and rescue equipment for firefighters, like the Jaws of Life, PASS devices, and turnout gear.
Note that different apparatus types are ideal for different situations. For example, wildland firefighters require brush trucks and water tenders, while a crew responding to a high-rise building fire would require an aerial apparatus. Understanding the function and application of each device is crucial for firefighter recruits.
Understanding the terminology recruiting firefighters should know is the beginning of the linguistic journey for trainees. The language of firefighting is rich and ever-evolving and reflects the dynamic nature of the profession. Firefighting is not just about putting out fires; it’s also about communication, teamwork, and continuous learning. Knowledge is the best asset in the brave world of firefighting.
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
