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Fire Fighting Jargon
These are some slang terms and terminology
Back draft: In the smoldering stage of the fire when oxygen is low, and a fresh supply of oxygen
is suddenly introduced into environment, and it explodes.
Flash over: flash over occurs when the gases in a burning room or other confined area becomes super-heated to
the point where flames flash over the entire area.
Bring me a line: term used to let next company in, to hook up to a hydrant and connect to on scene
fire truck.
LDH: Large diameter hose used for supplying fire truck with water from another source “hydrant or
tanker” usually 5” 4” or 3”
Super Booster: Is an attack line used in large fires or defensive measures to protect exposure size
2-½ inch. Hard to move into structures, usually used outside, with many
firefighters controlling, because of the large volume.
Blitz line: Is a hose line used for attacks on fires were large amounts of water are needed but need
easy movement size 2 inch.
Big Booster: Is an attack line connected to the fire truck normally used for fire sizes 1 ¾ inch.
Red Line: Small hose connected to the fire truck 1 inch. Used for small fires mop up car fires etc.
Green Line: Garden Hose
Plug: Name for fire hydrant
SCBA: “ Self contained breathing apparatus “ air pack worn by fire fighters
Pike Pole: Poles with a hook that are used for pulling sheetrock and other materials for overhaul. They come in several lengths.
Overhaul: Term used for final stages of fire when firefighters look for any unfound or small amounts of
fire to be put out.
RIT TEAM (Rapid Intervention Team): A team made up usually of a truck or a rescue company used
for rescue into a fire usually placed at or near door or command.
Primary Search: Term used for stating a quick search of building has been complete.
Secondary Search: Term used for stating a more complete check for victims in building is complete.
All Clear: Term used for stating building is clear of any victims.
PAR (Personnel Accountability Record): Term used on fire ground to state a head count of fire
personnel on fire ground has been complete.
Fire Ground: Term used for area around fire scene.
Size Up: Term used for description of scene by first units on scene example “E-17, we have a one story
brick, heavy fire and smoke showing, 17’s will be command”
Exposures: Term used for buildings and other items close to a fire.
Tool: Term used for Jaws of Life.
Hurst Tool: Another term used for the Jaws of Life
Command Or IC: Term for who is in charge of fire ground Usually Battalion Chief or First on Truck
company or highest ranking officer. Command Posts and Commanding Officers are oftened marked with green
flags, helmets emblems, or lights.
Companies: Term used for different Fire vehicles.
Engine: Vehicle that carries water tank, ground ladder, hose, water pump, and some times rescue
tools and EMS equipment.
Quint: Like engine but has Arial ladder attached to top of vehicle can flow water from tip.
Truck: Like Quint but usually does not carry water but has pump and hose.
Ladder: Same as above just different name.
Tower: Quint or Ladder or Truck that has a bucket at end of ladder
Snorkel: A Vehicle that has an articulating boom like cherry picker that can flow water or have bucket
at end.
Tanker: Vehicle that carries large amount of water usually 1000 gallons or more.
Brush: A smaller vehicle usually 4x4 used to put out grass and brush fires or smaller fires.
Rescue: A vehicle used to carry rescue equipment can carry small amounts of water “heavy rescues carry
rescue tools jaws of life air bags and other rescue equipment.
Battalion Chief: Duty or District chief in charge of area or scenes.
Rehab: Vehicle used to assist crews on scene with food drinks and other rehabilitation equipment.
Hazmat Squad: Vehicle used for hazmat situations carries tools and protection equipment.
MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit): A name for an Ambulance that has advanced life support equipment.
BOX: Slang used for Ambulance.
BOX: A Number for a pull box “Fire Alarm” not used much any more except New York and
Chicago it tells were fire is and what fire trucks to send.
Haz-Mat: Term for hazardous material.
Tie up or Hold: Term for stating only that particular apparatus is the only truck needed i.e.: E-14
on nothing showing holds E-14.
Head of fire: Area of fire that is leading most edge front of the fire.
Flank of the fire: Sides of the fire Left or Right.
Loom up: Term for smoke coming from fire in a column can be seen for miles.
ETA: Estimated time of arrival.
EMS: Emergency Medical Service
Code 18: Term for dead on scene. Patient is dead on arrival of EMS crew.
Code 20 by ____ : Suicide Attempt by (method)
L Z or Landing Zone: Area to land Air EMS.
17’s, 5’s, 16’s etc: Possessive sense, as in “17’s company” Used in short slang as in “17’s will handle”.
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