Fire Behavior And Combustion Processes, Chapter 1, Key Terms

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

A comprehensive management system designed to integrate resources from a number of public and private agencies. It encompasses most of the Incident Command System as one component of the overall management system. (page 11)

Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)

A developing technology that includes a Class A hydrocarbon-based surfactant that improves the wetting and penetrating capabilities of plain water. A system that produces high-quality foam bubbles which are small and consistent in size and density. The system uses an air compressor to provide air at a uniform pressure and an automatic foam proportioner, which ensures the foam solution will be kept at the correct ratio of water to foam solution as set by the operator. This automatic control over the mixture allows the operator to control the consistency of the foam generated. (page 17)

Conflagration

A fire with major building-to-building flame spread over a great distance. (page 2)

Incident Command System (ICS)

A management system utilized on the emergency scene that is designed to keep order and follow a sequence of set guidelines. (page 11)

Infrared Imaging

A method using infrared waves to detect heat being radiated by a substance or body. Firefighters use a camera to translate the location and intensity of the heat being given off. Using these cameras they can locate victims or other firefighters who may be trapped. (page 16)

Surfactant

A soap material that works to ease the surface tension of water, allowing the water to more easily penetrate materials and thus increasing the effectiveness of water as an extinguishing agent. (page 17)

British Thermal Unit (BTU)

A standardize measure of heat, which is the heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. (page 8)

Flashover Fire

A sudden event that occurs when all the contents of a room or enclosed compartment reach their ignition temperature almost simultaneously, producing an explosive fire. (page 8)

Insurance Services Office (ISO)

An agency funded by the insurance companies to independently apply the grading schedule to cities (fire departments) and set the rate for fire insurance premiums. (page 4)

Cybernetic Building Systems

Automatic control systems installed in buildings to integrate he building services in a central location including energy management (HVAC systems), fire detection and security systems, building transportation systems, fault detection, and diagnostics. (page 18)

Class B Fires

Fires involving flammable liquids. (page 17)

Alternative Fuels

Presently two types of compressed gases are being used for motor vehicle fuel. One is compressed liquified natural gas (CNG) and the other is compressed liquified petroleum gas (CLP) (either propane or butane). Research is now being conducted to expand the use of hydrogen gas. These gases are under high pressure and present a danger of fire and/or explosion when released. (page 15)

America Burning

The 1973 report from a committee appointed by the president to investigate and report back its findings regarding U.S. fire service. Over ninety recommendations were forwarded for action. (page 6)

America Burning Revisited

The 1987 revisit to the America Burning report to evaluate the progress on accomplishing the recommended improvements. (page 6)

America Burning Recommissioned, America at Risk

The 2000 revisit of both the original America Burning report (1973) and the America Burning Revisited report (1987). Two areas noted as needing further attention were fire prevention and firefighter safety. (page 6)

Wildland/Urban Interface

The line, area, or zone where structures and other human developments intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. (page 11)

Global Positioning

Using satellites positioned in outer space, locations on earth can be triangulated by the beam from several satellites. This triangulation allows accurate identification of a position on the earth to be determined. Fire mapping systems can be integrated into the system for computer modeling on wildland fires and for tracking engine companies available for response. (page 16)

Ultrafine Water Mist

Water is dispensed under high pressure through very fine nozzle outlets creating nearly micro-sized droplets. This fine mist exhibits high-energy absorption behavior because of the high vaporization rate of the fine water particles (the surface area of the droplet exposed to the heat). Additionally, the gaslike dispersion of the mist is dispersed throughout the enclosure. (page 17)