Wildfire Glossary
A Guide to Wildfire Terminology
A wildfire is a raging conflagration that rapidly spreads out of control. It happens most frequently in the summer, when the brush is dry and flames can move unchecked through a wooded area. The fire often begins unnoticed and spreads quickly, lighting brush, trees and homes. It may be started by a campfire that was not doused properly, a tossed cigarette, burning debris, lightning or arson. This wildfire terminology may be useful.
Ash Pit
Ash pits are an inherent and invisible risk to wild land firefighters that can cause severe burns and injuries. Ash pits are created when organic combustibles consume underground and empty space is created that is undetectable from the surface.
Fuel Combustible Material
Includes vegetation -- such as grass, leaves, ground litter, plants, shrubs and trees -- that feeds a fire.
HotSpot
A particularly active part of a fire.
Safety Zone
An area cleared of flammable materials used for escape in the event the line is outflanked or a spot fire fuels outside the control line to render the line unsafe. In firing operations, crews progress so as to maintain a safety zone close at hand allowing the fuels inside the control line to be consumed before going ahead. Safety zones may also be constructed as integral parts of fuel breaks; they are greatly enlarged areas which can be used with relative safety by firefighters and their equipment in the event of a blowup in the vicinity.
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Did You Know?
Some trees are more fire-resistant than others. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, www.ready.gov
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