202.15 DEFINITIONS

Firefighting Terminology

• Air Attack: Aerial reconnaissance involving aircraft that gather information from above a fire, equipped with observers for real-time assessment.

• Air Tanker: Fixed-wing aircraft authorized by the FAA for carrying and dispersing fire retardant solutions to combat wildfires.

• VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker): Refers to heavy fixed-wing aircraft like the DC10 and 737, used for extensive firefighting operations, particularly effective for large-scale fires.

• Buoy Wall Tank (Pumpkin): A collapsible water tank, ranging from 1500 to 4000 gallons, utilized by water tenders as a remote water source for Bambi Bucket operations. Distinct from Fol-Da-Tank, which is not suited for Bambi Bucket use.

• Bambi Bucket: A portable bucket with a capacity of 65 to 95 gallons, attached to helicopters for efficient water drops during brush fire suppression.

• Division: Represents a geographic work assignment in firefighting operations, often designated by cardinal directions or alphabetical identifiers (e.g., East Division).

• Group: Indicates a functional work assignment similar to a division, focusing on specific operational areas (e.g., Water Supply Group).

• LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones): A critical safety protocol ensuring firefighter safety, mandating the establishment of lookout points, reliable communications, clear escape routes, and designated safety zones at all times.

• Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service to indicate very high or extreme fire danger conditions, characterized by sustained winds of 20 mph or more and low relative humidity levels.

Firefighting Terminology

• Air Attack: Aerial reconnaissance involving aircraft that gather information from above a fire, equipped with observers for real-time assessment.

• Air Tanker: Fixed-wing aircraft authorized by the FAA for carrying and dispersing fire retardant solutions to combat wildfires.

• VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker): Refers to heavy fixed-wing aircraft like the DC10 and 737, used for extensive firefighting operations, particularly effective for large-scale fires.

• Buoy Wall Tank (Pumpkin): A collapsible water tank, ranging from 1500 to 4000 gallons, utilized by water tenders as a remote water source for Bambi Bucket operations. Distinct from Fol-Da-Tank, which is not suited for Bambi Bucket use.

• Bambi Bucket: A portable bucket with a capacity of 65 to 95 gallons, attached to helicopters for efficient water drops during brush fire suppression.

• Division: Represents a geographic work assignment in firefighting operations, often designated by cardinal directions or alphabetical identifiers (e.g., East Division).

• Group: Indicates a functional work assignment similar to a division, focusing on specific operational areas (e.g., Water Supply Group).

• LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones): A critical safety protocol ensuring firefighter safety, mandating the establishment of lookout points, reliable communications, clear escape routes, and designated safety zones at all times.

• Red Flag Warning: Issued by the National Weather Service to indicate very high or extreme fire danger conditions, characterized by sustained winds of 20 mph or more and low relative humidity levels.

Test your knowledge on essential firefighting terminology with this quiz. Learn about different types of aircraft and water sources used in fire management and their specific definitions. From air tankers to buoy wall tanks, challenge yourself to understand the language of firefighting.