In the world of firefighting, communication is vital for effective response and coordination. Firefighters, fire management professionals, and Fire Reporters use specific terms to convey critical information about the fire’s behavior, location, and resources involved. Let’s take a closer look at some essential fire reporting terms you will see:
- FPS (Forward Progress Stopped): FPS refers to the point in a wildfire incident when the fire’s forward progression has been successfully halted or controlled. It signifies the moment when firefighters have gained the upper hand, preventing the fire from spreading further.
- ROS (Rate of Spread): ROS is a measure of how quickly a fire is spreading over an area. It provides crucial information about the fire’s behavior, helping fire managers and responders estimate its potential growth and Order resources effectively. ROS is typically expressed in terms of feet or meters per minute or hour.
- LRA (Local Responsibility Area): LRA represents a designated geographic area where local agencies or jurisdictions hold the primary responsibility for fire protection and suppression efforts. It usually encompasses lands within a specific Town or municipal boundaries, and firefighting operations are primarily managed by local fire departments or organizations.
- SRA (State Responsibility Area): SRA denotes an area where the responsibility for fire protection and suppression lies with state-level agencies, such as Cal Fire, California’s fire department of Natural Resources Agency. These areas are typically outside the jurisdiction of local agencies and cover vast expanses of public and privately owned lands.
- AA (Air Attack): AA refers to an aircraft specially equipped for coordination of other firefighting aircraft on an incident. These aircraft are typically fixed-wing planes or helicopters used to coordinate and direct firefighting efforts from the air. Air Attack platforms play a crucial role in providing real-time situational awareness, mapping fire perimeters, and coordinating resources on the ground.
- T (Tanker or Tender): In fire reporting, the term “T” is commonly used to represent an air tanker or tender. Air Tankers are aircraft that carry fire retardant or water, which they drop in front of the fire to slow its progress. Air Tankers are fixed-wing planes equipped with water or Retardant tanks. Tenders, on the other hand, typically refer to ground vehicles that transport large quantities of water to refill firefighting equipment.
- C (Copter):”C” is used to represent a “Copter,” which is another term for a helicopter. Helicopters play a vital role in fire suppression efforts, offering versatility and maneuverability in accessing challenging terrain. They are used for various tasks, including water or retardant drops, aerial reconnaissance, transporting personnel, and deploying firefighters into remote locations.
Understanding these fire reporting terms can significantly enhance your ability to comprehend fire incidents, communicate effectively, and appreciate the heroic efforts of the firefighting community. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s support those who work tirelessly to protect lives, property, and our precious natural resources. 🌲🔥
