I. Scope:

This standard lists and defines common terms used by operations personnel to manage fire control and rescue incidents.

II. Definitions:

1.     Aid Station:  Where triage takes place and necessary EMS personnel and equipment are located to provide aid to fire victims and fire service personnel.  The person in charge may be either a fire service or EMS person.  All activities should be coordinated through the command post.

2.     All Clear:  The primary search has been completed and deemed clear.

3.     Command Post:  The location at which the primary command functions are executed.  The command post is manned by the Incident Commander and other support personnel as required. 

4.     Incident Commander (IC):  The person with overall responsibility for a particular incident.  The person will use the radio term Command and may use a geographical identifier when multiple operations occur – e.g. “Main Street Command.”

5.     Attack Unit:  Usually the first piece of apparatus on the scene, the attack unit sets up hoselines to fight the fire.  It can consist of more than one unit if necessary.

6.     Drafting:  Using a pump to lift water from a supply source such as a river, pond, ditch, dump tank, etc.

7.     Fill site:  The location where tank trucks go to get water loads such as hydrants, draft site, storage tank, etc.

8.     Rural Fire:  A fire which is outside municipal boundaries.

9.     Tanker:  A fire truck used primarily to carry large quantities of water for rural firefighting.

10. Tanker Shuttle:  Using several tankers to transport or ferry water from a water source to a fire scene.

11. Working Fire:  A fire that will require considerable effort to extinguish and may require additional personnel or apparatus.