The application of strategy and tactics that effectively meet suppression and resource objectives with the least environmental, cultural and social impacts

International distress signal/call. When repeated three times it indicates imminent and grave danger and that immediate assistance is required.

The process of agitating foam solution and air within a confined space (usually a hose) that produces tiny, uniform bubbles - the length and type of hose determine the amount of scrubbing and, therefore, foam quality.

Observers are posted at one or more strategic locations in the proximity of a fire to detect and warn fire personnel of pending critical weather changes that might significantly affect the fire.

A common VHF-FM frequency used by natural resource agency aircraft for emergency radio transmissions.

Wind, in miles per hour, measured at 20 feet above open, level ground or as adjusted to meet this standard to compensate for height of ground cover, uneven ground, and nearby obstructions.

All work and activities connected with control and fire-extinguishing operations, beginning with discovery and continuing until the fire is completely extinguished.

Injury suffered as the result of a fire that requires (or should require) treatment by a practitioner of medicine within one year of the fire, regardless of whether treatment was actually received.

That portion of the total fuel that would actually burn under various environmental conditions.

Retardant drop made from one compartment at a time from an airtanker with a multi-compartment tank.