NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire, PMS 205

Layer of decomposed organic matter on the forest floor beneath the fermentation layer and directly above the soil. It is that part of the duff in which decomposition has rendered vegetation unrecognizable and mixing of soil and organic matter is underway.

Resistance to wetting exhibited by some soils, also called water repellency. The phenomenon may occur naturally or may be fire-induced. It may be determined by water drop penetration time, equilibrium liquid-contact angles, solid-air surface tension indices, or the characterization of dynamic wetting angles during infiltration. 

Recording instrument combining, on one paper record, the variation of dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity as a function of time.

An area that, in relation to wildland/urban fire, has a set of conditions that provides the opportunity for fire to burn from wildland vegetation to the home/structure ignition zone.

Additional information pertinent to the management of the incident.

Automated date and time stamp applied when the ICS 209 report is submitted.

The beginning date and time of the reporting period of an ICS 209.

The ending date and time of the reporting period of an ICS 209.

The version of the ICS 209 report (Initial, Update, or Final).

Dry run over the target area by the leadplane to indicate an airtanker's flight path and target, while the airtanker pilot is observing.

A pyrotechnic device specifically designed to initiate burning of a fuel mixture or propellant.

The smallest area that a wildland fire investigator can define based on the physical evidence of the fire pattern indicators, within the specific origin area, in which a competent ignition source came into contact with the first fuel ignited and combustion was sustained.

A rating of the probability that a firebrand will cause an actionable fire.

Quantity of heat or electrical energy that must be absorbed by a substance to ignite and burn.

The individual factors which make up the ignition sequence; competent ignition source; the type and form of first fuel ignited; oxidant, plus the circumstances, actions, or natural events that allowed the factors to come together.

The means by which a fire is ignited, such as hand-held drip torch, helitorch, and backpack propane tanks.

Manner in which a prescribed fire is ignited. The distance between ignition lines or points and the sequence of igniting them is determined by weather, fuel, topography, firing technique, and other factors which influence fire behavior and fire effects.

Chance that a firebrand will cause an ignition when it lands on receptive fuels.

The sequence or order of events that bring a competent ignition source, fuel first ignited and oxidant together allowing them to react with each other.

Any process or event capable of causing a fire.

Time between application of an ignition source and self-sustained combustion of a fuel.

A causative agent for wildland fire. For example, human or lightning.

Standards to which IMI products are developed conforming to interactivity level(s) which are appropriate for the instructional design, strategy, media, content, and course specifications.

This is the lowest level of courseware development. It is normally a knowledge familiarity lesson, provided in a linear format (one idea after another).

This involves the recall of more information than a level 1 and allows the student more control over the lesson scenario through screen icons and other peripherals, such as light pens or touch screens. Typically level 2 is used for non-complex operations and maintenance lessons. Simple emulations or simulations are presented to the user. As an example, the user is requested to rotate switches, turn dials, make adjustments, or identify and replace a faulted component as part of a procedure. This also may include simple to standard developed graphics, and/or clip art, and video and audio clips. 

This involves the recall of more complex information (compared to levels 1 and 2) and allows the user an increased level of control over the lesson scenario through peripherals such as light pen, touch screen, track ball, or mouse. Video, graphics, or a combination of both is presented simulating the operation of a system, subsystem, or equipment to the user. The lesson scenario training material typically is complex and involves more frequent use of peripherals to affect a transfer of learning. Operation and maintenance procedures are normally practiced with level 3 scenarios and students may be required to alternate between multiple screens to keep pace with the lesson material. Multiple software branches (two to three levels) and rapid response are provided to support remediation. Emulations and simulations are an integral part of this presentation. This may also include complex developed graphics, and/or clip art, and video and audio clips.

Rotating part of a centrifugal pump which imparts energy to the liquid to be moved. For shearing purposes, the impeller is on a rotating shaft within the body of liquid.

the relative feasibility of a treatment or activity as very high, high, medium or low

The design and definition of all the activities, resources, limitations, and contingencies required for successful wildland fire management.

A term used in weather primarily to describe a weak disturbance that does not necessarily have an associated storm center or surface low. The disturbance usually does not create severe weather and is frequently associated with a marine air push.

Wind speed within a stand at about eye level.

A burning compound or metal used to produce intense heat or flame, like a bomb.

Contrivance designed and used to start a fire.

A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not be a fire.

An occurrence, either human-caused or a natural phenomenon, that requires action or support by emergency services personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property and/or natural resources.

An oral or written plan containing the objectives established by the Incident Commander or Unified Command and addressing tactics and support activities for the planned operational period, generally 12 to 24 hours.

The organizational unit responsible for the incident activities.

An assignment to an incident that requires a length of commitment.

A location where personnel coordinate and administer logistics functions for an incident. There is typically only one base per incident. (An incident name or other designator is added to the term Base.) The ICP may be co-located with the Incident Base.

A pre-season agreement for equipment, supplies, or services to be used on fire and all-hazards incidents, issued on a Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items, SF-1449 form. I-BPAs are awarded on a competitive basis using commercial item procedures.

The ICS organizational element responsible for overall management of the incident and consisting of the Incident Commander or Unified Command and any additional Command Staff activated.

The field location where the primary functions of incident command are performed. The ICP may be co-located with the Incident Base or other incident facilities.

A standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of on-scene incident management, providing a common hierarchy within which personnel from multiple organizations can be effective. ICS is the combination of procedures, personnel, facilities, equipment, and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of on-scene resources during incidents. It is used for all kinds of incidents and is applicable to small, as well as large and complex, incidents, including planned events.

The individual responsible for on-scene incident activities, including developing incident objectives and ordering and releasing resources. The Incident Commander has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations through a Delegation of Authority.

The first (optional) and last name of the Incident Commander(s) currently assigned to the incident.

The location of the communications unit and the message center.

Two or more distinct incidents in the same general area that, by management action, are managed under a single incident commander or unified command in order to improve efficiency and simplify incident management processes.

The incident level established by completing an incident complexity analysis considering the level of difficulty, severity, or overall resistance the incident or event presents to incident management or support personnel as they work to manage it; a categorization that helps leaders compare one type of incident or event to another.   

The broad spectrum of activities and organizations providing operations, coordination, and support applied at all levels of government, using both governmental and nongovernmental resources to plan for, respond to, and recover from an incident, regardless of cause, size, or complexity.