An aerial operation refers to a firefighting operation that involves a master stream flowing from elevated positions, such as aerial ladders or platforms.
"Alpha," "Bravo," "Charlie" and "Delta" are terms that firefighters use to designate the sides of a building. "Alpha" refers to the front of a building, "Bravo" designates its left side and "Charlie" refers to the back of the building while "Delta" is its right side.
If conditions are defensive, it means that it is too dangerous for the firefighters to get inside the building. Accordingly, defensive firefighting refers to a tactic of trying to put down the fire from the outside, often using a master stream. Defensive firefighting's main objective is to create conditions that would allow firefighters to proceed to offensive firefighting.
An engine is firefighting equipment, usually a truck, that carries water, fire hoses and a fire pump.
A handline refers to a firefighting hose that firefighters use, often in offensive firefighting. It is usually 1 3/4 inches in diameter.
A master stream is a large firefighting stream of water that flows at a rate of between 500 and 2,000 gallons per minute. Master streams can be set on the ground or elevated.
Offensive conditions are conditions deemed to be safe enough for the firefighters to fight the fire from the inside.
After the fire is out, firefighters do an overhaul to make sure that it is completely finished and will not start again after they leave the scene. Overhaul includes wetting down hot spots, digging through rubble and other activities to confirm that the fire is completely out.
A redline is a small diameter handline, typically used for small fires. Redlines are usually an inch in diameter.
Salvage refers to saving unburned valuables from fire or water damage by removing them or covering them with fire and water resistant materials.