fire fighting: Fire-Fighting Personnel

In most cities, firefighters are trained members of government-supported organizations, such as fire departments. Elsewhere, fire-fighting organizations are primarily composed of volunteers, or “vols.” Fire-fighting organizations also help design and implement fire-prevention programs, which may include such measures as building codes requiring fire alarms, regularly located fire-extinguishing equipment, internal fire walls to help contain a fire, sprinkler systems, the use of fire-retardant construction materials, and safe electrical wiring. Educating the public about fire safety and fire-prevention practices is an important part of all fire-prevention programs.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• History of Fire Fighting
• Special Equipment and Techniques
• Characteristics of Extinguishing Substances
• Extinguishing Fires
• Fire-Fighting Apparatus
• Fire-Fighting Personnel
• Fire-Fighting Strategy
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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