Area / Point of Origin: This term specifically relates to an area, or point, where it is believed a fire started, this should not be confused with the term, seat of fire that is commonly misunderstood in everyday language to mean the same. (NFPA, 2005).

Fire Break: An area on the landscape where there is a discontinuity in fuel which will reduce the likelihood of combustion or reduce the likely rate of fire spread.  These can be engineered such as through cutting the land with heavy machinery or natural such as a river.  (National Operational Guidance Wildfires)

M/ETHANE: The M/ETHANE model is an established reporting framework which provides a common structure for responders and their control rooms to share incident information.  The acronym stands for Major Incident, Exact Location, Type of Incident, Hazards, Access, Number of Casualties, Emergency Services.  (JESIP Joint doctrine)

Strategic Holding Area: A location providing sufficient personnel and facilities for the reception and co-ordination of mutual aid and other supporting resources at major incidents. (National Operational Guidance Glossary)

Wildfire: An uncontrolled vegetation fire which meets one of the following criteria

• Involves a geographical area of at least one hectare (10,000 square metres)
• Has a sustained flame length of more than 1.5 metres
• Requires a committed resource of at least four fire and rescue service appliances/resources
• Requires resources to be committed for at least six hours
• Presents a serious threat to life, environment, property, and infrastructure.

(National Operational Guidance Wildfires)

Tactical Officers: Tactical Officers in North Yorkshire hold the role of Group Manager and are responsible for the day-to-day operations for the service.

Strategic Officers: Strategic Officers In North Yorkshire hold the role of Area Manager or higher and focus on overall organisational management, long-term planning, resource allocation, policy, and large-scale incident strategy

Post Fire Indicators: A post fire indicator is a form of evidence which a fire leaves behind in a scene that can show information relating to a fire’s severity, direction of travel or time that it was burning.  This could be something like soot staining or a V pattern.

Antecedence and Loss: Antecedence and loss relates to what was there prior to the fire burning and what has been lost because of the fire.

Fire Severity Index: The Fire Severity Index (FSI) is a Met Office bespoke service, designed to fulfill Natural England land access obligations under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) act. Calculated using information such as wind speed, temperature, time of year and rainfall, the index provides an assessment of how severe a fire could become if one were to start. (Met Office).

Major Incident: An event or situation with a range of serious consequences which requires special arrangements to be implemented by one or more emergency responder agency.