3 Essential Words to Understand Wildfire Discussions

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

When it comes to wildfires, understanding the key terminology used by professionals and experts can significantly improve our comprehension of how wildfires are fought, contained, and prevented. Here are three essential words to help you understand wildfire discussions, from the causes of wildfires to the methods of managing them.

Firebreak 防火带

A firebreak 防火带(fáng huǒ dài) is a cleared area of land that is used to stop or slow the spread of a wildfire. Firebreaks can be naturally occurring, like rivers or roads, or they can be created by firefighting teams through controlled burns. These breaks remove the fuel that the fire needs to continue spreading, making it an essential tactic for wildfire management.

防火带, noun, firebreak


  1. A firebreak prevents the fire from spreading into new areas.
    
防火带防止火灾蔓延到新区域。
    
fáng huǒ dài fáng zhǐ huǒ zāi màn yán dào xīn qū yù.

  2. Firefighters often create firebreaks to protect homes from wildfires.

    消防员们常常建立防火带来保护住宅免受山火侵害。
    
xiāo fáng yuán men cháng cháng jiàn lì fáng huǒ dài lái bǎo hù zhù zhái miǎn shòu shān huǒ qīn hài.

Wildland-Urban Interface 野地-城市交界区

The wildland-urban interface refers to the areas where wildland (forests, grasslands, etc.) meets urban environments (cities or towns). This zone is particularly vulnerable to wildfires, as the proximity of human settlements to forests makes them more likely to be impacted by fires. Understanding this area is crucial for urban planning and fire prevention strategies.

Suppression 灭火

Suppression 灭火(miè huǒ) refers to the process of extinguishing or controlling a wildfire. It includes various methods such as direct attack (using water or foam), aerial drops (from helicopters or planes), and creating firebreaks. Suppression is the most immediate and critical action during a wildfire, as it aims to stop the fire’s growth and prevent further damage.

灭火, noun, suppression


  1. Suppression efforts focus on putting out the fire and preventing it from spreading.

    灭火工作侧重于扑灭火灾并防止其蔓延。

    miè huǒ gōng zuò cè zhòng yú pū miè huǒ zāi bìng fáng zhǐ qí màn yán.

  2. Firefighters are trained in various suppression techniques to handle wildfires.
    
消防员接受多种灭火技巧的训练，以应对山火。
    
xiāo fáng yuán jiē shòu duō zhǒng miè huǒ jì qiǎo de xùn liàn, yǐ yìng duì shān huǒ.

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