Fire flow refers to the volume of water, typically quantified in gallons per minute (GPM), necessary to effectively control and extinguish a fire. This calculation incorporates factors such as the structure's size, construction materials, occupancy type, and the intensity of the fire. Not to be confused with water supply, which pertains to the source and delivery of water, fire flow is critical in establishing operational strategies within the Incident Command System (ICS) and ensuring effective resource allocation during fireground operations.
Category context: Core tactics, command, suppression, ventilation, search, and water supply terminology used on the fireground.