Fire Safety Terminology

verb to descend from a vehicle or horse; dismount

adjective burning; on fire

adverb in the act of descending or burning

• The passengers were instructed to alight from the train at the next station.
• Let's alight from the bus at the next stop.
• We should alight from the car and check out this cool spot.
• Her eyes alighted on the beautiful painting in the gallery.

noun a small piece of partly burned coal or wood that has stopped giving off flames but still has combustible matter in it

• The cinder from the fireplace left a mark on the carpet.
• Be careful not to step on the cinder from the bonfire.
• I accidentally kicked a cinder while walking in the dark.
• His heart felt like a cold cinder after the breakup.

adjective describing something that is resistant to flames or fire

• The laboratory required all equipment to be flameproof to prevent any potential fires.
• Make sure to use a flameproof case for your phone so it doesn't get damaged.
• I heard that jacket is flameproof, so you don't have to worry about getting burned.
• His arguments were like a flameproof shield, deflecting any criticism or doubt.

noun a brief flash of light

verb to shine unsteadily; flutter

noun a substance that slows down or prevents a particular process or reaction

adjective having the quality of slowing down or preventing a particular process or reaction

• The fire retardant material helped slow down the spread of the flames.
• Make sure to use the fire retardant spray before starting the bonfire.
• I heard this new fabric is super retardant against stains.
• His calm demeanor acted as a retardant against the chaos around him.

adjective describing a fire or flame that burns slowly and steadily

• The slow-burning candle provided a gentle glow in the room.
• I love how the slow-burning fire keeps us warm all night.
• That slow-burning movie had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
• Their slow-burning romance finally blossomed into a beautiful relationship.

adjective describing something that is capable of being burned

• The burnable waste should be disposed of in the appropriate bin.
• Make sure you put the burnable items in the fire pit.
• Throw those burnable things in the bonfire!
• His anger was like a burnable fuel, ready to ignite at any moment.