Technical glossary

Lead-in – A technique whereby the airtanker follows the birddog aircraft on the final run. Note Dummy Run and Inspection Run.

Lightning Fire – Note Fire Cause Class.

Lightning Locator System – A network of electronic field sensors linked to a central computer to detect, triangulate, plot the location, and record cloud-to-ground lightning flashes in real time over a large predetermined area. Generally consists of a network of direction finders and a position analyzer.

Limited Action Fire – see Modified Response.

Litres of Water per Hour Concept – An initial and supporting fire bombing operation, with minimum turn-around time for airtankers, involving rapid and repeated dropping of large quantities of water or other short-term retardant, with the objective of holding the fire until complete control is achieved by ground personnel. Note One Strike Concept.

Litter – The uppermost part of the forest floor consisting of freshly cast or slightly decomposed organic materials (i.e. the L layer).

Long-term Retardant – A substance that by chemical or physical action reduces the flammability of combustibles and remains effective after application, even after water content has evaporated. Long-term retardants depend on certain flame-inhibiting chemicals for their effectiveness.

Lookout –

• (1) A person designated to detect and report fires from a vantage point. Synonym - Towerman.
• (2) A location and associated structures from which fires can be detected and reported. Note Lookout Tower.

Lookout Tower - A tower built to raise a lookout above nearby obstruction to sight. It is usually capped by a lookout cupola. Synonym – Fire Tower.

Lost Line – Any part of a control line that fails to stop the spread of a fire.