# firefighting

/ˈfaɪɹˌfaɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈaɪəfaɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/firefighting
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the work of putting out fires and saving people from them. It can also describe the act of dealing with a sudden, large problem quickly.

For teachers: the activity of extinguishing fires and rescuing people from burning buildings. In a figurative sense, it refers to the rapid response to a sudden crisis or problem.

## Examples

- Firefighting requires a lot of physical strength and quick thinking.
- The city invested in better firefighting equipment to protect the historic downtown area from potential blazes.
- Effective firefighting in a corporate environment requires not only immediate action to suppress the crisis but also a long-term strategy to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.