Fireplough

/ˈfaɪərplaʊ/ noun

Definition

A specialized piece of equipment used to create firebreaks by plowing lines in the ground to prevent the spread of wildfires.

Etymology

Compound of 'fire' and 'plough' (from Old English 'plōh'). A modern forestry term from the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Fireploughs work on the same principle as firefighting trenches that ancient armies used—a cleared line creates a barrier that fire cannot cross because there's no fuel to burn!

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