They are not a Breath Weapon but are treated as such when firing. That is why Salamanders, a unit that can move 12" and fire a Strength 3 -3 Save template, is so awesome at any points level.
An off-topic question, if you had the task of nerfing Salamanders how would you do so? I personally would reduce its breath weapon to strength 2 AP but allow it to stand and shoot with it and use it as a BW without one use only.