Chapter 5 - Fire Behavior and Building Construction

Question 1

Four essential elements for a fire

Answer 1

Fuel
Oxidizing agent
Heat
Uninhibited chemical chain reaction

Question 2

Phenomenon in which combustible material ignites spontaneously without the application of a flame or spark

Answer 2

Auto ignition

Question 3

Vertical spread of fire on the exterior of a multi-story building from one floor to the floor above

Answer 3

Auto exposure

Question 4

Initial stage of a fire after ignition

Answer 4

Incipient

Question 5

Secondary stage of a fire in which it spreads to adjacent combustible materials

Answer 5

Free burning

Question 6

Transition stage in which exposed surfaces ignite simultaneously and fire spreads throughout the compartment

Answer 6

Flash over

Question 7

Stage which glowing combustion takes place

Answer 7

Smoldering / decay

Question 8

Where is flame over observed

Answer 8

In the ceiling layer

Question 9

What is the primary influence on a fire burning

Answer 9

Oxygen supply

Question 10

If wins exceed what speed will their role be considered from a tactical standpoint

Answer 10

10 to 20 mph

Question 11

What is the most common example of fire having an effect on the building and its components

Answer 11

Charring wood

Question 12

What temperature does aluminum melt around

Answer 12

1200° F

Question 13

What temperature does aluminum anneal at

Answer 13

350° F

Question 14

When heated gaseous products of combustion burn when oxygen is introduced into an environment in which the oxygen supply has been depleted due to fire

Answer 14

Backdraft

Question 15

Movement of hot gases / smoke from areas of high pressure to low pressure

Answer 15

Flow paths

Question 16

A more accurate description of flame spread

Answer 16

Fire growth

Question 17

The building problem with regard to fire growth based on location (2)

Answer 17

Hidden
Exposed

Question 18

The contents problem with regard to fire growth (3)

Answer 18

Furnishings
Interior finish
Mercantile stock

Question 19

What must be kept away from light fixtures because the heat from the fixture can ignite the paper

Answer 19

Batt insulation with paper facing that is laid in ceilings

Question 20

Foamed plastic insulation should be protected from exposure to flame by what type of covering

Answer 20

1/2 in gypsum board

Question 21

What is commonly used as insulating sheathing on wood frame buildings that can support fire in hidden in walls

Answer 21

Combustible fiberboard

Question 22

What absorbs heat thereby slowing the progress of fire

Answer 22

Lime plaster

Question 23

What material was substituted for wood sheathing and widely used for interior finishes in low-cost construction

Answer 23

Low density fiber board

Question 24

What are the three ways in which interior finishes may increase the fire hazard

Answer 24

1. Increase fire extension by surface flame spread
2. Generate smoke and toxic gases
3. Add fuel to the fire contributing to flash over.

Question 25

What is high density fiberboard called when it punched with holes

Answer 25

Pegboard

Question 26

What material has ignited after a 1 second application of flame from a butane lighter

Answer 26

Foamed polyurethane

Question 27

What are four ways to control the problem of fast fire growth

Answer 27

1. Eliminating high flame spread surfaces. 2. Separating material from the source of combustion. 3. Cutting off the extension of the fire. 4. Coating materials

Question 28

Fire retardant surface coatings are effective only if applied how

Answer 28

As specified

Question 29

In smoke the solid particulates of what give smoke its opaqueness

Answer 29

Carbon

Question 30

What is the most prevalent toxic fire gas

Answer 30

CO

Question 31

Harber's rule states that any exposure in which the concentration is ____ is likely to be dangerous

Answer 31

33,000

Question 32

A 10 minute exposure to ___ of CO would be hazardous

Answer 32

3500 PPM

Question 33

What concentration of CO may be fatal after only a few breaths

Answer 33

12,500 PPM

Question 34

Generation of CO can be up to how many times greater in enclosed voids as in the open

Answer 34

50 times

Question 35

What chemicals can be released from any transformer by fire or accident and is extremely toxic

Answer 35

Polychlorinated biphenyl. PCB

Question 36

Modern Bunker gear can withstand temperatures above

Answer 36

220° F

Question 37

From a tactical point of view regarding fire behavior what is the most important concept to understand

Answer 37

Flame over or rollover maybe your last warning sign before flash over

Question 38

Use the gas monitor to ensure CO levels are below what

Answer 38

35 parts per million

Question 39

The crew going up to investigate a fire alarm should always have what

Answer 39

2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher

Question 40

What is the only method by which firefighters can expel CO

Answer 40

Ventilation