Fire Exam Prep Flashcards
(120 cards)
1
Q
Fire Behavior: What are the four stages of fire development in a compartment fire?
A
b) Incipient, Growth, Fully Developed, Decay
2
Q
Fire Streams: Which type of fire stream is most effective for absorbing large amounts of heat and penetrating burning materials?
A
d) Solid stream
3
Q
Water Supply: What is the term for the pressure remaining in a water supply system while water is flowing?
A
c) Residual pressure
4
Q
Building Construction: Which type of building construction is considered “non-combustible” but can suffer structural failure under intense heat?
A
b) Type II (Non-combustible)
5
Q
Ladders: What is the optimal climbing angle for a portable ground ladder?
A
c) 75 degrees
6
Q
Ventilation: The primary purpose of tactical ventilation during structural firefighting is to:
A
b) Control the fire spread and improve conditions for occupants and firefighters.
7
Q
PPE/SCBA: What does the acronym PASS stand for in relation to firefighter safety equipment?
A
b) Personal Alert Safety System
8
Q
SCBA Safety: What is a critical step a firefighter must perform before donning SCBA to ensure it functions correctly?
A
b) Fully open the cylinder valve and check the pressure gauge.
9
Q
Hose: Which type of hose lay involves the engine stopping at the fire scene and laying hose back towards the water source?
A
b) Reverse lay
10
Q
Forcible Entry: Which tool is considered a fundamental “irons” combination for forcible entry?
A
b) Halligan tool and flat-head axe
11
Q
Incident Command System (ICS): Under ICS, who is responsible for the overall management of the incident?
A
c) Incident Commander
12
Q
Fire Extinguishers: A Class K fire involves:
A
d) Combustible cooking oils and fats
13
Q
Hazardous Materials: On the NFPA 704 placard, what hazard does the color blue represent?
A
b) Health
14
Q
Search and Rescue: A “primary search” is best described as:
A
b) A rapid search for potential victims before or during fire suppression.
15
Q
Safety: What is the term for a team of firefighters established solely to rescue other firefighters in distress?
A
c) Rapid Intervention Crew/Team (RIC/RIT)
16
Q
ARFF Acronym: What does ARFF stand for?
A
b) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
17
Q
Primary Agent: What is the primary extinguishing agent used by ARFF apparatus for large flammable liquid fuel fires involving aircraft?
A
d) Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or similar Class B foam
18
Q
Airport Zones: Runways and taxiways where aircraft operate are known as:
A
b) The Movement Area
19
Q
Aircraft Hazard: A major hazard associated with overheated aircraft wheels and tires after heavy braking or fire exposure is:
A
c) Potential for explosive failure
20
Q
ARFF Apparatus: What is a key feature of ARFF apparatus designed to attack fires from a distance or over obstacles?
A
b) Roof and/or Bumper Turrets (Monitors)
21
Q
Approach Strategy: When approaching an aircraft fire, ARFF apparatus should generally:
A
d) Approach considering wind direction, topography, wreckage location, and preservation of egress paths.
22
Q
Aviation Fuels: Which type of aviation fuel is similar to kerosene and has a higher flash point than gasoline?
A
b) Jet A / Jet A-1
23
Q
Aircraft Construction: Modern aircraft often utilize composite materials. What is a significant hazard associated with burning composites?
A
b) They release highly toxic gases and potentially sharp, airborne fibers.
24
Q
Fuselage Penetration: What specialized tool might an ARFF vehicle use to penetrate an aircraft fuselage to apply extinguishing agent internally?
A
b) High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) with a piercing nozzle
25
FAA Regulation: Which Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) part primarily governs airport certification, including ARFF requirements?
d) FAR Part 139
26
Critical Area: The theoretical rectangular area surrounding an aircraft fuselage, where rescue and firefighting efforts are concentrated, is known as the:
c) Critical Rescue and Firefighting Access Area (CRFFAA)
27
Aircraft Systems: What does APU stand for in relation to an aircraft?
c) Auxiliary Power Unit
28
Communications: During an aircraft emergency, ARFF units must establish clear communication primarily with:
b) Airport Operations and the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)
29
Engine Hazards: When approaching a running or burning jet engine, firefighters should avoid:
a) The front (intake) and rear (exhaust) areas.
30
Foam Application: The method of applying foam onto a vertical surface, allowing it to cascade down onto the fuel surface, is called:
b) Bank-down method
31
Water Supply: On public fire hydrants, what color bonnet (top) typically indicates the highest flow capacity (1500 GPM or greater)?
d) Light Blue
32
Fire Behavior: What is the term for the minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel produces enough vapor to ignite *and sustain* combustion?
b) Fire Point
33
SCBA Emergencies: If a firefighter becomes disoriented in a structure fire while wearing SCBA, what is a primary survival action?
c) Control breathing, activate PASS, find and follow a hoseline or wall.
34
Nozzles: Which type of nozzle is designed to operate at lower pressures (e.g., 50 or 75 psi) while delivering effective fire streams?
c) Low-Pressure Fog Nozzle
35
Ladders: When placing a ground ladder against a building for window access or ventilation, where should the tip ideally be placed?
b) Just below the windowsill or slightly to the upwind side.
36
Ventilation: Forcing air into a structure using fans to create higher pressure inside is known as:
d) Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)
37
Ropes & Knots: Which knot is typically used to create a secure loop at the end of a rope, often for hoisting tools?
d) Bowline
38
Salvage Operations: What is a common tool used to channel or divert water out of a building during salvage operations?
a) Water Chute
39
Hazardous Materials: In the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), which color pages list materials alphabetically by name?
b) Blue pages
40
Incident Command System (ICS): The optimal number of subordinates reporting to a single supervisor within ICS (Span of Control) is typically considered to be:
b) 3 to 7
41
Building Construction: What structural element, often found in Type III (Ordinary) construction, can allow fire to spread rapidly from floor to floor or into attic spaces?
c) Balloon framing or void spaces
42
Fire Streams: What effect does friction loss have on water pressure in a fire hose?
c) It decreases the pressure available at the nozzle.
43
PPE: Besides thermal protection, what is a primary function of the moisture barrier in structural firefighting turnout gear?
c) To protect against water, steam, and common liquids.
44
Communications: What standard phrase is used in radio communications to indicate that a message was received and understood?
c) "Copy" or "Received"
45
Overhaul: During overhaul, firefighters should look for signs of hidden fire, such as:
b) Discoloration, peeling paint, smoke emissions, and feel for heat.
46
Foam: What device draws foam concentrate through a pickup tube into the water stream using the Venturi effect?
c) Foam Eductor
47
Aircraft Evacuation: Which of these is a potential hazard associated with aircraft evacuation slides after deployment?
b) They can be slippery or damaged during deployment/use.
48
ARFF Tactics: When applying foam to an aircraft fuel spill fire, the primary objective is to:
b) Create a vapor-suppressing blanket over the fuel surface.
49
Airport Markings: What do solid yellow lines across a taxiway, immediately prior to entering a runway, signify?
c) Runway Holding Position Marking
50
Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI): In the START triage system, what condition would typically result in a patient being tagged RED?
d) Altered mental status or respirations over 30/min.
51
Aircraft Hazards: Besides fuel and composites, what other system on an aircraft can contain high-pressure fluids (potentially flammable) and pose a hazard during firefighting?
c) Hydraulic System
52
ARFF Agents: What is a key *disadvantage* of using dry chemical agents on aircraft fires?
c) They offer limited securing ability (no vapor barrier) and can impair visibility.
53
ARFF Safety: When approaching an aircraft incident scene, ARFF personnel should be particularly aware of potential hazards from:
b) Undetonated ejection seats (military) or ordnance, pressurized cylinders (oxygen, hydraulics).
54
Aircraft Shutdown: If communication with the flight deck is impossible, what is a potential method ARFF personnel might use to shut down engines from outside the aircraft?
b) Using specific ground controls if accessible and trained.
55
Airport Grid Maps: The primary purpose of using standardized grid maps for an airport is to:
b) Provide precise location identification for emergency response.
56
Tools: Which power saw is often used by firefighters for ventilation, forcible entry, and rescue operations, capable of cutting wood, metal, and concrete depending on the blade?
c) Rotary Saw (Cut-off Saw)
57
HazMat: DOT placards are required on vehicles or containers transporting hazardous materials above certain quantities. What shape are these placards?
c) Diamond
58
SCBA Air Management: The low-pressure/low-air alarm on modern SCBA typically activates when the cylinder pressure drops to approximately what percentage of its rated capacity?
b) 33-35%
59
Fire Behavior: The transfer of heat through direct contact from one substance to another is called:
c) Conduction
60
ARFF Water Supply: How do ARFF vehicles primarily ensure they have an immediate water/foam supply upon arrival at an incident on the airfield?
c) Utilizing large onboard agent tanks.
61
Fire Behavior: Dark, turbulent smoke pulsing or puffing from openings and smoke-stained windows with little visible flame are indicators of:
c) Impending Backdraft
62
Water Supply: What is the term for the potential or stored energy in water due to its elevation?
b) Head Pressure
63
Hose Maintenance: Fire hose should be periodically tested hydrostatically according to NFPA standards primarily to:
b) Ensure it can withstand operating pressures safely.
64
Ladders: Heat sensor labels on fire service ladders provide an indication that the ladder:
b) Has been exposed to potentially damaging temperatures.
65
Ventilation Coordination: Why is it critical to coordinate ventilation efforts with fire attack?
d) Improper timing can intensify fire behavior and endanger firefighters.
66
PPE Limitations: Structural firefighting PPE provides significant thermal protection, but its primary limitation regarding hazardous materials is that it:
b) Offers minimal or no protection against chemical vapors or liquids.
67
Hazardous Materials: The area at a HazMat incident where decontamination is performed for personnel leaving the high-hazard area is known as the:
b) Warm Zone (Contamination Reduction Zone)
68
Incident Command System (ICS): Which Command Staff position is responsible for gathering and releasing incident information to the news media and other agencies?
c) Public Information Officer (PIO)
69
Fire Cause Determination: During firefighting operations, firefighters can help preserve evidence for fire investigators by:
b) Noting the location of victims or unusual conditions and protecting potential evidence.
70
Fire Prevention/Codes: Building codes typically require exit doors to:
d) Swing outward in the direction of travel and be readily openable from the inside.
71
Building Construction: Lightweight wood or metal truss systems used in roof or floor construction are known to:
b) Fail suddenly and completely when exposed to sufficient heat.
72
Water Supply: The process of using a fire pump to lift water from a static source (like a lake or portable tank) below the pump is called:
b) Drafting
73
SCBA Cylinders: Besides the rated pressure, what critical date must be checked on an SCBA cylinder during routine inspections?
c) Hydrostatic test date
74
Hazardous Materials Response: Upon arriving at a scene with placards indicating hazardous materials, the first operational priority should be:
c) Establish control zones and deny entry.
75
Incident Command System (ICS): Under ICS, operations within a specific geographic area are managed by a ______, while operations focused on a specific function (like ventilation or rescue) are managed by a ______.
c) Division, Group
76
ARFF Foam Properties: The ability of a foam blanket to resist disruption and reseal if broken is related to its:
c) Viscosity and stability
77
ARFF Apparatus Positioning: When positioning an ARFF apparatus to apply agent to an aircraft fire, a critical consideration is to:
b) Position upwind and protect the fuselage/egress paths.
78
Aircraft Cargo Hazards: In addition to passenger baggage, cargo holds on aircraft may legally contain declared ______ which requires special handling in an emergency.
b) Hazardous Materials (Dangerous Goods)
79
ARFF Hand Signals: What is a common hand signal used by ARFF personnel to indicate "Shut Down Engine" to the flight crew?
c) Moving hand horizontally across the neck (slashing motion).
80
Aircraft Hot Brakes: If extremely hot brakes or wheel fires are suspected, the recommended approach path for personnel is typically:
b) From the front or rear of the wheel assembly (fore and aft).
81
ARFF Forcible Entry: Forcible entry tools specifically designed for aircraft, like pneumatic chisels or specialized saws, are needed due to:
b) The unique alloys and composite materials used in aircraft construction.
82
ARFF Interior Attack: When making entry into a smoke-filled aircraft cabin for rescue or firefighting, crews must prioritize:
b) Maintaining orientation, controlling the door, and managing airflow.
83
Airport Emergency Plan (AEP): The AEP is a comprehensive document required by the FAA (for Part 139 airports) that outlines procedures for various types of airport emergencies, including:
b) Coordination between different agencies, communication plans, and resource mobilization.
84
Search & Rescue: A "Secondary Search" is conducted:
c) After the fire is under control and visibility has improved, to ensure no victims were missed.
85
Tools: A K-Tool is used in forcible entry primarily to:
c) Pull lock cylinders out of doors.
86
ARFF Agents: Clean extinguishing agents are most suitable for use in what areas of an aircraft?
c) Flight deck (cockpit) and avionics compartments.
87
Airport Markings/Signage: A sign adjacent to the airfield pavement with white inscriptions on a red background indicates:
c) A mandatory instruction or entrance to a critical area (e.g., runway holding position).
88
ARFF Environmental Concerns: A significant environmental consideration during ARFF operations involving fuel spills is:
b) Containing and mitigating runoff of fuel and foam into soil or waterways.
89
Firefighter Safety: What is the purpose of performing a "buddy check" before entering an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmosphere?
b) To verify PPE is donned correctly and SCBA is functioning properly.
90
Ventilation: Using a fog stream from a nozzle to draw smoke and heat out of an opening is known as:
d) Hydraulic Ventilation
91
Fire Chemistry: The incomplete combustion of organic materials, common in structure fires, produces which highly toxic gas that interferes with the body's oxygen uptake?
c) Carbon Monoxide (CO)
92
Fire Dynamics: Understanding and controlling the flow path in a structure fire is critical primarily because:
c) It significantly influences fire growth, intensity, and firefighter safety.
93
Water Supply: An operation involving multiple pumpers moving water over a long distance through hoselines is known as a:
d) Relay pumping operation
94
Building Construction Hazards: Why are fires originating in basements or sub-floors often particularly hazardous for firefighters?
c) Limited ventilation, risk of floor collapse above, and difficult ingress/egress.
95
Ladder Operations: When rescuing a conscious victim down a ground ladder, it's important for firefighters to:
b) Place the victim facing the ladder and maintain control during descent.
96
Smoke Reading: Wispy, light-colored smoke observed moving slowly from multiple openings of a large building might indicate:
b) A deep-seated fire in the late stages or a fire distant from the openings.
97
PPE Maintenance: Failure to properly clean contaminated PPE after an incident can lead to:
c) Long-term health risks due to chemical exposure.
98
Hose Appliances: Which hose appliance typically has one female inlet and three valved male outlets, often used to supply multiple attack lines from a single supply line?
c) Water Thief manifold
99
Forcible Entry: "Through-the-lock" forcible entry techniques aim to:
c) Operate the lock mechanism itself after defeating the cylinder.
100
Incident Command System (ICS): The location established where resources (personnel and equipment) check in and await assignment at a large incident is the:
c) Staging Area
101
Hazardous Materials Properties: A flammable liquid with a specific gravity less than 1 will:
c) Float on top of water.
102
Search & Rescue Techniques: The "Oriented Search" method used by a search team involves:
c) One member remaining oriented (e.g., on a wall) while others search rooms off that point.
103
Firefighter Safety/Accountability: A Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is a roll call taken by supervisors at an incident to:
c) Confirm the status and safety of all personnel assigned to them.
104
Fire Pumps: The type of fire pump most commonly used in modern fire apparatus, which uses an impeller to move water, is a:
c) Centrifugal pump
105
Public Fire Education: "EDITH" is a common fire safety acronym encouraging families to practice:
b) Exit Drills In The Home
106
ARFF Apparatus Features: Low-mounted nozzles on ARFF vehicles designed to sweep extinguishing agent under the fuselage or across the ground are called:
c) Ground Sweep Nozzles
107
ARFF Foam Compatibility: If two different types of foam concentrate are accidentally mixed in an ARFF vehicle's tank:
b) The mixture may become ineffective or damage the proportioning system.
108
ARFF Post-Incident Scene Control: Following an aircraft incident, ARFF personnel play a role in maintaining scene security primarily to:
b) Allow for investigation by authorities (NTSB, FAA) and prevent tampering.
109
Aircraft Identification: The assembly at the rear of an aircraft, typically consisting of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, is known as the:
b) Empennage (Tail Assembly)
110
Aircraft Engine Hazards: Besides the danger zone directly behind a running jet engine (jet blast), personnel must also avoid the:
c) Intake area at the front of the engine due to suction hazard.
111
Aircraft Wheel Assemblies: Some aircraft wheels contain fusible plugs designed to:
b) Melt and release tire pressure at high temperatures, preventing explosion.
112
ARFF Communications: Clear and standardized communication between ARFF units and the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is essential primarily for:
b) Coordinating safe movement on the airfield and relaying critical incident information.
113
ARFF Technology: Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) are particularly valuable during ARFF interior operations because they can help firefighters:
c) "See" through dense smoke to locate heat sources, victims, or egress paths.
114
Electrical Safety: On an incident scene involving potential electrical hazards, firefighters should await confirmation that power has been shut down and ______ before working in the area.
b) Lockout/Tagout procedures are in place
115
Vehicle Extrication: Before beginning cutting or spreading operations on a vehicle, it is critical to first:
b) Ensure the vehicle is properly stabilized.
116
Wildland Fire Terminology: The side of a wildland fire, parallel to the direction of spread, is known as the:
c) Flank
117
Fire Investigation Clues: A V-shaped pattern observed on a wall after a fire often indicates:
b) The point of origin or area where fire spread upwards.
118
Confined Space Hazards: Besides atmospheric hazards, responders operating in confined spaces must also be aware of:
b) Potential for engulfment or entrapment.
119
Emergency Medical Handover: When transferring patient care, providing a concise report including the patient's status and interventions performed ensures:
b) Continuity of care and efficient treatment by EMS.
120
Fire Chemistry: Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), a highly toxic gas, is often produced during fires involving:
b) Natural materials like wood and cotton, but especially plastics and synthetics.
