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Question 1. Which component is NOT part of the fire tetrahedron? A) Oxygen B) Fuel C) Heat D) Water Answer: D Explanation: The tetrahedron includes oxygen, fuel, heat, and a chemical chain reaction; water is an extinguishing agent, not a component. Question 2. During which fire stage does flashover most likely occur? A) Incipient B) Growth C) Fully developed D) Decay Answer: C Explanation: Flashover happens when the fire reaches the fully developed stage and all combustible surfaces ignite simultaneously. Question 3. What is the primary mode of heat transfer in a fire that spreads through open doors? A) Conduction B) Convection C) Radiation D) Sublimation Answer: B Explanation: Hot gases move through openings, carrying heat by convection. Question 4. Which building type is constructed primarily of non‑combustible materials and has fire‑resistive structural elements? A) Type I B) Type II
C) Type III D) Type V Answer: A Explanation: Type I (fire‑resistive) construction uses steel or concrete and non‑combustible finishes. Question 5. A “load‑bearing” wall is best described as: A) A partition that supports floor loads B) A wall that only separates rooms C) A decorative façade D) A wall that carries roof weight Answer: D Explanation: Load‑bearing walls support the weight of the roof and upper floors. Question 6. Which roof shape is most hazardous for firefighters because it can trap heat? A) Gable B) Flat C) Hip D) Sawtooth Answer: B Explanation: Flat roofs can accumulate hot gases and collapse more readily. Question 7. Class B fire extinguishers are intended for: A) Ordinary combustibles B) Flammable liquids C) Electrical equipment D) Metals Answer: B Explanation: Class B extinguishers target fires involving flammable liquids.
Answer: B Explanation: A 75° angle (4:1 ratio) is recommended; 60° is too shallow. Question 12. Which knot is best for creating a fixed loop that will not slip? A) Bowline B) Square knot C) Clove hitch D) Figure‑eight bend Answer: A Explanation: A bowline forms a secure, non‑slipping loop. Question 13. A simple machine that changes the direction of force is a: A) Lever B) Pulley C) Inclined plane D) Wheel and axle Answer: B Explanation: Pulleys redirect the applied force. Question 14. In fluid dynamics, increasing hose diameter while keeping pressure constant will: A) Decrease flow rate B) Increase flow rate C) Keep flow rate unchanged D) Cause a surge Answer: B Explanation: Larger diameter reduces friction, allowing more water to flow. Question 15. The mechanical advantage of a first‑class lever is determined by: A) Length of effort arm ÷ length of resistance arm
B) Length of resistance arm ÷ length of effort arm C) Load weight ÷ effort weight D) None of the above Answer: A Explanation: Mechanical advantage = effort arm / resistance arm. Question 16. When reading a fireground map, the symbol of a blue line with dots indicates: A) Water main B) Electrical line C) Gas pipeline D) Sewer line Answer: A Explanation: Blue dashed lines with dots represent water mains. Question 17. Mental rotation ability is tested by: A) Solving arithmetic problems B) Identifying mirrored letters C) Visualizing an object turned 90° D) Matching colors Answer: C Explanation: It measures how well a person can imagine an object rotated in space. Question 18. The quickest route to a scene is determined by: A) Shortest distance only B) Least traffic and distance C) Highest speed limit D) Straight line regardless of obstacles Answer: B Explanation: Both distance and traffic conditions affect response time.
A) 30 ft B) 37.5 ft C) 45 ft D) 60 ft Answer: B Explanation: (250 / 100) × 15 = 37.5 ft. Question 23. A firefighter observes a room with a single window on the far wall. The most efficient ventilation method is: A) Positive pressure ventilation through the door B) Horizontal ventilation through the window C) Roof venting D) No ventilation until fire is extinguished Answer: B Explanation: Horizontal ventilation uses the nearest opening to release heat and smoke. Question 24. In a fire scene, the “danger zone” for backdraft is identified by: A) Heavy, black smoke with no visible flames B) Bright orange flames licking the ceiling C) Rapidly expanding fire in open space D) Smoke that is thin and white Answer: A Explanation: Accumulated unburned gases and low oxygen create backdraft risk. Question 25. Which of the following is a primary symptom of shock in a patient? A) Bradycardia B) Warm, dry skin C) Pale, clammy skin D) Elevated body temperature
Answer: C Explanation: Shock causes vasoconstriction leading to pale, moist skin. Question 26. The correct order of steps in CPR for an adult is: A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation B) Circulation, Airway, Breathing C) Breathing, Circulation, Airway D) Airway, Circulation, Breathing Answer: D Explanation: The A‑C‑B sequence (Airway, Circulation, Breathing) is recommended. Question 27. Which personal protective equipment protects against bloodborne pathogens? A) Helmet B) Gloves C) Fire-resistant coat D) Boots Answer: B Explanation: Gloves prevent direct contact with contaminated fluids. Question 28. The NFPA 704 health hazard rating “2” indicates: A) No hazard B) Slightly toxic C) Toxic, temporary incapacitation D) Fatal or permanent injury Answer: C Explanation: A rating of 2 means the material can cause temporary incapacitation or injury. Question 29. Which UN/DOT hazard class covers compressed gases? A) Class 1
Question 33. The most efficient way to increase water pressure at a fire scene is to: A) Use a larger diameter hose B) Reduce hose length C) Increase pump RPM D) Add a nozzle with a smaller orifice Answer: C Explanation: Raising pump RPM boosts pressure throughout the system. Question 34. A “broken” fire stream is best used for: A) Maximizing reach B) Reducing water damage to interiors C) Creating a wide spray for fire suppression in confined spaces D) Cooling fire‑exposed structures Answer: C Explanation: A broken stream disperses water over a larger area, ideal for interior attacks. Question 35. Which ladder type is self‑supporting and can be moved without a truck? A) Aerial ladder B) Ground ladder C) Platform ladder D) Turntable ladder Answer: B Explanation: Ground ladders are portable and do not require a vehicle. Question 36. The knot most commonly used to attach a rope to a fire‑ground anchor is: A) Bowline B) Clove hitch C) Figure‑eight loop
D) Double fisherman’s knot Answer: B Explanation: A clove hitch is quick to tie and easy to release on a fixed anchor. Question 37. Which simple machine multiplies force by changing direction but does not change magnitude? A) Lever B) Inclined plane C) Pulley (fixed) D) Screw Answer: C Explanation: A fixed pulley redirects force without mechanical advantage. Question 38. The principle of “conservation of mass” is most relevant to which fire phenomenon? A) Flashover B) Backdraft C) Smoke explosion D) Fire growth Answer: D Explanation: As a fire grows, fuel mass is consumed and converted to gases and heat. Question 39. When calculating hose length, a firefighter should add a safety factor of: A) 10% B) 25% C) 50% D) 75% Answer: B Explanation: Adding 25% accounts for stretch, knots, and positioning errors.
D) Flammability rating Answer: C Explanation: The blue section denotes special hazards like oxidizers, acids, or radioactivity. Question 44. The most appropriate fire‑ground communication method when radio failure occurs is: A) Hand signals B) Whistles C) Shouting across the scene D) Using a megaphone Answer: A Explanation: Hand signals are standardized, silent, and work in noisy environments. Question 45. Which of the following is a primary cause of a “smoke explosion”? A) Rapid cooling of hot gases B) Mixing of fuel‑rich smoke with fresh air in a confined space C) Direct flame contact with a steel beam D) Water application on a gasoline fire Answer: B Explanation: Accumulated smoke ignites when fresh air is introduced, causing an explosion. Question 46. A firefighter must calculate the required water flow for a 2‑story residential fire. If the rule of thumb is 150 GPM per floor, the needed flow is: A) 150 GPM B) 300 GPM C) 450 GPM D) 600 GPM Answer: B Explanation: 2 floors × 150 GPM = 300 GPM.
Question 47. Which of the following is a correct statement about “conduction” in fire? A) Heat moves through moving gases. B) Heat moves through solid materials. C) Heat moves via electromagnetic waves. D) Heat moves only in open spaces. Answer: B Explanation: Conduction transfers heat through direct contact in solids. Question 48. The most common cause of structural collapse in a fire is: A) Wind pressure on the roof B) Loss of load‑bearing elements due to fire damage C) Water saturation of floors D) Earthquake activity Answer: B Explanation: Fire weakens critical structural members, leading to collapse. Question 49. When using a Halligan, the “adze” end is primarily employed for: A) Cutting through metal B) Prying open doors C) Striking with force D) Chipping at concrete Answer: D Explanation: The adze is a chisel‑like edge used for breaking or chipping. Question 50. Which knot is preferred for tying two ropes of different diameters together? A) Square knot B) Double fisherman’s knot C) Bowline
A) Class A B) Class B C) Class C D) Class D Answer: C Explanation: Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment; un‑energized equipment falls under Class A/B. Question 55. The “rule of 3” for fire response time suggests that the first alarm should be received within: A) 3 minutes of ignition B) 3 minutes of call receipt C) 3 minutes of dispatch D) 3 minutes of arrival on scene Answer: B Explanation: The rule emphasizes rapid dispatch after the call. Question 56. Which of the following is a primary factor affecting hose friction loss? A) Ambient temperature B) Hose color C) Length of hose D) Time of day Answer: C Explanation: Longer hoses increase friction loss. Question 57. In a backdraft situation, the safest initial action is to: A) Apply a solid stream directly into the fire B) Open a window to ventilate slowly C) Close all doors and windows
D) Use a fog pattern from a short distance Answer: B Explanation: Controlled ventilation reduces pressure and prevents ignition. Question 58. The most appropriate method for controlling a small spill of gasoline is: A) Dilution with water B) Absorbent material and proper disposal C) Igniting the spill to burn it off D) Covering with sand only Answer: B Explanation: Absorbents safely contain gasoline; water spreads it. Question 59. Which of the following best describes “positive pressure ventilation” (PPV)? A) Using fans to force air into the structure B) Opening windows to let smoke escape passively C) Applying water to cool gases D) Using a hose line to push smoke out of doors Answer: A Explanation: PPV introduces fresh air using fans or equipment. Question 60. A firefighter notices a “squat” on the roof while on a ladder. This indicates: A) A safe landing area B) Potential structural weakness C) An access point for ventilation D) A fire‑resistant material Answer: B Explanation: Roof “squats” often signal compromised integrity. Question 61. The most common cause of a flashover is:
Answer: C Explanation: HGL represents pressure head in hydraulic calculations. Question 65. Which of the following is a correct definition of “over‑pressurization” in a fire‑ground ventilation context? A) Excessive water pressure in hoses B) Air pressure inside a structure exceeding atmospheric pressure, potentially causing explosion C) High pressure in the SCBA tank D) Pump pressure above 200 psi Answer: B Explanation: Over‑pressurization can lead to structural failure or backdraft. Question 66. In a building fire, the “triage” process primarily determines: A) The order of fire suppression actions B) Which victims receive immediate medical care first C) The most dangerous fire location D) The best entry point for crews Answer: B Explanation: Triage prioritizes patients based on severity. Question 67. The “Figure‑Eight” knot is commonly used for: A) Securing a rope to a harness B) Creating a loop that will not slip under load C) Tying two ropes together D) Fastening a hose to a nozzle Answer: B Explanation: The figure‑eight forms a strong, non‑slipping loop. Question 68. Which fire‑ground tool is specifically designed to cut through metal door hardware?
A) Halligan B) Pike pole C) Sawzall (reciprocating saw) D) Axe Answer: C Explanation: A reciprocating saw can cut metal quickly. Question 69. During a fire, the “bottom layer” of smoke typically contains: A) Unburned fuel gases B) Hot gases and particles that rise C) Cool, clean air D) Water vapor only Answer: A Explanation: Heavy, unburned gases settle low, creating a hazardous layer. Question 70. Which of the following best describes “thermal inertia” in fire‑resistive construction? A) The ability of a material to conduct heat quickly B) The resistance of a material to temperature change C) The speed at which a fire spreads across a surface D) The amount of water a material can absorb Answer: B Explanation: Thermal inertia slows temperature rise, protecting structural integrity. Question 71. The most appropriate initial action when encountering a downed power line is to: A) Move the line away from the fire B) Shut off the power at the breaker C) Establish a safety perimeter and notify the utility D) Use the hose to cool the line Answer: C
