Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 1-Firefighter Orientation & Safety
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Unity of Command is based on the principle that a person can ONLY report to 1 supervisor.

Chain of Command is the pathway of responsibility from highest to lowest.

An officer can effectively supervise 3 to 7 firefighters.

Span of Control is the number of personnel that one person can effectively manage.

Division of Labor is used to assign responsibility.

Discipline is the setting/enforcement of limits or boundaries for expected performance.

NFPA 1001 states the requirements for firefighters.

A fire company is a group of firefighters assigned to a specific apparatus.

Typical duties of a FF1 or FF2 are to attend training, perform salvage, ensure loss control measures, climb
ladders, and administer 1st aid.

The fire apparatus Driver/Operator is responsible for operating mechanical equipment at a fire scene.

The fire department Safety Officer is responsible for safety of emergency operations.

The fire department Officer is responsible for resources and planning.

Information Systems personnel are responsible for maintaining electronic databases.

Telecommunicators are responsible for dispatching units.

Fire police personnel are responsible for assisting police with traffic control.

NBC stands for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical.

NFPA 742 states the competencies for hazmat responders.

The public fire and life safety educator is responsible for informing the public about fire hazards and safety.

NFPA 1003 states the qualifications for airport firefighters.

The fire protection engineer/specialist is responsible for advising a department's upper administration on
department operations and fire prevention.

Fire and arson investigators conduct investigations of a fire area.

Fire prevention officers conduct technical and supervisory work in the fire prevention program.

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license is required to provide basic life support.

A Paramedic (EMT-P) license is required to provide advanced life support.

The drillmaster is responsible for administering all department training activities.

A policy is a guide to decision-making.

A procedure is a detailed guide to action.

An order is a written or verbal instruction based on policy or procedure.

A directive is a written or verbal instruction NOT based on policy or procedure.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a predetermined plan for an emergency situation.

Fireground priorities are life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation.

Facilities is part of the service branch of Logistics in the IMS system.

SOP's are usually initiated by the first-responding companies.

Operations is responsible for directing tactical operations in the IMS system.

Planning is responsible for collecting, evaluating, disseminating, and using information about the incident in
the IMS system.

Logistics is responsible for providing facilities, services, and materials in support of an incident in the IMS
system.

A Division is a geographic designation assigning responsibility for all operations within an assigned area.

A Group is a functional unit.

The Incident Commander (IC) is in charge of an overall incident.

Brush Companies are usually used to extinguish fires in the urban interface.

Truck Companies are usually used to perform forcible entry.

Fire Protection Engineers usually act as consultants on fire department operations and fire prevention.

Engine Companies usually deploy hoselines for attack and exposure protection.

The local EMS system and SOP's determine the level of 1st aid training required by firefighters.

Triage is the sorting of victims by severity of injury.

Firefighters may be called on by law enforcement for forcible entry purposes.

Most firefighter injuries are preventable.

NFPA 1500 contains the minimum requirements for a fire department safety and health program.

The basic concept of a health and safety program is to provide safety throughout the fire department.

A good safety program will reduce accidents and exposures, prevent human suffering, and prevent damage/loss
of equipment.

The success of a safety program begins with the top of the chain of command.

The fire department is responsible for limiting the number of stress-related accidents and injuries.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are available to all fire department members and their immediate
families.

A minor debriefing should occur when firefighters are required to work more than 1 shift under
psychologically stressful conditions.

Participation in critical stress debriefing should be mandatory, regardless of the employees ability to cope with
situations.

EAPs should provide referrals to health care services when necessary.

Firefighters should be aware of cardiovascular and cancer risks.

The most common danger a firefighter faces is riding the fire apparatus.

Firefighters riding in open-cab seats should wear helmet and eye protection.

Hearing protection should be worn when noise levels exceed 90 decibels.

The best place for a firefighter to be on a fire apparatus is seated and belted in a fully enclosed cab.

Handrails should not be used when trying to jump free of an apparatus in contact with electrical wires.

Use of safety bars on open-cab apparatus is not as safe as fully enclosed cabs.

The fire department is responsible for the safety of visitors in the fire station.

Back injuries are the most expensive type for firefighter injury in terms of worker's compensation.

Good housekeeping is essential in preventing slip, trip, and fall accidents.

Back strains are the most common injury when improper lifting and carrying techniques are used.

Cheater bars should never be used to provide extra leverage for a tool.

Tools should be inspected before and after each use.

A tool should not be modified before consulting the manufacturer.

Tools should be cleaned and stored after each use.

It is never acceptable to bypass the ground plug of a 3-prong plug.

Rotary and Chain saws are the most commonly used saws in the fire service.

Saws should be allowed to cool before refueling.

No power saw should be used in atmospheres containing flammables.

Non-essential persons should always be kept out of work areas.

A hoseline should be available any time a power saw that produce sparks is used.

NFPA 1500 requires that personnel who may engage in structural firefighting, participate in training at least
monthly.

All personnel participating in training must wear full protective gear.

Before training, personnel with severe headaches or colds should be given a physical exam to determine their
fitness for tasks at hand.

It is considered unprofessional for firefighters to take unnecessary risks.

Horseplay during training can be prevented by ensuring everyone can see demonstrations and allow all to
participate in activities.

Firefighter actions may be limited by the IC based on the chances of the operation being successful.

Firefighters are not responsible for the situation of victims. They are only there to help.

Law enforcement personnel is usually responsible for emergency scene control, however, fire personnel may
assist.

It is the responsibility of the IC to secure and manage an emergency scene.

Friends and relatives of victims should be kept away from the actual incident, but within the cordoned area
with a firefighter or other person.

Establishing zone boundaries depends on work area needed, degree of hazard, and general topography.

Firefighter ID tags should be turned in prior to entering the fireground.

The SCBA tag system provides accountability in addition to tracking of time remaining for air bottles.

Personnel Accountability Systems should also account for personnel who respond to a scene in vehicles other
than fire department apparatus.

Personnel entering hazardous atmospheres will have a record of time of entry and time of exit.

Relief crews are sent in shortly before the estimated time that the first crew's SCBA low-pressure alarms will
sound.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 2-Fire Behavior
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

The English system of measurement is commonly used in the U.S.

S.I. stands for International System of Units.

Mass in the S.I. system is measured in kilograms (kg).

An example of spontaneous heating, a type of chemical heat energy, is oil-soaked rags that can burst into
flames without an external source of heat.

An example of mechanical heat energy is compression (when SCBA bottle feels warm after being filled).

Black smoke becoming dense gray/yellow may indicate a backdraft situation.

The buildup of heat from a fire until all contents are heated to their ignition temperature and simultaneously
combust is termed flashover.

Normal atmospheric air contains 21% oxygen.

Backdrafts can be prevented by ventilating to release trapped hot gases and smoke.

In regards to self-heating, each 18oF increase in temperature causes heating reaction to double.

A calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 gram of water 1oC.

Convection is the transfer of heat by movement of air or liquid.

Thermal imbalance may occur is water is applied improperly to a non-ventilated fire area.

The measurement of gravity on a specific mass best describes weight in the S.I. System.

Work is defined as the application of force to an object over a distance.

Power is defined as the amount of energy delivered over a given time period.

The S.I. System equivalent to horsepower is Watts.

Low flash point liquids cannot be easily extinguished by cooling with water.

0oC is the freezing point of ice and 100oC is the boiling point in the metric unit termed Celsius.

Warm objects tend to radiate heat.

Oxygen content as low as 14% can support combustion at room temperature.

Joules is the approved S.I. unit for all forms of energy.

Ignition Temperature is defined as the minimum temperature to which a fuel in air must be heated in order to
start self-sustained combustion without a separate ignition source.

The transfer of heat energy by the movement of heated liquids and gases is termed convection.

Oxidation is a form of combustion.

A British Thermal Unit is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 pound of water 1oF.

A charged hose with the nozzle closed is a form of potential energy.

The rate of heat transfer is faster when temperature differences between the objects increases.

Chemical flame inhibition cannot be used to extinguish a fire in the smoldering stage.

32oF is the freezing point of ice and 212oF is the boiling point in the U.S. unit of temperature measurement
termed Fahrenheit.

Heat cannot be conducted in a vacuum because there is no medium for point-to-point contact.

Insulation made of fine particles or fibers with voids between them make the best insulators.

An example of friction is when a vehicle's brakes are applied and build up heat energy.

Heat will transfer between objects as long as the temperatures are different.

Heat is the most common type of energy.

Conduction is the heat transferred from gases to structural components when the gases and components are in
direct contact.

Liquids with a specific gravity less than 1 will float, while less than 1 sinks.

Vapors with a vapor density less than 1 will rise in air, while less than 1 sinks.

Combustion is an exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction.

Hot rising gases will rise to the top of the space and then spread out laterally.

Radiation is the major source of fire spread to exposures.

Gaseous fuels are the most dangerous fuel type.

The physical position of solid fuels is usually of more concern than liquid fuel fires.

Flammable limits of fuels are usually reported at atmospheric temperatures and pressures.

Large volumes of unburned gases are produced when a compartment fire is fully developed.

Additional fuel becomes involved just prior to a flashover.

Polyurethane Foam has a high maximum hear release rate.

Sodium Nitrate, an oxidizer, can burn in an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Flameover is a condition in which flames move through unburned gases.

Flames may not be present in a smoldering fire.

When a burning gas mixes with the proper amount of oxygen, it burns hotter and less luminous.

Gasoline cannot be extinguished easily by temperature reduction.

The volume and height of a compartment significantly affects fire behavior within that compartment.

Flooding an area with an inert gas is an example of extinguishment by oxygen exclusion.

Halon is used to interrupt the chemical chain reaction and stop flaming.

The most common hazardous substance in smoke is carbon monoxide.

Ordinary combustibles are considered Class A fuels.

Flammable and combustible liquids are considered Class B fuels.

Energized electrical equipment is considered Class C fuels.

Combustible metals are considered Class D fuels.

Cooling with water or foam works best with Class A fuels.

Alcohol is a polar solvent.

Smothering or blanketing works best on Class B fuels.

Fuel-specific agents may be needed to cover up and smother a Class D fire.

Allowing a fuel to burn until all fuel is consumed is an example of fuel removal.

Halon, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers may be used on Class C fuels.

Ingition in an oxygen-rich environment generally takes lesser temperatures.

All fire require some type of ignition.

MSDS sheets or an ERG guides should be used to determine extinguishment methods for Class D fires.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 3-Building Construction
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Basic knowledge of building construction allows firefighters to recognize potential dangers and plan for a safe
and effective fire attack.

Not all building code classification systems use the same terminology.

Compartmentation in fire-resistive buildings retards fire spread.

Most building codes have 5 classifications of construction types.

Openings in partitions in Type I (fire-resistive) construction can provide pathways for fire spread.

Fire load is the maximum heat that can be produced if all combustible materials in a given area burn.

All fire walls are given a "time" fire rating.

Construction classifications are based on the number of hours of fire protection provided by the structural
members and their fire-resistance ratings.

Wood shake roofs are not effective barriers against fire.

Type I construction is known as fire-resistive construction.

Type II construction is known as noncombustible or limited combustible construction.

Type III construction is known as ordinary construction.

Type IV construction is known as heavy timber construction.

Type V construction is known as wood-frame construction.

The primary concern of Type II (noncombustible or limited combustible) construction buildings is the
contents of the building.

Built-up roofs of felt, insulation, and roofing tar are of the most concern in Type II (noncombustible or limited
combustible) construction.

Fire and smoke spread into concealed spaces is a primary concern for Type III (ordinary) construction.

Fire can burn unnoticed within concealed spaces by consuming materials within that space.

Type III (ordinary) construction hazards can be reduced by placing fire stops in concealed spaces.

Exterior and interior walls of Type IV (heavy-timber) construction are made of noncombustible or limited
combustible materials.

Type V (wood-frame) construction presents an almost unlimited potential for fire spread within the building of
origin and to exposure buildings.

Examples of Type IV (heavy timber) construction include churches, old factories, and old mills.

The primary fire hazard with Type IV (heavy timber) construction is the massive amounts of combustible
structural timbers.

Heavy timber will remain stable for long periods of time under fire conditions but give off tremendous heat.

Type V (wood-frame) construction is characterized by exterior walls, bearing walls, floors, roofs, and supports
made completely of wood or other approved materials (smaller than Type IV-Heavy Timber).

Fire coming from doors or windows and extending to the exterior of a structure must be monitored with Type
V (wood-frame) construction.

Interior walls may not be able to be distinguished as load-bearing just by looking at them.

A party wall is a load-bearing wall that supports 2 adjacent structures.

The risk of fire spread is considerable when a building is under construction.

Cantilever walls are freestanding walls.

Fire walls divide structures into smaller portions but do not prevent fire spread to other floors (lateral spread
only).

It is the responsibility of all personnel to monitor and report unsafe structural conditions.

Large amounts of combustible materials in an area of a building is termed heavy fire loading.

Warehouses often present heavy content loading.

Combustible furnishings and finishes provide potential for rapid fire spread and toxic products of combustion.

Disabled alarm systems may be found in building that are being renovated.

Wood shake shingles are a common problem in wildland/urban interface fires.

Proper vertical ventilation can slow the spread of fire in buildings with large, open spaces.

Heavy content fire loading can be identified/corrected by proper inspection and code enforcement.

Indicators of potential building collapse include: unusual creaking, deteriorated mortar, and cracks or
separations in walls, floors, and ceilings.

Collapse zones should be set at 1 1/2 times the height of the building.

Lightweight metal/wood truss systems are likely to fail completely if one member fails.

After 5 to 10 minutes, lightweight metal/wood trusses will fail.

Type V (wood-frame) construction is most commonly used to construct typical single-family residences.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 4-Personal Protective Equipment
FF1 Test Review (Statements)

NFPA 1973 sets the requirements for personal protective equipment.

Firefighters should leave hazardous areas immediately upon hearing low-pressure SCBA alarm.

Faceshields on helmets provide only secondary protection (goggles are primary).

Chlorine can be expected to be present in large quantities at water treatment plants.

Approved methods for emergency exit of a building include following a hoseline out, contacting a wall and
crawling in only one direction, and activating PASS device/call out for help.

NFPA 1404 contains the requirements for SCBA programs.

Lightweight helmets and goggles are preferred for wildland firefighting.

3/4 boots are no longer acceptable for structural firefighting.

Safety glasses or goggles are necessary during vehicle extrication, structural fires, and medical transport.

NFPA requires protective coats to have 3 layers (fire, thermal, vapor).

Damage to SCBA O-rings can be prevented by bleeding off excess pressure between cylinder valve and fill
hose before disconnecting.

SCBA cylinders should be placed in a shielded fill station before filling.

Wide brims on helmets protect firefighter's ears and neck from hot water and embers.

The inner liner of protective coats provides protection against heat.

Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness or death at very low levels even without physiological
symptoms.

Undergarments worn under brush gear should be 100% cotton.

Safety glasses and goggles protect the wearer against approximately 85% of all eye hazards.

Lace-up or zip-up safety boots with lug or grip-tread soles, 8 to 10 inches high are recommended for wildland
firefighting.

Toxic gases given off at a fire depend on the nature of the combustible, rate of heating, and temperature of
evolved gases.

Protective trousers must be constructed of the same number of layers as protective coats.

Earplugs should not be used during structural firefighting due to that fact that they may melt and interfere with
communications.

Oxygen starvation is commonly termed hypoxia.

Station work uniforms should not contain polyester as is can melt or burn during exposure to high
temperatures.

Airlines should be used with open-circuit facepieces, a regulator, and egress cylinder.

Plastic releases hydrogen chloride gas when exposed to excessive heat or flame.

Frames and lenses of firefighter's prescription safety eyeglasses must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.

Protective boots must contain a stainless steel midsole plate to be considered puncture-resistant.

The combined effect of 2 toxic substances that are more harmful that either by themselves is termed synergistic
effect.

Hydrogen chloride can be expected as a fire gas emitted by a toy store fire.

Most eye injuries are easily preventable.

The size of a smoke particle determines how deeply into the lungs it can be inhaled.

Hydrogen chloride attacks the body by causing swelling and obstruction of the upper respiratory tract.

NFPA 1581 requires that PPE be cleaned and dried at least every 6 months.

Only parts from an SCBA's manufacturer should be used the replacing or repairing.

Polyurethane foam releases hydrogen cyanide when exposed to excessive heat or flame.

Firefighting gloves should resist cuts, punctures, and liquid absorption.

Glove dexterity may be reduced to provide protection.

Hydrogen cyanide can be expected to be present in clothing store fires.

SCBA facepiece straps should be tightened by pulling them simultaneously to the rear.

A room concentration of 1% carbon monoxide will elevate CO levels in the blood by 50% in 2 1/2 to 7
minutes.

When necessary to remove SCBA to clear restrictive spaces, the SCBA should go through the opening first.

Carbon monoxide (CO) causes more fire deaths than any other product of combustion.

Excessive heat (above 120oF) taken into the lungs can cause edema, asphyxiation, and failure of the respiratory
system.

When an SCBA facepiece is cool, internal fogging is likely to occur.

Nitrogen dioxide attacks the body by causing pulmonary edema, blocking the body's natural respiration
process.

The body responds to oxygen-deficient atmospheres by increasing respiratory rate.

Insulation laminated into rubber boots can cause fatigue from the weight of the boot.

Pyroxylin plastics releases nitrogen dioxide when exposed to excessive heat or flame.

Hydrogen cyanide has an almond odor.

10% to 12% concentrations of carbon dioxide are fatal within a few minutes.

Administration of oxygen is the most important first aid for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Hydrogen cyanide can be absorbed into the skin.

Low-pressure SCBA hoses are corrugated to prevent them from collapsing.

Carbon monoxide attacks the body by combining with the blood's hemoglobin which crowds oxygen from
attaching.

Carbon monoxide levels as low as 1% can cause unconsciousness or death.

Freon releases phosgene gas when exposed to excessive heat or flame.

The lower straps of an SCBA facepiece should be tightened first.

30 minute cylinders contain 45 ft3 of breathing air at 2,216 psi.

Nitrogen dioxide can usually be found in confined spaces such as feed storage silos.

SCBA equipment should be removed from service and inspected at least monthly.

SCBA's can add 25 to 35 lbs. to the firefighter.

Another name for Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) is PAD (Personal Alert Device).

OSHA prohibits firefighters from wearing contact lenses while using SCBAs.

NFPA 1500 allows firefighters who have worn contact lenses, while using SCBAs for more than 6 months
without problems, to wear them.

The air supply drawn from an SCBA cylinder depends on the wearers training and experience.

Phosgene gas has a musty hay odor.

Closed-circuit breathing apparatus are lighter due to the fact that they contain a small cylinder containing pure
oxygen.

In the event of impending unconsciousness, the firefighter can place a flashlight on the ground shining toward
the ceiling.

Carbon dioxide causes death by paralyzing the brain's respiratory center, resulting in cardiac and respiratory
arrest.

Use of a nosecup can prevent internal facepiece fogging.

Cascade systems consist of a minimum of 3 cylinders.

SCBA pressure gauge readings are most accurate at the upper range of their working pressures.

SCBA facepieces should be checked for proper positive pressure fit when donning.

DOT defines hazardous material as any substance which may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety if
not properly controlled during handling.

Checking a facepiece for proper positive pressure can be accomplished by inserting 2 fingers along seal to feel
air movement.

Breathing apparatus should be cleaned and sanitized immediately after each use.

Paper towels should not be used on facepieces as it will scratch the lens.

Seat mounting allows SCBAs to be donned while en route.

Facial features, neurological functioning, and emotional stability, all affect the firefighter's ability to use
SCBAs effectively.

All valves and cylinder pressure should be checked prior to donning SCBAs.

PASS device training should occur every 6 months.

Phosgene gas may be encountered in a meat market fire due to refrigerants in use.

Closed-circuit SCBAs are available in durations from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

SCBA waist straps help to distribute weight.

If one member's low-pressure alarm sounds, all members of the team should exit the area.

Facepiece and SCBA harness straps should be stored in the fully extended position.

High-pressure hose should be hand-tightened when attaching to the cylinder.

60 minute cylinders contain 87 ft3 of breathing air at 4,500 psi.

Remote pressure gauges should read within 100 psi of the cylinder gauge.

Phosgene gas forms hydrochloric acid when inhaled into the lungs.

Regulators can be found attached to the facepiece, on the shoulder strap, or mounted on the waist strap.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 5-Portable Extinguishers
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Class B fires are those involving flammable liquids, greases, and gases.

A non-expert user of a 60-B extinguisher can be expected to extinguish 60 square feet of a flammable liquid
fire.

Considerations for extinguisher selection include: hazards to be protected, severity of fire, and ease of
handling.

Modern fire extinguishers are designed to be held in the upright position.

Class A foam will assist in extinguishing deep-seated, vehicle, or wildland fires.

Class A and B extinguishers receive a numerical rating in addition to a letter classification.

Class B extinguisher ratings range from 1-B to 640-B.

AFFF extinguishers work best for suppressing vapors on small liquid fuel spills.

NPFA 10 covers extinguisher requirements.

Building inspections and pre-incident planning should include inspection of extinguishers.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers create a frost residue that can cause frostbite.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers weigh from 2 1/2 to 20 pounds.

A 1-A rating extinguisher is required to have 1 1/4 gallons of water.

Class C extinguishers should have a circle with the letter "C" inside affixed to the extinguisher.

Class C extinguishers are not specifically fire tested.

Extinguishing agent should be applied from a point that reaches the fire but does not disturb the fuel.

Class C fires are those involving energized electrical equipment.

An extinguisher lying on its side can be used to indicate that it is empty.

The most common AFFF extinguisher discharges in about 50 seconds and has a capacity of 2 1/2 gallons.

Class D extinguishing agent may be applied with a scoop rather than extinguisher.

Inverting-type fire extinguishers include: soda-acid, chemical foam, and cartridge-operated water.

Water-containing extinguishers should be stored in areas with temperatures no less than 40oF.

Reactions between extinguisher agent and extinguisher metal is not a tested factor for Class D extinguishers.

Numerical ratings of extinguishers reflect the relative quantity of fire that can be extinguished.

Halogens (used in Halon extinguishers) were phased out in 2000 and the U.S. stopped producing them in 1993.

Class C fires are essentially Class A or B fires involving electricity.

The Class C designation of an extinguisher simply confirms it is non-conductive.

An extinguisher with a 4-A rating should extinguish 4 times as much fire as a 1-A rating extinguisher.

Extinguishers showing slight damage can be hydrostatically tested, while ones with major damage should be
discarded.

Methods of determining if an extinguisher is full include: weighing the extinguisher, inspecting the agent
level, and checking the pressure gauge.

The cloud of chemicals used in dry chemical extinguishers may reduce visibility.

Ordinary dry chemical extinguishers may be used on Class B and Class C fires.

Class D extinguishing agent may not be multipurpose (used on other Classes) and are not given numerical
ratings.

Pump-tank water extinguishers are Class A type.

A Class A extinguisher with a 12-A rating would have 12 times the water content of a 1-A extinguisher (1.25
gallons x 12=15 gallons).

Class A portable extinguishers are rated from 1-A to 40-A.

Chemicals that may be found in an ordinary base, dry chemical extinguisher include: sodium bicarbonate,
potassium bicarbonate, or potassium chloride.

Labeling for portable extinguishers may consist of pictographs and/or colored geometric shapes.

Dry chemical wheeled units have a maximum stream capability of 45 feet.

Hydrostatic test results for extinguishers must be recorded on the cylinder.

AFFF solution allows water to float on fuels that are lighter than water.

Wheeled carbon dioxide extinguishers have a discharge time of 30 seconds.

Portable (hand-carried) dry powder extinguishers have a stream reach of 4 to 6 feet and can weigh up to 30
pounds.

Dry chemical extinguishers that will be subject to freezing temperatures use a dry nitrogen cartridge.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 6-Ropes & Knots
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Fire service rope is either constructed of natural or synthetic materials.

Natural fiber rope is only acceptable for utility applications.

Polyethylene rope is characterized by a slick and oily feel and is manufactured in bright colors.

Manila rope increases in tensile strength by 15% when wet.

The advantage of cotton rope is that it is inexpensive.

Nylon rope has the best shock load ability.

Polypropylene rope is popular with water rescue incidents because of its ability to float.

Polyester rope resists rot and sunlight damage.

Aramid fiber displays resistance for knot tying and has poor shock-absorbing capabilities.

Static rope is preferred for rescue work because of its low-stretch factor.

Dynamic rope is not practical for hauling applications.

Laid rope is usually constructed of 3 strands.

Braid-on-Braid rope contains 1/2 of its strength in its sheath and 1/2 in its core.

Braided rope resists twisting which is common in laid ropes.

Laid rope is also called twisted construction.

Braided rope has 3/4 of its strength in its core and 1/4 in its sheath.

Laid rope is easiest to inspect, however it is most susceptible to physical damage.

Static Kernmantle is most commonly used as rescue rope.

Natural fiber ropes should be cleaned by wiping or gently brushing.

Rope can be dried by air drying, drying in a hose tower, drying on hose racks, or drying in a hose dryer.

When using a clothes washer to clean rope, cold water should be used.

Front-loading clothes machines should be used when cleaning rope.

Mild soap should be used when washing rope.

The best way to clean synthetic rope is a clothes washing machine.

Rope logbooks should be kept in a waterproof envelope in a pocket on the rope's bag.

Utility rope is used to hoist tools and equipment, not for rescue line.

Rappelling requires the use of life safety rope.

The becket or sheet bend knot can be used to join ropes of unequal diameter or to join rope to chain.

A figure-eight follow through is commonly used to join ropes of equal diameter.

A figure-eight on a bight is commonly used to secure a loop in the middle of a rope.

A bowline can be used when a non-constricting loop is needed around an object.

The overhand knot is the most commonly used safety backup knot.

A clove hitch is most commonly used for attaching ropes to objects and hoisting operations.

During hoisting operations, the hand-over-hand method should be used to maintain control.

H. Spectra® rope fiber is most resistant to abrasion.

Another name for Dacron® rope is polyester rope.

Polyester rope is most resistant to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Nylon rope is the most dynamic (high-stretch).

H. Spectra® and polyethylene fibers are most susceptible to heat deterioration.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 7-Rescue & Extrication
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Extrication can be defined as the removal and treatment of victims who are trapped by some type of man-made
machinery.

Information obtained during size-up should include questioning occupants who have escaped.

The objectives of a building search is to search for life and fire extension.

A secondary search is a slow, thorough search performed either before or during fire suppression operations.

When descending smoke-filled stairs, descend on hands and knees, feet first.

A search of the fire floor should begin as close to the fire as possible, moving towards the entrance door.

The perimeter of a room should be searched first, then the middle.

Rescue searches should include bathtubs, shower stalls, under beds, and behind furniture.

Rescue team members should stay in constant visual and/or verbal contact.

Rescuers should report obscured vision (by smoke), so that vent teams can provide additional ventilation as
needed.

Any extension of fire should be reported to the commanding officer during a search.

Firefighters that conduct the primary search should not conduct the secondary search.

When searching a multi-story building, the fire floor, floor above the fire floor, and the uppermost floor, should
be searched.

Rescuers should exit a room through the same door they entered.

A method of searching small rooms is for 1 rescuer to stay at the door while the other searches the room,
alternating roles between rooms.

Marking a door with chalk or crayon is the recommended method of marking rooms that have been searched.

Typical search and rescue tools include: marking devices, forcible entry tools, and ropes.

The top of the door and the doorknob should be felt for heat prior to entry.

If an inward-swinging door is difficult to open, it should be pushed open slowly.

Firefighters who become exhausted or close to losing consciousness should lie on the floor next to an exterior
wall, hall, or doorway.

When searching for a lost firefighter, the first determination should be the last location of the firefighter.

An SCBA facepiece should never be removed to be shared with another firefighter or victim.

The greatest danger in moving a victim quickly is aggravating a spinal injury.

The best way to move a victim is to pull along the long axis of the body.

A cradle-in-arms lift/carry is effective for carrying small children or very small adults who are conscious.

The incline drag works best for 1 rescuer to move a victim down a stairway or incline.

An extremities lift/carry can be used on conscious or unconscious victims.

The rescuer maintaining a victim's inline stabilization shall be in charge of moving the victim.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 8-Forcible Entry
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Bolt cutters should not be used on case-hardened materials.

Bolt cutters can be used on iron bars, cables, and some padlock hasps.

Pike poles are primarily used as pushing/pulling tools.

Pick-head axes, crowbars, and ventilation saws can be used for forcible entry.

A Hux bar is a type of prying tool.

The primary purpose of forcible entry is to provide quick access for firefighters with minimal damage.

Claw tools work well in prying applications.

Axes, edged, or other pointed tools should never be carried on the shoulder.

Coping saws work best when working near a victim.

Carbide rotary saw blades are not as prone to dulling as regular blades.

The bonding material of circular saw blades can break down and be subject to disintegration on use when
stored in compartments with gasoline fumes.

Reciprocating saws have a short, straight blade that moves forward and backward.

Cutting torches operate by burning away the material being cut.

A neutral oxyacetylene torch flame is about 5,700oF.

When entering a structure, pike poles should be carried in the head up position, close to the body.

Ledge doors are also called Batten doors.

Counterbalanced fire doors are usually found on freight elevators.

A charged hoseline should be in place prior to breaking glass to enter a fire building.

Hydraulic rams can be used to spread apart a door frame as well as vehicle extrication.

Tools should never be lengthened with pipe or similar materials to gain more leverage.

Hydraulic door openers have intermeshed teeth that can easily slip between narrow openings.

Blades of axes should not be too sharp so they will not break when striking gravel roofs.

Doors with drop bars can be entered by inserting a narrow tool between double doors to lift the bar, by cutting
a triangular hole just below the bar to lift it up, or by inserting a rotary saw between the doors to cut the bar.

Wood tools handles should be cleaned with soapy water after each use.

Tool cutting edges should be sharpened with a hand file.

Plated tool surfaces should be lightly oiled with machine oil when not in use.

TRY BEFORE YOU PRY!!

Ledge-type doors are most commonly found in warehouses, storerooms, and barns.

Tubular metal doors are most commonly found on retail business occupancies.

When breaking glass with an axe, hold the axe handle above the head of the axe and strike the upper corner of
the pane with the flat side of the axe head (from upwind).

A K-tool is used to pull lock cylinders.

To shatter a tempered plate glass door, it should be struck in the bottom corner.

Panic-proof revolving doors can be collapse by pushing the wings in opposite directions.

Sliding doors with burglar blocks should be forced by breaking the pane at the bottom corner.

Rolling steel doors are the most difficult to force.

A rapid-entry key box system is a box on the outside of a structure that contains all the keys necessary for the
building.

Automatic-closing fire doors normally remain open and close when activated by alarm system of fusible link.

Standard fire door designs include: horizontal/vertical sliding, single/double swinging, and overhead rolling.

When entering a building, exterior doors should be blocked open as a precautionary measure.

Wire fences should be cut near posts to facilitate repair.

Awning type windows are the most difficult to force.

Wood-frame checkrail windows should be breached by prying rather than breaking the glass.

Lexan® window panes are virtually impossible to break, 250 times stronger than safety glass, and classified as
self-extinguishing.

Lexan® panes should be breached with a medium-tooth circular saw blade.

Use of a circular saw blade on Lexan® panes that is too course will slide dangerously off the surface, while too
fine a blade will melt the pane and bind the blade.

Oxyacetylene torches work best for forcing steel doors, gratings, bars, and other steel objects.

Wood floor joists are typically 16 inches on center.

Wood subfloors usually run diagonally and the finish floor runs at a right angle to the joists.

Puncture and penetrating nozzles work best on concrete floors.

A triangular shape hole should be used on exterior masonry walls and rolling steel doors.

Shove knifes can be used to break a lock or "jimmy" a latch from its keeper.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 9-Ground Ladders
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

NFPA 1931 provides specifications for ground ladders.

The bottom section of an extension ladder is called the bed.

The side rail of a ladder is called the beam.

Ladder locks on an extension ladder are called pawls. Also known as dogs or locks.

Toggles are found on pole ladders and are used to connect staypoles to the ladder.

Combination ladders are also called A-frame ladders.

Ladder stops can be found on extension ladders to keep sections from overextension.

Safety solvents should be used to remove tar, oil, and greasy residues from ladders.

Pompier ladders are used for climbing floor to floor via exterior windows.

Halyards are used to raise and lower sections of extension ladders.

Single ladders are also called wall ladders.

A soft-bristle brush and water is the most effective for cleaning ground ladders.

Roof ladders range in length from 12 to 24 feet.

The most common length for a folding ladder is 10 feet.

Extension ladders range from 12 to 39 feet. Ladders 40 feet or more are termed Pole ladders.

Roof ladders are designed to lie flat on a roof surface to provide footing for firefighters.

Single ladders can be used for quick access to windows and roofs of 1 to 2 story buildings.

NFPA 1931 requires that all folding ladders be equipped with footpads on the butt of the ladder.

Heat sensor labels, found on the inside of each section's beams, should be checked for color change when
inspecting ground ladders.

Metal and fiberglass ladders are generally designed to be used with the "fly out", while wood ladders generally
require the "fly in".

Pole ladders, ladders 40 feet or more, are also called Bangor ladders.

Combination ladders are required to have positive locking devices to hold the ladder in the open position.

Combination ladders can be used as a single ladder, an extension ladder, or an A-frame ladder.

Another name for pompier ladder is scaling ladder.

Ladder "maintenance" is "keeping the ladder in a state of usefulness or readiness".

Firefighters should be able to perform routine maintenance of ground ladders.

NFPA 1932 states that ladders should be kept free of moisture, not stored where they are exposed to engine
exhaust or heat, and stored out of the elements.

Bubbled varnish on a wood ladder indicates exposure to heat.

Discoloration of fiberglass ladders can be an indicator of heat exposure.

Dark streaks in wood ladders indicates deterioration of the wood.

Fly sections and ladder pawl assemblies of extension ladder should move freely.

NFPA requires staypoles be attached to extension ladders 40 feet or longer.

Extension ladders can have a maximum length as much as 6 inches less than the designated length.

The maximum reach of a 50 foot extension ladder is 48 feet.

Extension ladders are most commonly carried by 2 firefighters using the low-shoulder carry.

The 3 firefighter flat-shoulder carry is most commonly used on extension ladders 35 feet or more.

The firefighter at the butt of a ladder determines the spot for the butt to be placed.

When positioned for ventilation, ladders should be placed in front of the window with the tip above the
window opening.

Ground ladders should be kept a minimum of 10 feet away from energized electrical sources.

At least 4 firefighters are needed to bring a victim down a ladder.

Ground ladders should be cleaned after each use.

The forward end of a ladder should be carried slightly lowered.

Roof ladders should placed by carrying it up another ladder with the hooks forward and using the low-shoulder
method.

The average distance from floor to floor in a residential building is 8 to 10 feet, while commercial buildings
are 12 feet.

For a window rescue, the ladder tip should be placed just below the window sill.

Ladders should extend 5 rungs above the roof edge.

The reach of a 35 foot ladder is about 1 foot less than the ladder's extended length.

Fire department pumpers are required to carry 1 extension ladder of 24 feet or longer, 1 roof ladder of 14 feet
or longer, and 1 folding ladder of 10 feet or longer.

The firefighter at the rear gives commands when lifting a ladder.

The optimum climbing angle for ground ladders is approximately 75 degrees.

Roof ladder hooks should be opened before ascending the climbing ladder unless 1 firefighter is carrying the
ladder to the climbing ladder.

When using a ladder to project a hose stream into a window, the ladder should be placed in front of the
window with the tip on the wall above the window.

When using a ladder to ventilate from, it should be placed to the windward side of the window with the tip
even with the top of the window.

Firefighters should face the butt when carrying ladders (except roof ladders-face tip).

The proper distance from a building for heel placement of a ladder can be determined by dividing the ladders
"used" length by 4.

Pole ladder should be placed flat on the ground prior to raising them.

A ladder belt is considered a Class I safety harness.

Ladders should be pivoted for repositioning prior to extending it.

Firefighters heeling ladders should wear head and eye protection.

A rope hose tool can be used to "tie in" and secure a ladder.

Wet wood, wet fiberglass, and metal ground ladders present an electrocution hazard when raised near electrical
wires or equipment.

Correct climbing technique includes: eyes forward, arms straight, and body away from ladder.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 10-Ventilation
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Problems associated with modern energy conservation practices include: rapidly occurring flashover
conditions, increased build-up of combustion products, and premature roof failure.

Insulation installed over a fire-rated roof causes the fire rating to be reduced.

The most important factor in rescue that ventilation provides is increased visibility.

A hazard of using water fog during fire attack is steam burns.

In trussless arched construction, the arched member is dependent on all other members to hold it together.

Positive pressure ventilation can increase interior carbon monoxide levels.

Convection causes heat, smoke, and fire gases to travel upward to the highest point in the area.

Fire gases at the ceiling level that spread out laterally and then bank down is termed mushrooming.

Attack crews must be ready to attack the fire when ventilation is performed because the fresh air will allow the
fire to grow.

Signs of potential backdraft include: smoke-stained windows, smoke puffing at intervals from the building,
and pressurized smoke coming from small cracks.

The first consideration in size-up is life safety.

Ventilation, rescue, and suppression may be conducted simultaneously depending on fire conditions.

Smoke and toxic gas accumulation within a building can cause poor visibility and lack of oxygen.

If a windward side door is opened before a leeward side door, the building may become pressurized and
interrupt thermal layering.

Elevated streams can be used in conjunction with ventilation to cool the thermal column exiting the vent
opening.

The angle of cuts for a ventilation opening should always be away from the firefighter.

Immediately after opening a building (with a vent opening), the fire will intensify.

Vertical ventilation openings should be made as directly over the fire as possible.

When vertically ventilating, 1 large hole is better than several small holes.

A soft, spongy roof section indicates the roof section is weak and may collapse.

Firefighters should stand on the upwind side when making a roof ventilation opening.

Windowless buildings present a great danger of backdraft due to the delay in ventilation.

High-rise buildings present personnel requirements 4 to 6 times greater than a typical residence fire.

Monitor vents are rectangular projections with metal, glass, or louvered sides.

Hydraulic ventilation may increase water damage.

Dark smoke indicates the presence of large quantities of carbon particles.

Hydraulic ventilation should cover 85% to 90% of the exit opening.

If backdraft is imminent and escape is impossible, stay away from windows and doors.

Flames coming out of exterior openings and extending upward and entering other exterior openings is termed
lapping.

Impending backdraft may be indicated by gray-yellow smoke.

Ventilation can prevent backdraft by releasing hot gases and smoke.

Elevated streams used to cool thermal columns from vertical vents should be directed slightly above the
horizontal plane.

Horizontal fire extension can occur through corridors, halls, and passageways by convection, radiation, and/or
flame contact.

Windowless buildings will normally require mechanical ventilation.

A parapet is a low wall surrounding some or all of the edge of a roof.

The natural smoke and heat movement within a building is termed stack effect.

Top ventilation of high-rise structures should be identified during pre-planning.

Before ventilating a stairwell in a high-rise, the door leading to the roof must first be blocked open or removed
from its hinges.

The primary consideration in determining ventilation method is the phase of the fire.

Suppression crews should enter a building (after ventilation) as close to the seat of the fire as possible.

When vertically ventilating, charged hoselines should be placed at critical points of exposure.

Common types of roof construction include: flat, pitched, and arched.

Scuttle hatches generally do not provide adequate openings for ventilation.

Roof monitors should have 2 sides removed to provide adequate flow for ventilation.

Arched roofs should only be ventilated from aerial ladders.

The primary purpose of trench (strip) ventilation is to stop fire spread.

Opening a 4 foot wide strip from one exterior wall to the opposing exterior wall is called trench (strip)
ventilation.

In balloon-frame construction, a basement fire is likely to extend into the attic.

Horizontal ventilation would be the best choice when fire has not involved the attic.

Internal exposures should be considered when ventilating because the path of smoke and fire gases may be the
same as those used by occupant to escape.

Exposure protection is more important when horizontally ventilating because smoke, gases, and flame exits the
opening at a lower level which may ignite higher portions of the building or adjacent buildings.

When hydraulically ventilating, the nozzle should be held at least 2 feet from the exit opening.

The discharge stream of an ejector should be avoided as it may contain flying debris.

Negative pressure ventilation can be defined as mechanically pulling smoke and gases out of a building with a
fan placed in an exterior opening and blowing out.

Positive pressure ventilation will still work if doors within the structure are not opened and closed
systematically.

Positive pressure ventilation of a high-rise should be applied at the lowest point of the structure.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 11-Water Supply
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

A natural spring is an example of a groundwater supply.

A community's water needs are determined by total water needed for domestic, industrial, and fire fighting
needs.

Combination gravity/pumping systems are the most common method of moving water from primary supply to
municipal distribution system.

Storage of water should provide for domestic, industrial, and fire flow demands.

Water can be removed from cisterns by drafting.

Fire flow volume can be affected by accidents or disasters at water treatment facilities.

Water treatment plants purify water by sedimentation, coagulation, and/or chemical/biological additives.

Dead-End hydrants receive water from only one direction.

Hydrants receiving water from more than one direction are termed circulating-feed hydrants.

A grid systems is a water distribution system the provides feed from several mains.

12 inch distributor mains should be used on all principal streets and long mains that are not cross-connected at
frequent intervals.

Residential hydrant supply mains should be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter, while industrial and business
districts require 8 inch supply mains.

Cross-connecting mains in a distribution grid should be no more than 600 feet apart.

Water main valves must be operated at least once a year.

Condition and accessibility of water main valves should be checked during fire department hydrant
inspections.

Post Indicator Valves (PIV) show whether the valve is open or closed by indicating in the valve window
(SHUT or OPEN).

Gate valves, other than OS&Y valves, are typically a non-indicating valve.

Buried non-indicating valves are usually operated through the ground using a special drill bit or valve key.

Gate valves usually indicate the number of turns required to open and shut the valve.

Butterfly valves rotate 90 degrees from open to closed position.

High friction loss can be found when valves are partially closed.

Underground water pipes are typically made of cast iron, plastic, or concrete.

Valves should be located at frequent intervals to ensure that loss of flow only affects a small area.

Underground water pipes in areas of rugged terrain must receive extra protection.

Dry-barrel hydrants are most likely found in areas with the possibility of freezing temperatures.

Dry-barrel hydrant types include: compression, knuckle-joint, and gate.

The valve of a dry-barrel hydrant is located in the barrel, underground.

Proper drainage for a dry barrel hydrant is shown by closing the hydrant valve, capping all discharges except
one, and feeling for a slight vacuum at the open discharge.

Wet-barrel hydrants are most commonly found in areas with little or no chance of freezing temperatures.

Compression type valves are typical on wet-barrel hydrants.

Wet-barrel hydrant valves are generally made of bronze.

Water control valves for wet-barrel hydrants are found in the bonnet or at each discharge.

Hydrant bonnets, barrels, and footpieces are generally made of cast iron.

In high-value districts, hydrants should be spaced no more than 300 feet apart.

Hard-suction strainers should be placed so that there is 24 inches above and below the strainer.

Jet siphons are the most efficient way of connecting multiple portable tanks at a dump site.

Shuttle tankers/tenders can unload water at a dump site by gravity dump, jet dump, or by pumping.

NFPA 1901 requires that shuttle apparatus be able to dump or fill at 1,000 gpm.

Drafting is the raising of water from a static source to supply a pumper.

Use of a farm pond for drafting purposes requires that a strainer be attached to the hard-suction hose.

Strainers can draw water from as little as 1 to 2 inches of water.

Water supply officers should be present at both dump and fill sites for efficient water shuttle operations.

Water shuttling is recommended for distances over 1/2 mile.

The water supply officer determines the distance between pumpers during relay pumping operations.

NFPA 1231 is the standard on rural water supply operations.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 12-Fire Hose
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Fire hose is defined as a flexible tube used to carry water under pressure from the source of supply to a point
where it is discharged.

Soft-sleeve hose is used to transfer water to the pump intake from a pressurized water source.

Hard-suction hose is used to draft water from an open (static) source.

3/4 or 1 inch rubber-covered, rubber-lined hose is typically called booster or chemical hose.

Hard-suction, intake, and supply hose hose is typically 2 1/2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inch, plastic-covered, rubber-lined,
synthetic hose.

Non-collapsible intake hose is typically 2 1/2 to 6 inch, fabric and wire reinforced hose.

The diameter of a hose refers the the internal diameter.

The most common lengths of hose are 50 and 100 foot.

NFPA 1961 is the standard on fire hose.

NFPA requires that pumpers carry a minimum of 1,200 feet of supply hose.

Use of hose bridges and chafing blocks can prevent mechanical damage to hose.

Hose should not be exposed to engine exhaust (thermal damage).

Hose racks should be located in clean, well-ventilated rooms.

Mildew and mold damage is most likely to occur with woven-jacket hose.

Hose should be exercised every 30 days and have water run through it every 90 days to prevent cracking.

Water-based paints and run-off from fires can cause chemical damage to hose.

Woven-jacket hose requires brushing and machine washing.

Hose should be washed with mild soap or detergent when exposed to petroleum products.

If commercial hose washing machines are not available, common brooms and brushes may be used to wash
hose.

Swivels on hose should be cleaned by working them in soapy water.

Woven-jacket hose must be thoroughly dried before reloading on apparatus.

Brass is a coupling material that resist corrosion.

Drop-forged hose couplings are the strongest type for normal use.

Pin-type lugs tend to snag on objects when hose is advanced.

Recessed lugs are commonly found on booster hose and require a special spanner wrench.

The higbee indicator shows the exact location of the start of the higbee cut.

Intake hose is commonly fitted with extended lug couplings.

Storz couplings require a 1/3 turn to lock or break connections.

Gaskets are checked for damage and deterioration by pinching between fingers.

Straight hose rolls can be used when hose is placed in storage, when returning to quarters for washing, and
when loaded back on apparatus at the fire scene.

A straight roll with the male coupling out at the end of the roll indicates a damaged hose section.

The main advantage of a donut roll is that both couplings are on the outside of the roll.

Hose beds set up for a forward lay should have the female coupling come off the bed first.

A forward lay is laid from the water source to the fire.

A reverse lay is laid from the fire back to the water source.

A disadvantage of a forward lay is that a pumper may be required at the water source to boost pressure.

When drafting, a reverse lay is used.

The front of a hose bed is toward the front of the apparatus and the rear of the hose bed is toward the rear of the
apparatus.

Hose stored in a split bed should be able to have both beds connected.

An advantage of a horseshoe load is that it contains fewer sharp bends than other hose loads.

Flat loads are the easiest of hose loads, produces the least wear from vibration during travel, and is best suited
for large diameter hose (LDH).

Use of a Dutchman allows couplings to pay out of the hose bed without flipping over.

When connecting hose, the flat sides of the hose should be in the same plane.

Minuteman loads are awkward to carry when wearing an SCBA.

The safest way to retrieve a wild hoseline is to shut off the flow of water.

Hose is best anchored by a hydrant when using a forward lay.

Hose marked "For Vacuum Use Only" can only be used for drafting operations.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 13-Fire Hose
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Fire streams are affected by friction with air, gravity, and wind.

The condition of the nozzle orifice affects the condition of the fire stream as it leaves the nozzle.

The temperature of the area affects the amount of expansion (into steam) of a fire stream.

When a fire stream is broken into small particles, conversion into steam is greater due to the increased surface
area of the water droplets.

Friction loss is the part of total pressure that is lost while forcing water through pipes, fittings, fire hose, and
adapters.

Adapters, sharp bends, and improperly sized gaskets can all influence friction loss.

Shutting of a valve or nozzle abruptly can cause water hammer.

The greater the surface are of a fire stream, the greater its heat-absorbing capability.

Fire streams from booster lines are considered "low-volume" streams.

Without adequate ventilation, a fog stream can cause steam to roll back over the attack team.

Fire streams are identified by size and type.

Broken streams absorb more heat than solid streams.

The basic parts of a fire stream are the pressure device (pumper), the hose, the agent (usually water), and the
nozzle.

Solid stream nozzles produce a compact stream with little shower or spray.

The stream pattern of a fog fire stream affects the reach of the stream.

Fog nozzles allows adjustment of the nozzle to produce different patterns.

Handline streams range from 40 to 350 gpm.

Master streams are normally fed by multiple 2 1/2 or 3 inch lines.

Solid streams at the point of breakover will fall into showers of spray.

An effective solid stream should maintain its shape even with a gentle breeze.

Fog streams are composed of very fine droplets of water.

Fog nozzles should be operated at their designed nozzle pressure.

Solid streams have greater reach than other streams, are less likely to upset thermal layering, and have greater
penetration power.

Broken streams are broken into coarsely-divided drops.

The point at which a solid stream loses its forward velocity is termed the point of breakover.

Increases in a fog nozzle's pressure will have little additional affect on reach.

Fire streams should be sufficient to absorb more heat than is being generated.

Fog nozzles can aid in ventilation, dissipate heat, and provide multiple discharge patterns to fit the situation.

Nozzles should be inspected for swivel gaskets, ease of operation, and internal damage or debris.

A broken stream has greater reach and penetration than a fog stream.

Master streams have the highest rate of discharge of any stream.

Fog nozzles cannot produce a "solid" stream. It is termed "straight" stream.

Elevation loss is a drop in nozzle pressure when the nozzle is above the fire pump.

Both nozzle pressure and size of the discharge opening determine the flow from a solid stream nozzle.

Solid stream handlines should be operated at 50 psi, while solid stream master devices are operated at 80 psi.

Nozzle reaction is the force that pushes back on the nozzle person.

For outside, defensive fires, solid streams are the best choice because of their reach capability.

A partially-closed ball valve on a solid stream device can affect the desired stream or pattern.

The rate of flow on an automatic nozzle is controlled by opening or closing the shutoff valve.

Broken streams are commonly used on chimney flue fires.

Constant-pressure nozzles automatically vary the rate of flow to maintain effective nozzle pressure.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 14-Fire Control
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Master streams can be used for direct exterior fire attack, backing up handlines, and protecting exposures.

Firefighters should always work in pairs when in a hazardous or potentially hazardous location.

Maximum hose length when supplying master stream devices should not exceed 100 feet to reduce friction
loss.

With ventilation in place before fire attack, visibility is increased.

Equipment that may be carried by advancing attack crews include: prying tools, axes, and portable lights.

Prior to entry, the nozzle person should bleed air from the line, extinguish any burning material around entry
point, and set the proper stream for fire attack.

The attack team should only enter on orders from the fire officer.

Fires should be approached and attacked from the unburned side to prevent fire spread.

A narrow-angle fog is most commonly used to attack fires when ventilation is in place.

When ventilation is not in place, a straight stream should be directed at the base of the fire to avoid upsetting
thermal layering.

Fire attack methods include: direct, indirect, and combination.

The most efficient use of water on a Class A fire is a direct attack with a straight or solid stream directed at the
base of the fire.

In a Class A structural fire, water should be applied in short bursts to avoid upsetting thermal layering.

An indirect attack is used when firefighters are unable to make an interior (direct) attack.

After deploying a master stream device near a LPG storage tank fire, no personnel are required to attend the
device.

Recommended attack patterns include: "T", "Z", and "O" patterns.

When doors to fire areas are opened, all members of the team should be positioned on the same side of the
entrance.

Nozzle attack patterns should be started at the ceiling level.

Factors in choosing a hoseline include: tactical requirements, speed of deployment, and potential for fire
spread.

1 3/4 inch hose has a maximum effective area of 1 to 3 rooms.

When interior attack can no longer be maintained, master streams should be employed.

Electrical shock can cause ventricular fibrillation, paralysis, and damage to joints.

The seriousness of electrical shock is determined by the length of exposure, the available current (amperage),
and path of electrical flow through the body.

All wires should be considered "live" until confirmed by a power company.

Transformers contain dangerous chemicals in their cooling systems called PCBs.

Fire suppression for electrical equipment should be done only after power has been shut off.

Smoke emitted by a fire in a commercial high-voltage installation can contain toxic materials from the burning
plastic and coolants.

Electrical power should stay on as long as possible in a structural fire to allow for lighting, proper ventilation,
and/or to run special pumps.

The danger zone for a downed power line should be a distance equal to 1 span between poles.

Arcing electrical wires can cause eye injury.

100 psi nozzle pressure should be used with fog nozzles attacking class C fires.

If an live electrical line contacts a continuous length of fence, the entire fence becomes charged.

A ground gradient is the tendency of an energized electrical conductor to pass its current along the path of least
resistance (from highest to lowest potential) to the ground.

Combustible metals burn hot and are often reactive to water.

Chips of combustible metals are most reactive to water.

Structural fires are the most common type of fire.

Fire attack in a high-rise is usually initiated from the floor below the fire floor.

Military vehicle fires should always be considered extremely hazardous due to the fact that ammunition or
other ordinance may be aboard.

Firefighters in confined space operations should use the O-A-T-H system if verbal communication is not
possible.

Piercing nozzles are well-suited for vehicle engine compartment fires in which the hood cannot be opened.

Subsurface fuels include: roots, peat, duff, and other partially decomposed organic matter.

Relative humidity has a great impact on wildland fire behavior.

North of the equator, wildland fires on Southern-facing slopes tend to burn faster.

Ridges, large trees, and large rock outcroppings can all affect air movement, cause turbulence, and affect fire
behavior.

As a fuels moisture content decreases, it ignites easier and burns with greater intensity.

Fuel, weather, and topography are the most important factors in wildland fire behavior.

Surface fuels include: grass, brush, downed limbs, and other low vegetation.

Aerial fuels are suspended fuels through which air can flow freely.

Factors that affect the burning characteristics of a wildland fuel include: size, continuity, and volume.

Indirect wildland fire attack is trying to halt a fire by removing fuel ahead of the fire.

Direct wildland fire attack is trying to attack the fire (flames) directly.

Fire extinguishing methods for wildland fires are based on perimeter control.

Before using an air-monitoring device, the oxygen level should first be checked.

The primary danger of Class C fires is failure to recognize the electrical danger.

The 10 standard safety rules for wildland fires can be remembered by the acronym FIRE ORDERS.

Puilling master switches may not shut of electricity completely.

SCBA should be worn when fighting dumpster fires because of the posibility of highly toxic smoke and gases.

Class D fire attack usually consist of protecting exposures and letting the metal burn out.

Any firefighter entering a confined space must wear a lifeline.

The most frequently encountered hazard with underground transmission systems consisting of cableways and
vaults is an accumulated gas explosion.

SCBA air supply may be used more quickly in confined spaces due to the fact that body and fire heat are
confined.

Master streams should be positioned properly before turning them on because they must be shut down to be
moved.

Master streams should be positioned so that they enter the building at an upward angle, allowing the stream to
deflect off a surface and shower down on the fire.

The maximum reach of a 1 1/2 inch hose is 25 to 50 feet.

A master stream hoseline can be controlled by 1 person.

The minimum flow for a master stream is 350 gpm.

The minimum number of 2 1/2 inch hoselines necessary to supply a master stream is 2.

Except with LPG vessel fires, only 1 firefighter should be stationed at a master stream device after it is in
operation.

A minimum of 2 firefighters are needed to deploy a master stream device.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 15-Fire Detection, Alarm, & Suppression Systems
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Sprinkler heads are activated by a heat-responsive element.

The temperature at which a sprinkler activates can be shown though color-coding of sprinkler frame arm,
different colors of liquids in bulb-type sprinklers, and a stamp with the temperature.

Special fusible links are categorized as quick-response mechanisms.

Quick-response fusible link sprinklers are developed especially for life safety purposes.

The amount of liquid and size of the bubble of a frangible-bulb sprinkler determines when it will activate.

Upright sprinklers redirect water downward in a hemispherical pattern.

Water from a sprinkler can be broken into a spray with the use of a deflector.

Sidewall sprinklers are commonly used in small rooms where branch lines run along the wall.

"Special" sprinklers are coated with materials that prevent corrosion.

Extra sprinkler storage cabinets usually store a minimum of 6 extra sprinklers.

Control valves are used between the source of water supply and sprinkler systems and should be secured in the
open position.

The minimum flow rate for sprinklers can be determined by the hazard being protected, the occupancy type,
and the building contents.

The highest sprinkler in a building should have a minimum of 15 psi residual pressure while supplying the
required flow.

An outside source of water and/or pressure may be needed for the sprinkler system for a large fire or if a pipe
breaks.

A check valve is used to prevent water from flowing from the sprinkler system back into a fire department
connection.

Fire department connections usually consists of at least two 2 1/2 inch female connections with a clapper
valve, however, it may be a large diameter connection with a clappered inlet.

Some fire department connections may employ a ball drip valve to keep the check valve from freezing.

The minimum pumper capacity for supplying a sprinkler system is 1,000 gpm.

If a sprinkler control valve is to be closed, a firefighter with a radio must be stationed at the valve.

A wooden wedge between the deflector and discharge orifice can be used to stop the flow of water from a
sprinkler.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 16-Loss Control
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

Proper salvage and overhaul operations promote goodwill within the community.

The purpose of salvage operations is to reduce fire, water, and smoke damage.

Overhaul operations consists of searching for and extinguishing hidden fires, preserving evidence (if
necessary), and protecting the fire scene.

Salvage operations can usually be started at the same time or before fire attack.

Building contents to be covered should be arranged away from the wall in close piles.

The contents of 1 room can usually be covered by 1 average-size salvage cover.

When salvaging bedroom contents, a dresser, chest, or high object should be placed at the foot of the bed
before covering.

Rolling a rug and placing it on top of gathered contents provides for proper drainage.

Commercial occupancies present one of the biggest challenges for salvage operations due to the large number
of contents.

Lack of skids and pallets presents a problem for elevating contents in commercial occupancies.

When salvage covers are limited, they should be used to construct chutes and catchalls.

High-piled boxed materials present a collapse hazard when ground is wet.

Plastic salvage covers are hard to use with traditional salvage cover folds.

Synthetic salvage covers should be dried before folding to prevent mildew and mold.

If canvas salvage covers are allowed to dry while still dirty, the carbon and ash react chemically and rot the
fibers of the canvas.

Canvas salvage covers can usually be cleaned effectively with water and a broom.

Canvas salvage covers can be repaired with duct tape, mastic tape, iron-on patches, or sew-on fabric patches.

Roofing or tar paper is an example of salvage equipment.

Debris bags are also called carryalls.

Floor runners are used to protect floor coverings from grime and mud tracked in by firefighters.

Vinyl-laminated nylon floor runners are lightweight, flexible, tough, heat and water resistant, and easy to
maintain.

Dewatering devices are not usually used for supplying hoselines.

Trash-type pumps are well-suited for salvage operations.

Water vacuums can be used to remove water, dirt, and small debris.

Backpack-type water vacuums normally have a capacity of 4 to 5 gallons.

Floor model water vacuums normally have capacities up to 20 gallons.

Backpack water vacuums can be emptied by pulling a lanyard which causes the contents to empty through a
nozzle or drain hose.

Battery-operated tools should only be used to make small openings, square up larger holes, or to construct
temporary doors.

Roofing, tar paper, or plastic should be applied to openings with lath and roofing nails.

2 firefighters are needed to fold a cover to be used for a 1 firefighter spread.

A salvage cover folded for a 1 firefighter spread should be carried on the shoulder.

A salvage cover folded for a 2 firefighter spread should be carried so that 1 firefighter can grab the lower
corners and the other firefighter can grab the upper corners.

The balloon throw is the most common salvage cover spread used by 2 firefighters.

Water coming through a ceiling from upper floors can be redirected out of the building with a chute.

Pre-constructed chutes are typically 10 feet in length.

A properly-constructed catchall will hold several hundred gallons of water.

2 firefighters are usually needed to construct a catchall so that sides are rolled uniformly.

Roof openings are best covered with plywood, roofing paper, or tar paper.

The practice of searching a fire scene to detect hidden fires or sparks that may rekindled is termed overhaul.

Salvage operations applied during fire attack will directly affect overhaul operations.

Plaster hooks and pike poles are used to open ceilings to check for fire extension.

The condition of a building after fire extinguishment can be determined by the intensity of the fire and the
amount of water used.

The tensile strength of steel structural members is affected at around 500oF.

Spalling can occur when concrete is exposed to high temperatures.

Cracked plaster can indicate a hidden fire.

Electronic sensors used to detect hidden fires include thermal and infrared imagers.

Insulation materials can harbor hidden fires for long periods.

The ends of floor beams that enter a party wall can be overhauled by flushing voids in the wall with water.

When opening a ceiling, the firefighter should be positioned between the area being pulled and the doorway.

When pulling ceiling, pull down and away.

When fire has burned around windows, molding should be pulled to reveal the inner parts of the frame.

For minor overhaul operations, water extinguishers can be used to extinguish small hidden fires.

Wetting agents are particularly useful on cotton, upholstery, and baled goods.

Small burning objects found during overhaul are best extinguished by immersing in a container water.

Holes in salvage covers can be found by holding the cover up and looking for light penetration.

Indications of unsafe building conditions include: weakened floors, offset walls, and heat-spalled concrete,
among others.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 17-Protecting Evidence for Fire Cause Determination
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

The time of day is an important piece of information for determining persons who were and were not supposed
to be at the occupancy.

Arson can be evidenced by operating a furnace during high temperatures, parked car blocking access to a
hydrant, and people leaving the scene of a fire.

High heat intensity found in a particular room can indicate use of accelerants.

Wind direction and velocity have great effect on the natural path of fire spread.

The position and condition of doors and windows should be noted during fire fighting for fire determination
purposes.

Incidents involving separate or unconnected fires may have evidence of trailers.

Arsonists sometimes cover windows to delay discovery of a fire.

Signs of forcible entry should be noted on arrival.

Discarded tools outside building may indicate forcible entry tools used by an arsonist.

Reignition or several re-kindles should be suspect to arson.

Increase in fire intensity and fire spreading in several directions can indicate a burning liquid accelerant.

Areas of uneven burning, local heavy charring, places of unusual charring, high heat intensity, and unusually
fast spreading fires can all be indicators of arson.

Most incendiary devices will leave behind metal parts of electrical or mechanical devices.

A combustible material used to spread fire from one point to another is termed a "trailer".

Equipment and inventory of a building should be noted for presence, quality, and style.

Firefighters should note if business records are left unprotected or out of place.

Preparations made for an intentional fire can include: absence or shortage of clothing, missing personal
items/toys, and absence of pets.

The quality of major household items should be noted.

If a fire is suspicious, each firefighter should make a written account of all important circumstances observed.

Fire locations such as closets, file drawers, or the center of a floor can indicate suspicious activity.

Fire investigators should try to determine fire cause before salvage and overhaul occurs unless delay will
jeopardize evidence.

Footprints and tire tracks can be protected by covering them with boxes.

Fire debris should only be removed after evidence has been collected.

Possible signs of arson should be protected and left untouched and undisturbed.

Partially burned papers in furnaces, stoves, or fireplaces can be protected in place by closing dampers and other
openings.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 18-Fire Department Communications
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

The 3 phases of a telecommunicator's roles include: receiving the request, relaying the request, and monitoring
the response.

NFPA 1061 covers performance requirements for public safety telecommunicators.

The communications center is sometimes referred to as the "nerve center".

Public telephone systems are the most widely used form of reporting fire alarms.

Telecommunicators usually have to determine the closest responding unit available for a call.

A direct telephone line connects one phone directly to another and has no dial tone.

Commercial phone systems provide access to the public switch network.

TDD, TTY, and Text phones are used to transmit phone calls for the hearing inpaired.

Two-way radios, recording devices, and computer dispatch equipment are common pieces of equipment found
in communications centers.

Wireless (cell) phones are similar to two-way radio communications.

Fax machines allow images and documents to be transmitted by telephone line.

Computer-aided dispatch systems can increase the number of calls handled by each telecommunicator.

Radio transmissions can be monitored by the public and news media.

Voice recorders can be used to play back messages that are unclear.

The first entry in a written radio log is usually the time of the incident.

Phone calls from the public should be answered promptly, allow caller to hang up first, and deliver messages
from caller promptly.

Called party hold is a feature of 9-1-1 that seizes the caller's phone line to maintain the connection.

Forced disconnect is a feature of 9-1-1 that disconnects the callers phone line from the system when the
telecommuncator hangs up.

Enhanced 9-1-1 (E 9-1-1) has features such as Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Automatic
Location Identification (ALI), providing the telecommunicator with instant location and phone number
identification.

Channel 9 of Citizen's Band radios is the universal channel for reporting emergencies.

When receiving an emergency request from a Citizen's Band radio, the callers radio "handle" should be
obtained instead of a callback number.

Persons taking a walk-in report are usually required to notify the communications center before responding.

Wired telegraph circuit boxes, activated by pressing a lever, have been eliminated in most communities.

Radio alarm boxes are usually powered by solar panels.

Some radio alarm boxes have two-way communications capabilities.

Telephone fire alarm boxes use direct lines to the telecommunications center.

The public should be educated on giving their name, location (wiuth landmarks), and nature of emergency.

Public alerting systems include: telephones, wired telegraph circuit boxes, and radio fire alarm boxes.

Fire department emergency numbers may be 9-1-1 or a regular 7 digit number.

Systems of alerting fire stations of an emergency include: house gong or tone, teletype, and telegraph register.

Station alerting systems should employ dull lights and a reasonably pitched audible device.

Sirens and/or pagers may be used to notify personnel of unstaffed stations of an emergency.

Microphones should be held 1 to 2 inches from the mouth at a 45 degree angle.

Emergency response notification should not be delayed to get details on the nature of the incident.

Evalulating and reporting the conditions found upon arrival at an incident is termed Size Up.

Large incidents may require the use of more than one radio channel.

Emergency evacuation should be by two-way radio and by horns on on-scene apparatus.

First-arriving companies should report the findings of size up on arrival to the telecommunicator.
Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 19-Fire Prevention & Public Fire Education
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

An understanding of past problems and current needs is of great importance in successful fire prevention.

Fire safety surveys involve activities that have been planned or legislated so that citizens have a safe physical
environment.

NFPA 1031 covers professional qualifications for fire inspectors.

Conditions that encourage a fire to start or increase the extent or severity of a fire is termed a fire hazard.

Hazards that can generally be controlled in a fire include: fuel supply, heat source, and ignition source.

Fuel supply hazards include: chemicals such as nitrates, oxides, or chlorates, plastics, resins, cellulose, and
flammable or combustible liquids such as oils, lacquers, or alcohol.

Special Hazards are those arising from processes or operations that are particular to an individual occupancy.

An example of a common fire hazard is improper disposal of floor cleaning compounds.

Cigarette smoking is an example of a personal fire hazard.

Common attics, processes using oxidizers, operation of fork lifts inside buildings, and flammable liquids used
in degreasing processes are examples of a special hazards in commercial occupancies.

A special hazard in a public assembly occupancy is highly combustible interior finishes.

A facility in which there is a great potential of life or property loss from a fire is termed a target hazard.

Hospitals and lumber yards are examples of target hazards.

Pre-incident surveys allow responders to have information on the occupancy readily available.

The majority of civilian fire injuries occur in residential occupancies.

Dwellings that house 3 or more families require code inspections.

Residential safety surveys are done on a voluntary basis.

Home safety surveys are used to obtain proper life safety conditions, keep fires from starting, and to help the
occupant understand and improve conditions.

E.D.I.T.H. stands for Exit Drills In The Home.

Discussion of smoke detectors and residential sprinkler options can be part of a residential safety survey.
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Suggestions regarding the elimination of hazards should be discussed during a residential fire safety survey.
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Bedrooms are not generally included in a home fire safety survey.
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Gasoline should be stored outside of a dwelling.
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Tall grass should be kept at least 30 feet away from structures.
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The "blanket game" teaches children to crawl low under smoke.
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The most important step in a fire and life safety presentation is to have the participants apply the information.
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"Stop, Drop, and Roll" refers to action taken when clothes catch on fire.
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Home fire safety rules include: crawl low under smoke, close doors, maintain windows, never return inside
house after exiting, establish a meeting place outside, and train on use of fire escape ladders (if applicable).
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Occupants awakened by a smoke detector should roll out of bed onto the floor.
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Smoke detectors protect firefighters by eliminating the need to search the building for victims.
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Smoke detectors should be installed outside every bedroom and at the entry level of the living unit with the
minimum being 1 outside each sleeping area and 1 between sleeping area and other rooms of the house.
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Smoke detectors mounted on walls should be no less than 4 inches and no more than 12 inches from the
ceiling.
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Smoke detectors should be mounted on ceilings if possible.
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"Canned Smoke" aerosol sprays used to test smoke detectors may contaminate ionization chambers of the
detector and cause nuisance alarms.
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When children are present at a fire station tour, firefighters should be stationed at each corner of the apparatus.