Fire Fighter 1 Exam

1. There are four conditions that must be met to have a BLEVE. Which of the
following is not one of the conditions

a.Confined liquid temperature must be above boiling point at atmospheric

pressure when container fails
b.Substance cannot be a gas, it must be a liquid
*c.Liquids involved always have a UEL of 40 PPM or greater
d.Structural failure of the container

Explanation: The four conditions are as follows: 1. confined liquid temperature

must be above boiling point at atmospheric pressure when container fails. 2.
substance cannot be a gas, it must be a liquid. 3. structural failure of the
container. 4. Liquid must be in tightly sealed/confined container.

2.Which mechanism is not a way to transfer heat?

a.Conduction
b.Radiation
c.Convection
*d.None of the above

Explanation: Conduction, radiation, and convection are all ways to transfer heat
from one point to another.

3.NFPA 704M is the standardized system for the identification of fire hazards
associated with hazardous materials. This placard is a square (broken into
quadrants) that is tilted up onto a corner (diamond) What does a blue quadrant
represent?
a.Reactivity
b.Specific hazard (special information)
*c.Health hazards
d.Flammability

Explanation: There are four different colors associated with this placard. Blue
represents health hazards, red represents fire hazards, yellow represents
reactivity, and the white quadrant has special information or shows another
specific hazard.

4.When using the Phonetic alphabet what does "H" stand for?
a.Holycross or Hand
*b.Henry or Hotel
c.Had or Hippo
d.Hawaii or Horn

Explanation: There are at least two types of Phonetic alphabets. The military
has one as well as law enforcement. The fire service may choose to use either
one.

5.Ladders used in the fire service have many pieces and parts. Which part is not
part of a fire service ladder?
a.Rope
b.Pulley
c.Halyard
 *d.Ream

Explanation: Ropes, pulleys, and halyard are used to assist in raising and lower
different sections of a ladder.

6.Type III building construction is:

a.Fire resistive
b.Non-combustible or limited combustible
*c.Ordinary
d.Heavy timber

Explanation: Type I-fire resistive, Type II-non-combustible or limited

combustible, Type III-ordinary, Type IV-heavy timber, Type V-wood frame.

7.NFPA _________ is the standard for fire officer professional qualifications.

Fill in the blank.
a.1389
b.1710
c.1002
*d.1021

Explanation: NFPA 1021 is the standard on professional qualifications for fire

officers. The National Fire protection association (NFPA) provides authority on
fire, electrical, and building safety.

8.The acronym O-A-T-H is used during confined space rescue. What does the O
stand for?
*a.Ok
b.Onward
c.Oscillate
d.Overturn

Explanation: The O stands for Ok meaning. A department’s policies and procedures

should dictate exactly what ‘ok’ means within each individual department.

9.There are nine different hazardous materials warning labels. What does a class
8 label represent?
a.Explosives
b.Flammable and combustible liquid
*c.Corrosive
d.Oxidizer and organic peroxide

Explanation: Hazardous materials warning labels are as follows: class 1-

explosives, class 2-gases, class 3-flammable and combustible liquids, class 4-
flammable solid-spontaneously combustible-dangerous when wet, class 5-oxidizer
and organic peroxide, class 6-poison and poison inhalation hazard, class 7-
radioactive, class 8-corrosive, class 9-miscellaneous.

10.On fire extinguishers, which symbol represents combustible metals or class D

fuels?
a.Triangle
b.Circle
c.Square
*d.Star
Explanation: This symbol represents the type of fuel and fires that the
extinguisher can suppress.

Fire Fighter 2 Exam

1.At 212 degrees F water expands approximately how many times its original
volume?
*a.1700
b.1200
c.1000
d.800

Explanation: The amount of expansion varies with temperature in the fire area,
but at 212 degrees it expands 1700 times its original size. When the water
expands it aids suppression activities by cooling the fire area and pushing
smoke and heat out. IE5 pg. 721, JB2 pgs, 621, 788

2.What does acronym MVC stand for?

*a.Motor Vehicle Collision
b.Mass Vehicle Collision
c.Most Valuable Cadet
d.Master Vehicle Corridor

Explanation: MVC (motor vehicle collision) AKA Motor vehicle accident. These are
collisions between one or more vehicles.

3. What is the normal concentration of oxygen in ambient air?

a.19.90%
*b.21%
c.23.9%
d.20.2%

Explanation: Dry air contains approximately 21% oxygen, 79% nitrogen, .3% carbon
dioxide, as well as very small amounts of various amount of other gases.

4.Which hazard may need to be mitigated at an MVC?

*a.Antifreeze spill
b.Fix-a-Flat fluid
c.Kitty-litter
d.Vegetable oil

Explanation: An antifreeze spill is the highest priority for MITIGATION. You can
mitigate this by using absorbent . Antifreeze is very slick and could cause
another MVC if not taken care of.

5.NFPA 1710 has four main purposes. Which of the following answers is not one of
the purposes?
a.Improve EMS delivery
b.Improve methods of fire prevention, extinguishment and fire control
*c.Decrease amount of time on scene
d.Protect firefighters, ems providers, and the public
Explanation: NFPA 1710 is the standard that contains minimum requirements
relating to the organization and deployment of fire suppression operations,
emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by fire
departments. NFPA 1710

6.Firefighter A says there are two types of self contained breathing apparatus
used by the fire service. They are open circuit and closed circuit. Firefighter
B says that they agree but wanted to add in that closed circuit is used more
frequently than open circuit. Who is correct?
*a.Firefighter A
b.Firefighter B
c.Both Firefighters
d.Neither Firefighter

Explanation: Firefighter A is correct because there are in fact those two types
of SCBA's. Firefighter B would have been correct if they had said that open
circuit had been used more frequently.

7.Which of the following knots is not in the figure eight family of knots?
*a.Half-hitch
b.Figure eight on a bight
c.Figure eight
d.None of the above

Explanation: The half hitch is not part of the figure eight family of eights.
The half hitch is used for fast temporary fastenings. It is not meant to take
much strain.

8. In automobiles what does the acronym SIPS stand for?

a.Side impact pressure systems
*b.Side impact protection system
c.Supplemental inverted pressure switch
d.Side impact pressure switch

Explanation: SIPS is another name for air bags used in vehicles as safety
devices. They may be triggered electronically or mechanically.

9.Building construction is classified under multiple categories. Type I

construction is what?
a.Wood frame
b.Heavy timber
c.Non-combustible or limited combustible
*d.Fire resistive

Explanation: Type I-fire resistive, Type II-non-combustible or limited

combustible, Type III-ordinary, Type IV-heavy timber, Type V-wood frame

Fire Fighter Mechanical Aptitude Exam:

1.Which answer best describes siphoning?

a.To lift an object
b.Joining two pieces of metal
c.Bonding two pieces of plastic
 *d.Transferring liquid through a tube

Explanation: Siphoning is a means of transferring liquid from a higher

elevation to a lower elevation.

2. Fill in the blank. Justin and Jamey pulled off a 100' section of wildland
hose and a __________ nozzle to fight the grass fire. Use the picture above to
figure out the answer.

a.Master
*b.Forester
c.Dual
d.Duo

Explanation: A forester nozzle has a fog tip and a straight stream tip. It
has a 1" female connection to connect a hose into. Although you can use it for
any type of fire suppression, it is most widely used for wildland firefighting.

3.This tool is a ________________.

a.Halligan tool
*b.Kelly tool
c.Pry bar
d.Maul

Explanation: A kelly tool is almost the same as a halligan tool. The only
difference it the spike coming off the side.

4.. Of the types of saws listed, which is not an electrical powered saw?
*a.Hack saw
b.Jigsaw
c.Band saw
d.Scroll saw

Explanation: Hack saw is the answer.

5. The firefighting tool shown above is a _______________________

*a.Chainsaw
b.Circular saw
c.Carbide chain
d.Concrete saw

Explanation: Chainsaws can be used to cut into roofs. sides of structures

or during wildland tree felling operations.

6. In firefighting this tool is called a ____________________

*a.Hydra ram
b.Pneumatic spreaders
c.Hydraulic cutters
 d.Amkus pump

Explanation: The hydra ram is a portable unit used for

spreading……anything. The way you can tell it is what it is is that there are no
hoses attached and it has a handle used for using the spreading portion of the
tool.

7.The firefighting tool shown above is a _______________________

*a.Pike pole
b.Drywall hook
c.Rubbish hook
d.Come-along

Explanation: Pike Poles are made out of fiberglass or wood with metal hooks on
the end, used to pull items from an area of intense heat and flame. Also may be
used to ventilate structures by breaking windows.

8.Choose the best answer for the definition. This tool is used to cut locks,
barb wire fence, and steel bars.
a.Tin snips
b.Halligan tool
c.Kelly tool
*d.Bolt cutters

Explanation: Bolt cutter is correct. You can cut multiple hard items with the
correct size of bolt cutters. Tin snips is the only other cutting tool and it
can only cut small stuff, like tin or metal roofing.

9. Choose the best answer for the following definition. Used for making holes
in metal.
*a.Carbide drill bit
b.Auger bit
c.Dato blade
d.Masonry drill bit

Explanation: Carbide drill bits are very hard and are excellent for drilling
holes in metal.

10.The pair of ______ cutters above could be very useful in a situation where a
ceiling collapsed and a firefighter became trapped. See above image.

*a.Wire
b.Hole
c.Keyhole
d.Tin

Explanation: This pair of wire cutters is best used to cut wires. A

firefighter never knows when they could become entangled in some wires and
if/when that happens you should have the correct tool in one of your pockets.

Fire Fighter Judgement and Reasoning Exam

1.Firefighters Lebowitz and Revosky are doing a fire inspection on a building
when the owner approaches them and says, "This building is safe. Why don't you
fellas save some time and finish this thing now?" What is the most likely reason
for the owner's statement?
*a.There are code violations that he does not want discovered
b.He values the fire service and does not want to waste the fire
fighter's time
c.He knows the building is safe because he owns it
d.The owner is a big donator to the fireman's ball and is looking for
some free tickets

Explanation: You are the fire inspector and you have an obligation to your fire
district, fellow firefighters, and community to conduct a thorough fire
inspection. Fire codes are out there for a reason. To protect property and
ultimately our lives.

2.Fire fighter McSnuff is searching under beds and in closets of a burning home.
Why is he doing this?
a.Electrical panels are often in closets
b.These places often contain smoldering items
*c.Kids will often use these places to hide from a fire
d.Closets on exterior walls can provide easy entry points from outside

Explanation: Kids will often use these places to hide from a fire because they
get scared and find comfort underneath beds, toy boxes, or small closets. Be
sure to thoroughly search in these spaces.

3.Which of the following choices is not a factor when assessing a fire

emergency?
a.Type of building material
b.Occupants of building
*c.What fire codes were violated
d.Which direction the wind is blowing

Explanation: When you are conducting your initial size up you really don't care
what codes were violated. All of the other answers determine what your
strategies and tactics will be.

4.After driving to a wildfire FF Leonard drives into a grassy portion, stops,

puts the truck into park and continues to put out a 50 X 50 grass fires. The
winds today are coming out of the west at 17 mph. What is wrong with this
picture?
a.Nothing, the firefighter is doing exactly what he is taught to do
*b.He is still parked in the green during a wildland fire
c.There is a red flag warning with the high winds
d.He should not have put the truck in park in case he has to get out of
there fast

Explanation: during wildland fires you should park in the black if possible. I
realize that the black could be too hot at times but look at what type of fire
it is, grass. Grass fires usually consume fast and cool fast so this would be
the best spot to park that way unburned fuel cannot burn your apparatus.

Fire Fighter Basic Mathematics Exam

1.In the following number which number after the decimal represents a
thousandth? .93456
a.9
*b.4
c.6
d.3

Explanation: The first number after a decimal in a number is a tenth, the second
number is a hundredth, the third number is a thousand, and the fourth number is
a ten thousandth.

2. L111 gets 4 miles per gallon. If L111 drives 76 miles how many gallons of
fuel will it have used? Round to the nearest whole number.
*a.19
b.20
c.21
d.22

Explanation: To keep it simple divide 76 (number of miles driven) by 4

(mpg) = 19 (gallons).

3.What is the square footage of a building that is 330' X 143'?

a.36,000
b.42,130
c.45,790
*d.47,190

Explanation: Square footage is calculated by multiplying Length X Width of

a building.

4.If gas costs $3.29 per gallon and you purchase 6.5 gallons, how much money
will you spend?
a.$27.19
*b.$21.39
c.$12.39
d.$21.45

Explanation: Multiply 3.29 X 6.5 and it equals 21.39

5.During the preplan process of a building you must obtain the square footage.
You have a strip mall with two occupancies. One occupancy measures 96' X 52',
and the other measures 114' X 52'. What is the approximate square footage for
this building?
a.10,000
*b.11,000
c.12,000
d.13,000

Explanation: The square footage for the is building is roughly 11,000. You
need to multiply length X width to get this measurement. So 96' X 114' equals
210' X 52' = 11000.
6.. If a fire engine is traveling down the interstate driving 55 mph and
reaches the reported vehicle fire 13 minutes, approximately how far did the
engine travel? Use the following formula: Rate X Time = Distance
*a.12 miles
b.13 miles
c.18 miles
d.19 miles

Explanation: Take a breath. There are 60 minutes in an hour right? So take

13 (min) divide by 60 (min) and you get ..2166666667. Take .216666667 and
multiply by 55 (mph) and you get the rough answer of 11.9 (miles). Round to the
nearest whole number and you get 12 miles.

7.There are 5 sections of 100' wildland hose and 11 sections of 50' structural
hose that is being pressure tested. During hose testing 3 sections of structural
hose blows. What is the total amount of wildland hose that failed the test?
*a.0'
b.150'
c.300
d.1050

Explanation: The question states only 3 sections of structural hose failed

so 0' feet of wildland hose failed.

8.Jim and Sarah invited seven friends over for dinner. If each friend brought
one guest how many people will be at the dinner excluding Jim and Sarah
a.7
b.9
*c.14
d.16

Explanation: There are a total of seven guests. If each guest brings one
other person there will be fourteen people. Remember this equation excludes Jim
and Sarah.

9. If a fire apparatus bay is 56 feet long and the fire apparatus is 38 feet
long, how many feet is left over in the bay?
a.12 feet
b.14 feet
c.16 feet
*d.18 feet

Explanation: Subtract 56 from 38 and you come up with an answer of 18.

10.Find the average number from the following numbers. 13, 33, 2, 10, 3.
*a.12.2
b.12.4
c.12.6
d.12.8
 Explanation: To get the answer, add up all the numbers and then divide by
how many numbers there are. For example. 26 + 10 + 2 + 9 divided by 4 (because
there are four numbers) = 11.75

Hazardous Materials Questions

1.You cannot measure____________ on a 4 gas meter.

a.Oxygen
*b.Carbon monoxide
c.Carbon dioxide
d.LEL

Explanation: Four gas monitors typically measures oxygen, lower explosive

limits, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide. IE5 pg. 1182, JB2 pgs. 868-869

2.Directions: Of the following statements regarding tank cars choose the best
answer of A through D. Statement 1- Capacity stencils are the only markings on
tank cars. Statement 2-There are three types of markings for tank cars.
Statement 3-The three types of markings on tank cars are specification markings,
initials (reporting marks), and capacity stencils.

a.Statement 1 is true; Statements 2 and 3 are false.

*b.Statement 1 is false; Statements 2 and 3 are true.
c.Statement 1 and 2 are true; Statement 3 is false
d.Statement 1 and 2 are false; Statement 3 is true.

Explanation: Statement 1 is false and statements 2 and 3 are true. These

markings can assist first responders in gaining valuable information about the
rail cars and its contents. IFSTA Hazardous Materials for First Responders

3.True or false. The green section of an Emergency Response Guidebook has the
table of initial isolation and protective action distances. Use an ERG to find
the answer.
*a.True
b.False
c.NA
d.NA

Explanation: An Emergency Response Guidebook, ERG, is a little orange book used

to assist first responders during haz-mat incidents. You can use this book to
look up placards numbers for certain chemicals. You can determine how far you
need to evacuate civilians from a hazardous incident and you can learn how to
initially mitigate certain situations. The yellow section has dangerous goods in
numerical order. Blue bordered pages has goods listed in alphabetical order of
their material name. Orange pages have all safety recommendations and the green
section has tables with initial isolation distances and protective action
distances.

4.The NFA uses a simple classification system for identifying the hazards faced
at emergency incidents. This classification is know by the acronym TRACEMP. It
stands for:
 a.Type, reaction, association, chemical, etiological, mechanical,
psychological
b.Type, reaction, asphyxiants, chemical, etiological, mechanical,
psychological
c.Thermal, radiological, asphyxiants, chemical, epidemic, make-up,
physiological
*d.Thermal, radiological, asphyxiants, chemical, etiological, mechanical,
psychological

Explanation: The acronym TRACEMP stands for: thermal, radiological, asphyxiants,

chemical, etiological, mechanical, psychological

5.True or False. According to the Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention

Office, there are 9 reactive classes: Highly flammable, explosive,
polymerizable, strong oxidizing agent, strong reducing agent, water-reactive,
non-reactive, peroxidizable, compounds, and radioactive materials.
a.True
*b.False

Explanation: The 9 reactive classes are: Highly flammable, explosive,

polymerizable, strong oxidizing agent, strong reducing agent, water-reactive,
air-reactive, peroxidizable, compound and radioactive material.

6.Asphalt's ID number is________. Find the answer using an emergency response

guidebook.
a.2110
b.1899
c.1344
*d.1999

Explanation: An Emergency Response Guidebook, ERG, is a little orange book used

to assist first responders during haz-mat incidents. You can use this book to
look up placards numbers for certain chemicals. You can determine how far you
need to evacuate civilians from a hazardous incident and you can learn how to
initially mitigate certain situations.

7. Hazardous materials have nine different classification placards. What does

a class 5 placard depict?
a.Explosives
b.Corrosive
c.Radioactive
*d.Oxidizer and organic peroxide

Explanation: Hazardous materials warning labels are as follows: class 1-

explosives, class 2-gases, class 3-flammable and combustible liquids, class 4-
flammable solid-spontaneously combustible-dangerous when wet, class 5-oxidizer
and organic peroxide, class 6-poison and poison inhalation hazard, class 7-
radioactive, class 8-corrosive, class 9-miscellaneous.

8. Two materials that do not readily dissolve into each other are considered:
a.Negligible
b.Slightly soluble
c.Miscible
 *d.Immiscible

Explanation: Two materials that do not readily dissolve into each other are
considered immiscible. For example, water and fuel oil are immiscible.

9. In an Emergency Response Guidebook the ___________ bordered pages is an

index list of dangerous goods in numerical order of ID number.
a.Blue
*b.Yellow
c.Green
d.Orange

Explanation: An Emergency Response Guidebook, ERG, is a little orange book used

to assist first responders during haz-mat incidents. You can use this book to
look up placards numbers for certain chemicals. You can determine how far you
need to evacuate civilians from a hazardous incident and you can learn how to
initially mitigate certain situations. The yellow section has dangerous goods in
numerical order. Blue bordered pages has goods listed in alphabetical order of
their material name. Orange pages have all safety recommendations and the green
section has tables with initial isolation distances and protective action
distances.

10. What is the normal concentration of oxygen in ambient air?

a.19.90%
*b.21%
c.23.9%
d.20.2%

Explanation: Dry air contains approximately 21% oxygen, 79% nitrogen, .3% carbon
dioxide, as well as very small amounts of various amount of other gases.

Fire Fighter Vocabulary, Grammar and Spelling

1. Which word is spelled incorrectly?

a.Haggard
b.Habitable
*c.Harrass
d.Hindsight

Explanation: Harrass should be spelled harass.

2. Which word is spelled correctly?

*a.Distortion
b.Depplore
c.Disparety
d.Deralict

Explanation: Distortion is correctly spelled.

3. Choose the best word to complete the sentence. Despite the ____________
pain in her knee she got up to walk her dog.
a.Vicarious
b.Unique
c.Tranquil
 *d.Tremendous

Explanation: Tremendous is the best answer because the sentence implies that her
pain is great or large.

4. When using the Phonetic alphabet what does "G" stand for?
a.Golf or Georgia
b.Gash or Grain
*c.Golf or George
d.Gorge or George

Explanation: There are at least two types of Phonetic alphabets. The military
has one as well as law enforcement. The fire service may choose to use either
one.

5. Which answer best describes the word? SATURATE

a.Confident
b.Pretend
c.Empty
*d.Soak

Explanation: Saturate and soak are the closest related. For example when
you soak a sponge in water you are saturating it.

6. Choose the best word to complete the sentence. After Ryan took a _________
of water he started choking, but he ended up being ok.
a.Drank
*b.Drink
c.Drinks
d.Gulps

Explanation: Drink is the correct answer.

7. Choose the word that best completes the following sentence. Firefighter
Ryan was so ___________, he tested 50 hydrants and rolled 500 feet of hose.
a.Loyal
b.Uncomfortable
c.Excessive
*d.Ambitious

Explanation: FF Ryan may be loyal but, ambitious is the best answer

8. Which word is incorrectly spelled?

*a.Excesive
b.Accessed
c.Excised
d.Excessive

Explanation: Excessive is the word that is misspelled. The correct

spelling is excessive.

9. Choose the answer that is not spelled correctly

a.Apparatus
b.Oscillate
 c.Synonym
*d.None of the above

Explanation: All answers are spelled correctly

10. Choose the phrase that best completes the sentence: I _______________ in
the fire service for 32 years thus far.
a.Will be
*b.Have been
c.Had been
d.Have seen

Explanation: Have been is the correct answer.