ANSI/IICRC S700 Fire and Smoke Damage
Restoration – Comprehensive IICRC S700 Exam
Preparation & Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions and Answers, Fire Damage Restoration
Review, Smoke Residue, Inspection, Cleaning &
Restoration Methods, Safety and Professional
Procedures
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard, what is the primary
purpose of developing a Restoration Work Plan (RWP)?
A. To estimate the total cost of reconstruction after a fire event
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration
C. To assign liability for the fire incident to an insurance provider
D. To determine the insurance coverage limits for the property owner
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for
fire and smoke damage restoration
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard mandates the development of a Restoration
Work Plan (RWP) to systematically document the assessment findings, restoration
objectives, cleaning methods, deodorization strategies, and verification procedures. The
RWP ensures consistent, defensible restoration practices are followed and documented .
Question 2: Which three essential components must be present simultaneously
for combustion to occur, as defined by the fire triangle?
A. Heat, fuel, and nitrogen
B. Heat, fuel, and oxygen
C. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and heat
D. Fuel, water, and an ignition source
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heat, fuel, and oxygen
Rationale: The fire triangle consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen. All three elements are
required for combustion to occur. Removing any one component will prevent a fire from
starting or extinguish an existing fire. This fundamental fire science knowledge is critical
for restoration technicians when assessing fire behavior and damage patterns .
Question 3: A fire in a modern home with synthetic furnishings typically
produces more toxic and corrosive residues than a fire in an older home with
natural materials because:
A. Modern materials burn at much cooler temperatures
B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds that form acids
and toxic gases
C. Modern homes have a lower oxygen supply by design
D. Older homes have more electrical wiring that produces different residues
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and
sulfur compounds that form acids and toxic gases
Rationale: Synthetic materials like PVC, polyurethane, and polystyrene contain chlorine,
nitrogen, and sulfur compounds. When burned, they release hydrochloric acid, hydrogen
cyanide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides—toxic and acidic byproducts that cellulose-
based natural materials do not produce. This makes modern fires more hazardous and
more corrosive to metals and electronics in the structure .
Question 4: Which type of smoke residue is typically produced by the slow,
smoldering combustion of natural materials such as wood or paper and is
characterized by heavy, black, powdery soot?
A. Wet smoke
B. Dry smoke
C. Protein smoke
D. Fuel oil soot
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry smoke
Rationale: Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high-temperature fires involving natural
materials such as wood or paper. It produces a fine, powdery, black soot that does not
smear easily and is relatively simple to remove with dry cleaning methods like chemical
sponges. Understanding residue types guides the selection of appropriate cleaning
techniques per S700 standards .
Question 5: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment and
requires non-conductive extinguishing agents to prevent electrical shock?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Class D
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Class C
Rationale: Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Non-conductive
extinguishing agents such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical compounds must be used
to prevent electrical shock to the operator. Once the electrical equipment is de-
energized, the fire may be reclassified based on the fuel source that continues to burn .
Question 6: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required
when entering a structure with visible soot contamination and unknown air
quality?
A. Safety glasses and gloves only
B. N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
C. Full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls, and eye protection
D. No PPE is required if the structure has been adequately ventilated
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls,
and eye protection
Rationale: Fire-damaged structures may contain hazardous airborne contaminants
including soot particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carcinogens.
ANSI/IICRC S700 and OSHA guidelines mandate comprehensive respiratory protection
(P100 or higher), skin protection, and eye protection to safeguard technicians during
assessment and restoration activities .
Question 7: The term "thermal degradation" in fire restoration contexts refers
to:
A. The cooling process of structural materials after fire suppression
B. The chemical breakdown of materials due to heat exposure
C. The evaporation of moisture from building components
D. The structural collapse risk assessment process
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The chemical breakdown of materials due to heat
exposure
Rationale: Thermal degradation describes the molecular alteration of materials when
exposed to high temperatures. This process can compromise structural integrity, change
material properties, and produce volatile organic compounds. Understanding thermal
degradation is essential for making informed assessment and remediation decisions in
fire restoration .
Question 8: What is the average size range of smoke particles typically found
in fire-damaged environments?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns
B. 0.1 - 4 microns
C. 5 - 10 microns
D. 10 - 50 microns
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 0.1 - 4 microns
Rationale: Smoke particles typically range from 0.1 to 4 microns in size. These particles
are small enough to remain suspended in air for extended periods, penetrate porous
materials, and travel throughout a structure via convection currents and pressure
differentials. This small size makes smoke residues difficult to remove and requires
specialized filtration equipment .
Question 9: What is the primary function of an air scrubber equipped with a
HEPA filter in a fire restoration work environment?
A. To increase ambient temperature for drying purposes
B. To remove airborne particulates and odors from the work environment
C. To generate negative pressure for containment of affected areas
D. To humidify dry air following the fire event
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. To remove airborne particulates and odors from the
work environment
Rationale: HEPA-filtered air scrubbers capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger,
including soot, ash, and allergens. They improve indoor air quality during restoration,
protect workers, and help prevent cross-contamination from affected to unaffected
areas. These devices are essential engineering controls in fire restoration projects .
Question 10: Which deodorization method works by chemically altering odor
molecules through oxidation?
A. Adsorption using activated charcoal
B. Thermal fogging
C. Ozone treatment
D. Masking with fragrances
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ozone treatment
Rationale: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down odor-causing
molecules by altering their chemical structure through oxidation. Ozone generators
must be used in unoccupied spaces with proper safety protocols due to respiratory
hazards. This method is effective for penetrating porous materials where odors are
trapped and cannot be removed by surface cleaning alone .
Question 11: In assessing fire damage, the term "soil loading" refers to:
A. The weight of debris that must be removed from the structure
B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke residues on surfaces
C. The amount of water used during fire suppression activities
D. The structural load capacity after fire exposure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke
residues on surfaces
Rationale: Soil loading describes the density and pattern of soot and smoke residue
deposition on surfaces. This assessment helps technicians determine appropriate
cleaning methods, estimate labor requirements, and evaluate the severity of
contamination. Soil loading is documented in the Restoration Work Plan as part of the
initial assessment .
Question 12: According to ANSI/IICRC S700, what is the recommended first-
step cleaning method for removing dry, powdery soot from non-porous
surfaces like glass or metal?
A. Wet cleaning with an alkaline detergent
B. Dry sponge wiping
C. Abrasive blasting
D. Solvent-based degreasing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry sponge wiping
Restoration – Comprehensive IICRC S700 Exam
Preparation & Study Guide, Original Practice
Questions and Answers, Fire Damage Restoration
Review, Smoke Residue, Inspection, Cleaning &
Restoration Methods, Safety and Professional
Procedures
Question 1: According to the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard, what is the primary
purpose of developing a Restoration Work Plan (RWP)?
A. To estimate the total cost of reconstruction after a fire event
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration
C. To assign liability for the fire incident to an insurance provider
D. To determine the insurance coverage limits for the property owner
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for
fire and smoke damage restoration
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard mandates the development of a Restoration
Work Plan (RWP) to systematically document the assessment findings, restoration
objectives, cleaning methods, deodorization strategies, and verification procedures. The
RWP ensures consistent, defensible restoration practices are followed and documented .
Question 2: Which three essential components must be present simultaneously
for combustion to occur, as defined by the fire triangle?
A. Heat, fuel, and nitrogen
B. Heat, fuel, and oxygen
C. Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and heat
D. Fuel, water, and an ignition source
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heat, fuel, and oxygen
Rationale: The fire triangle consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen. All three elements are
required for combustion to occur. Removing any one component will prevent a fire from
starting or extinguish an existing fire. This fundamental fire science knowledge is critical
for restoration technicians when assessing fire behavior and damage patterns .
Question 3: A fire in a modern home with synthetic furnishings typically
produces more toxic and corrosive residues than a fire in an older home with
natural materials because:
A. Modern materials burn at much cooler temperatures
B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds that form acids
and toxic gases
C. Modern homes have a lower oxygen supply by design
D. Older homes have more electrical wiring that produces different residues
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and
sulfur compounds that form acids and toxic gases
Rationale: Synthetic materials like PVC, polyurethane, and polystyrene contain chlorine,
nitrogen, and sulfur compounds. When burned, they release hydrochloric acid, hydrogen
cyanide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides—toxic and acidic byproducts that cellulose-
based natural materials do not produce. This makes modern fires more hazardous and
more corrosive to metals and electronics in the structure .
Question 4: Which type of smoke residue is typically produced by the slow,
smoldering combustion of natural materials such as wood or paper and is
characterized by heavy, black, powdery soot?
A. Wet smoke
B. Dry smoke
C. Protein smoke
D. Fuel oil soot
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry smoke
Rationale: Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high-temperature fires involving natural
materials such as wood or paper. It produces a fine, powdery, black soot that does not
smear easily and is relatively simple to remove with dry cleaning methods like chemical
sponges. Understanding residue types guides the selection of appropriate cleaning
techniques per S700 standards .
Question 5: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment and
requires non-conductive extinguishing agents to prevent electrical shock?
A. Class A
B. Class B
C. Class C
D. Class D
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Class C
Rationale: Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Non-conductive
extinguishing agents such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical compounds must be used
to prevent electrical shock to the operator. Once the electrical equipment is de-
energized, the fire may be reclassified based on the fuel source that continues to burn .
Question 6: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required
when entering a structure with visible soot contamination and unknown air
quality?
A. Safety glasses and gloves only
B. N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
C. Full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls, and eye protection
D. No PPE is required if the structure has been adequately ventilated
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls,
and eye protection
Rationale: Fire-damaged structures may contain hazardous airborne contaminants
including soot particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carcinogens.
ANSI/IICRC S700 and OSHA guidelines mandate comprehensive respiratory protection
(P100 or higher), skin protection, and eye protection to safeguard technicians during
assessment and restoration activities .
Question 7: The term "thermal degradation" in fire restoration contexts refers
to:
A. The cooling process of structural materials after fire suppression
B. The chemical breakdown of materials due to heat exposure
C. The evaporation of moisture from building components
D. The structural collapse risk assessment process
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The chemical breakdown of materials due to heat
exposure
Rationale: Thermal degradation describes the molecular alteration of materials when
exposed to high temperatures. This process can compromise structural integrity, change
material properties, and produce volatile organic compounds. Understanding thermal
degradation is essential for making informed assessment and remediation decisions in
fire restoration .
Question 8: What is the average size range of smoke particles typically found
in fire-damaged environments?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns
B. 0.1 - 4 microns
C. 5 - 10 microns
D. 10 - 50 microns
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 0.1 - 4 microns
Rationale: Smoke particles typically range from 0.1 to 4 microns in size. These particles
are small enough to remain suspended in air for extended periods, penetrate porous
materials, and travel throughout a structure via convection currents and pressure
differentials. This small size makes smoke residues difficult to remove and requires
specialized filtration equipment .
Question 9: What is the primary function of an air scrubber equipped with a
HEPA filter in a fire restoration work environment?
A. To increase ambient temperature for drying purposes
B. To remove airborne particulates and odors from the work environment
C. To generate negative pressure for containment of affected areas
D. To humidify dry air following the fire event
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. To remove airborne particulates and odors from the
work environment
Rationale: HEPA-filtered air scrubbers capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger,
including soot, ash, and allergens. They improve indoor air quality during restoration,
protect workers, and help prevent cross-contamination from affected to unaffected
areas. These devices are essential engineering controls in fire restoration projects .
Question 10: Which deodorization method works by chemically altering odor
molecules through oxidation?
A. Adsorption using activated charcoal
B. Thermal fogging
C. Ozone treatment
D. Masking with fragrances
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ozone treatment
Rationale: Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down odor-causing
molecules by altering their chemical structure through oxidation. Ozone generators
must be used in unoccupied spaces with proper safety protocols due to respiratory
hazards. This method is effective for penetrating porous materials where odors are
trapped and cannot be removed by surface cleaning alone .
Question 11: In assessing fire damage, the term "soil loading" refers to:
A. The weight of debris that must be removed from the structure
B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke residues on surfaces
C. The amount of water used during fire suppression activities
D. The structural load capacity after fire exposure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke
residues on surfaces
Rationale: Soil loading describes the density and pattern of soot and smoke residue
deposition on surfaces. This assessment helps technicians determine appropriate
cleaning methods, estimate labor requirements, and evaluate the severity of
contamination. Soil loading is documented in the Restoration Work Plan as part of the
initial assessment .
Question 12: According to ANSI/IICRC S700, what is the recommended first-
step cleaning method for removing dry, powdery soot from non-porous
surfaces like glass or metal?
A. Wet cleaning with an alkaline detergent
B. Dry sponge wiping
C. Abrasive blasting
D. Solvent-based degreasing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry sponge wiping
