IFSTA ESSENTIALS OF FIRE FIGHTING
- CHAPTER 5: FIRE BEHAVIOR
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. Which term refers to a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light?
A. Endothermic
B. Sublimation
C. Exothermic
D. Pyrolysis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An exothermic reaction releases energy, usually as heat and
light, whereas an endothermic reaction absorbs energy.
2. In the context of fire behavior, what is the amount of heat energy released per unit of time
as a fuel burns?
A. Specific Heat
B. Thermal Conductivity
C. Latent Heat of Vaporization
,D. Heat Release Rate (HRR)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Heat Release Rate (HRR) is the measurement of heat energy
released per unit of time (typically in kW or MW) and is a key indicator of fire hazard.
3. What is the minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel gives off sufficient vapors to form
an ignitable mixture with air near its surface, but not sustain combustion?
A. Flash point
B. Autoignition temperature
C. Boiling point
D. Fire point
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off
enough vapor to ignite but not continue to burn. Fire point is where it sustains combustion.
4. Which mode of heat transfer occurs through direct contact between two solids or within a
single solid?
A. Convection
B. Radiation
C. Conduction
D. Induction
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Conduction is the transfer of heat through or between solids by
direct contact or via a medium.
5. What occurs when a compartment fire has consumed most of the available oxygen and a
new source of oxygen is introduced, resulting in an explosive combustion of hot gases?
A. Flashover
B. Backdraft
C. Smoke Explosion
D. Rollover
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Backdraft is the explosive burning of heated gases that occurs
when oxygen is introduced into a ventilation-limited space.
6. Which gas is a byproduct of combustion that acts as a chemical asphyxiant by binding to
hemoglobin 200 times more effectively than oxygen?
A. Carbon Dioxide
B. Hydrogen Cyanide
C. Carbon Monoxide
D. Nitrogen Dioxide
Answer: C
- CHAPTER 5: FIRE BEHAVIOR
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. Which term refers to a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light?
A. Endothermic
B. Sublimation
C. Exothermic
D. Pyrolysis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: An exothermic reaction releases energy, usually as heat and
light, whereas an endothermic reaction absorbs energy.
2. In the context of fire behavior, what is the amount of heat energy released per unit of time
as a fuel burns?
A. Specific Heat
B. Thermal Conductivity
C. Latent Heat of Vaporization
,D. Heat Release Rate (HRR)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Heat Release Rate (HRR) is the measurement of heat energy
released per unit of time (typically in kW or MW) and is a key indicator of fire hazard.
3. What is the minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel gives off sufficient vapors to form
an ignitable mixture with air near its surface, but not sustain combustion?
A. Flash point
B. Autoignition temperature
C. Boiling point
D. Fire point
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off
enough vapor to ignite but not continue to burn. Fire point is where it sustains combustion.
4. Which mode of heat transfer occurs through direct contact between two solids or within a
single solid?
A. Convection
B. Radiation
C. Conduction
D. Induction
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Conduction is the transfer of heat through or between solids by
direct contact or via a medium.
5. What occurs when a compartment fire has consumed most of the available oxygen and a
new source of oxygen is introduced, resulting in an explosive combustion of hot gases?
A. Flashover
B. Backdraft
C. Smoke Explosion
D. Rollover
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Backdraft is the explosive burning of heated gases that occurs
when oxygen is introduced into a ventilation-limited space.
6. Which gas is a byproduct of combustion that acts as a chemical asphyxiant by binding to
hemoglobin 200 times more effectively than oxygen?
A. Carbon Dioxide
B. Hydrogen Cyanide
C. Carbon Monoxide
D. Nitrogen Dioxide
Answer: C
