Fire Investigator - master for TCFP test ?

Fire Investigator - master for TCFP test ? Is NFPA 921 a guide or a standard? - CORRECT ANSWER-It is the Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations What are the six steps of the scientific method? - CORRECT ANSWER-Recognize the need Define the problem Collect the data Analyze the data Develop a hypothesis Test the hypothesis What step of the scientific method is inductive reasoning? - CORRECT ANSWERAnalyze the data What step of the scientific method is deductive reasoning? - CORRECT ANSWER-Test the hypothesis What are the four parts of the fire tetrahedron? - CORRECT ANSWER-Fuel (reducing agent) Heat Oxidizing agent Uninhibited chemical chain reaction What kind of reaction absorbs energy, an endothermic or an exothermic reaction? - CORRECT ANSWER-Endothermic What is heat transfer by direct contact called? - CORRECT ANSWER-Conduction What is heat transfer by gas flow / air movement called? - CORRECT ANSWERConvection What is heat transfer by microwave energy called? - CORRECT ANSWER-Radiation What is a fuel controlled fire? - CORRECT ANSWER-A fire that is limited by the amount of combustibles. What is a ventilation controlled fire? - CORRECT ANSWER-A fire that is limited by the amount of oxygen. What are the stages of fire growth? - CORRECT ANSWER-Ignition Growth Flashover Fully Developed Decay What is a flashover? - CORRECT ANSWER-The transition phase from growth to fully developed, where all surfaces reach ignition temperature almost simultaneously. What is ignition of the underside of the hot gas layer called? - CORRECT ANSWERFlameover or rollover What factors influence flashover conditions? - CORRECT ANSWER-Size of the compartment Height of ceiling Ventilation Amount of fuel Layout of fuel Location of fire in the compartment What are fire patterns? - CORRECT ANSWER-The physical manifestation of the affects of fire on materials. What are the different types of fire patterns on the walls and ceiling? - CORRECT ANSWER-Plume Generated patterns (often V shaped) Ventilation generated patterns Hot gas layer patterns (Line of demarcation) What is spalling? - CORRECT ANSWER-The separation of chunks of concrete with explosive force caused by the expansion of water (moisture) trapped in the concrete as it turns to steam What is char? - CORRECT ANSWER-Pyrolized carbonaceous material What is oxidation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Physical change in appearance of a material resulting from the combination of oxygen. What is alloying? - CORRECT ANSWER-Mixing two metals heated then cooled to change their properties. Often melts at a lower temperature. What is a clean burn? - CORRECT ANSWER-When there was enough heat to burn away all carbon deposits (soot) on a surface leaving a "clean" surface. Occurs on noncombustible surfaces. What is soot? - CORRECT ANSWER-Elemental carbon produced during incomplete combustion. What is calcination? - CORRECT ANSWER-When chemically bound water is driven out of gypsum walls by the heat of the fire. Does a 25 Watt light bulb expand towards the fire or pull inward away from it? - CORRECT ANSWER-Bulbs 25 watts or less pull away. Bulbs greater than 25 watts will expand towards the fire. What causes heat shadowing? - CORRECT ANSWER-An object blocking the travel of radiated heat. What is a dead load? - CORRECT ANSWER-The weight of things attached to the building, like flooring, cloumns, and roof coverings. What is a live load? - CORRECT ANSWER-A load that can move, like people, furniture, wind, water, and snow. What is compartmentation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Design features of a building that limit fire growth to the room of origin. What are the five building construction types? - CORRECT ANSWER-Type I - Fire resistant Type II - Non combustible Type III - Ordinary Type IV - Heavy timber Type V - Wood frame What is ordinary construction? - CORRECT ANSWER-Exterior walls are masonry and frame is wood. What is wood frame construction? - CORRECT ANSWER-Lightweight wood construction, used in apartments, houses. What is platform frame construction? - CORRECT ANSWER-Each floor is a seperate platform. What is balloon frame construction? - CORRECT ANSWER-The wall studs extend from the foundation to the roof. What is Ohm's Law? - CORRECT ANSWER-V=IR (E = I x R) What is voltage? - CORRECT ANSWER-Pressure What is current? - CORRECT ANSWER-Flow What is resistance? - CORRECT ANSWER-Friction, opposition to the flow What is an overload? - CORRECT ANSWER-Power needs exceed the circuit's capacity. Alternating Current VS Direct Current - CORRECT ANSWER-Alternating current - the electrons flow out from the source and then back to it, alternating directions. Direct current - electrons flow one way. Single Phase service - CORRECT ANSWER-Residential. Three conductors: Two insulated conductors at 120 V each, and a bare ground wire. Three phase system - CORRECT ANSWER-Commercial. Four conductors: Three insulated conductors (480, 240, or 208 V), and a bare ground wire. What is the difference between grounding and bonding? - CORRECT ANSWERGrounding connects the system to the earth (ground). Bonding connects to systems together so the charge stays the same between them. What is overcurrent protection? - CORRECT ANSWER-A device that protects the system from excess current. Includes: Circuit breakers Plug fuses Type S fuses Time delay fuses Cartridge fuses What are the colors of residential wires? - CORRECT ANSWER-Hot - black or red Neutral - gray or white Ground - bare or green What are some methods of electrical heat production? - CORRECT ANSWERResistance heating Short circuit Ground fault Parting Arc Excessive current What is the difference between and arc and a spark? - CORRECT ANSWER-Sparks are thrown metal particles Arcs are brief discharges of electricity What is arc tracking? - CORRECT ANSWER-Arc following salts, dusts, or liquids along a path. What is arc mapping? - CORRECT ANSWER-Mapping out of electrical damage in a circuit. What is static electricity? - CORRECT ANSWER-A stationary charge caused by movement of one object against another. Lighting is a static disharge. What are the five conditions nessecery for Static Arc Ignition? - CORRECT ANSWER-A Means of static generation A means of accumulating and maintaining the charge A static discharge with sufficient energy A fuel source Coexistence of the arc and fuel source Name two fuel gasses: - CORRECT ANSWER-LP (liquid petroleum) Natural gas What is the difference between tanks and cylinders for LP gas? - CORRECT ANSWERTanks: storage with greater than 1000 LBs water capacity. Cylinder: Portable, usually consumer. What are some human factors related to fire initiation in a structure? - CORRECT ANSWER-Improper maintenance and operation Housekeeping Product labels, warnings, and instructions Recalls Violations of fire safety codes and standards What are the age groups and types of child firesetters? - CORRECT ANSWER-Child 2- 6, curiosity Juvenile 7-13, psychological or emotional problem Adolescent 14-16, stress, anger, or other psychological or emotional problems What are the four ways of right of entry? - CORRECT ANSWER-Consent Exigent Circumstance Administrative Search warrant Criminal search warrant What are the four rules of the Miranda warning? - CORRECT ANSWER-Right to remain silent Any statement can be used against you Right to an attorney Right to have an attorney appointed if you can't afford one - Sixth Amendment What is spoliation? - CORRECT ANSWER-The loss or destruction of an object or document that is evidence What is demonstrative evidence? - CORRECT ANSWER-Any tangible evidence that you can touch, feel, see, or smell. Any evidence that is tangible (physical). What is documentary evidence? - CORRECT ANSWER-Written reports or documents relevant to the case. What is Testimonial evidence? - CORRECT ANSWER-Verbal testimony of witnesses Fact witness VS Expert witness - CORRECT ANSWER-Fact witness can only testify observations and statements of fact. Expert witness may testify their opinion. Daubert Rule considerations: - CORRECT ANSWER-Can the theory or technique be tested? Has the theory or technique been peer-reviewed and published? Is there a known or potential rate of error? Has it gained general acceptance in the expert's field? What is Arson? - CORRECT ANSWER-Causing unlawful and intentional damage, by fire or explosion, to structures, vehicles, and personal property. What are four ways you can be exposed to chemical hazards? - CORRECT ANSWERAbsorption (surface of skin) Inhalation Ingestion Injection Should you investigate a fire alone or in pairs? - CORRECT ANSWER-In pairs What are some Basic Investigation Assignments for personnel? - CORRECT ANSWERPhotography Note Taking Mapping Diagramming Interviewing Witnesses Evidence Collection What are some ways to document a scene? - CORRECT ANSWER-Photographs Video Notes Drawings (sketches) What items can cause cross-contamination at a scene? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tools Gear (boots, gloves, etc) Evidence Cans Other emergency equipment Characteristics of evidence: - CORRECT ANSWER-Physical state: Solid, liquid, gas Characteristics: Size, shape, weight Fragility: Will it disintegrate or break? Volatility: Will it evaporate? What is an accelerant? - CORRECT ANSWER-Any substance used to initiate or promote fire spread. What are the most desireable collection areas for liquid accelerants? - CORRECT ANSWER-Lowest areas Samples of porous or fiberous material Cloth, paper, cardboard Seams, tears, cracks Edges of burn patterns Floor drains How much space can you fill up in an evidence can? - CORRECT ANSWER-2/3 of the can What data should be included with the evidence? - CORRECT ANSWER-Date and time Case # Location Brief description Name of investigator What is the difference between Gas chromatography and Mass spectrometry? - CORRECT ANSWER-GC seperates mixtures into their individual components MS further analyzes the individual components What is the point of origin? - CORRECT ANSWER-Exact physical location where a heat source and fuel come together and a fire begins. What is the area of origin? - CORRECT ANSWER-The room or area where the fire began Recommended procedure for origin determination: - CORRECT ANSWER-Preliminary scene assessment Preliminary fire spread scenario development In-depth exterior examination In-depth interior examination Fire scene reconstruction Fire spread scenario report What is a competent ignition source? - CORRECT ANSWER-One that has sufficient energy, temperature, and time to raise the first fuel to its ignition temperature. What are the four elements of determining a fire cause? - CORRECT ANSWER-Ignition source Fuel first ignited Oxidizer present Ignition sequence Four features of the investigation: - CORRECT ANSWER-Cause of fire or explosion Cause of damage to property Cause of bodily injury / loss of life Degree to which human fault contributed Four classifications of cause: - CORRECT ANSWER-Accidental Natural Incendiary Undetermined Should a fire ever be classified as "suspicious?" - CORRECT ANSWER-No. Suspicious is not an appropriate term to describe the unexplained. What is failure analysis? - CORRECT ANSWER-A logical, systematic examination of an item, component, assembly, or structure and it splace and function within a system, conducted to identify and analyze the probability, causes, and consequences of potential and real failures. What are hard times? - CORRECT ANSWER-Incidents with a known exact time. These include dispatch times and other documented times. What are soft times? - CORRECT ANSWER-Witness statements with approximate times, other observations with approximations. What are benchmark events? - CORRECT ANSWER-The foundation of the timeline. Includes events related to cause, spread, detection, or extinguishment of the fire. Micro VS Macro times: - CORRECT ANSWER-Macro can be as far as months or years before the fire, and Micro are small and narrow parts of the timeline. What does FMEA stand for? - CORRECT ANSWER-Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - a graphical method or technique used to determine causes and effects leading to the fire. Similar to Fault trees. Mathmatical and Engineering models for fire investigation: - CORRECT ANSWER-Heat Transfer models Flammable gas Concentrations Hydraulic Analysis (sprinkler failure) Structural analysis Egress analysis Fire dynamis (fire growth) What is a BLEVE? - CORRECT ANSWER-Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion What are the basic types of explosions? - CORRECT ANSWER-Mechanical Chemical Nuclear Deflagration VS Detonation - CORRECT ANSWER-Deflagration = less than the speed of sound Detonation = Greater than the speed of sound, more than 1,100 FPS What are the characteristics of Low order damage? - CORRECT ANSWER-Slow pressure rise, pushing, bulging damage What are the characteristics of high order damage? - CORRECT ANSWER-Rapid pressure rise, shattering, pulverizing What is a seated explosion? - CORRECT ANSWER-Explosion with a crater of damage. Generally characterized by high pressure and rapid pressure rise. Explosives, steam boilers, and highly confined fuel gases. What is a nonseated explosion? - CORRECT ANSWER-Dispersed or diffused fuels with moderate pressure rise and subsonic (less than the speed of sound) velocities. What is a backdraft? - CORRECT ANSWER-Smoke explosion from an oxygen deprived fire. Oxygen is introduced to the room mixes with the fuels and ignites and burns fast enough to produce low-order damage. What are some common high explosives? - CORRECT ANSWER-TNT ANFO RDX PETN What are some incendiary fire indicators? - CORRECT ANSWER-Multiple Fires Trailers Lack of expected fuel load (fire damage not consistent with existing fuel) Lack of expected ignition sources Exotic accelerants Unusual fuel load or configuration Burn injuries Incendiary devices Other factors not directly related to combustion, but still indicators of incendiary fire: - CORRECT ANSWER-Remote locations with blocked view Fires near service equipment and appliances Removal/Replacement of contents prior to fire Blocked entry Sabotage to the structure or fire protection Opening windows and exterior doors What are some Evidentiary factors to consider? - CORRECT ANSWER-Geographical (clusters) Temporal frequency Materials and methods (using the same firesetting method) Financial stress History of code violations Fires at additional properties, same owner Overinsured property What are some timed opportunities? - CORRECT ANSWER-Natural conditions (flood, hurricains, etc) Civil unrest Fire Dept unvailible What are motives for firesetting? - CORRECT ANSWER-Vandalism Excitement Revenge Crime Concealment Profit Extremism Carbon monoxide poisining causes what color of the skin? - CORRECT ANSWERCherry-pink What are the different degrees of burns? - CORRECT ANSWER-1st degree, reddening of the skin 2nd degree, blistering 3rd degree, full-thickness damage to skin 4th degree, damage to fat/muscle and charring of tissue What should you document on an appliance in the area of origin? - CORRECT ANSWER-Controls Bonding/grounding Position of moving parts Clocks Power supply Fuel supply (gas) What identifying info should you get for each appliance? - CORRECT ANSWERManufacturer Model Number Serial Number Date of manufature Name of product Warnings Recommendations What is an exemplar? - CORRECT ANSWER-A duplicate object, such as an appliance, obtained for testing purposes. Types of heat cutoff devices: - CORRECT ANSWER-Fluid pressure Bimetal Expanding metal Melting Motion switch (tip over) What do fluorescent lights and HID lights have in common? - CORRECT ANSWERThey all have ballasts, which can fail and cause a fire. What are ignition sources in vehicles? - CORRECT ANSWER-Open flames (backfire) Electrical sources Hot surfaces (exhaust) Mechanical sparks (broken parts) Smoking materials What are the two basic fuel systems in a car? - CORRECT ANSWER-Low pressure and high pressure. Low pressure = 3-5 PSI, Carbuerated High pressure = 35 - 70 PSI, fuel injected Wildfires have what two types of fuel? - CORRECT ANSWER-Ground fuels Arial fuels Sometimes: Ground, surface, and crown Three classifications of wind: - CORRECT ANSWER-Meterological wind (normal wind) Diurnal wind (solar heating / nightime cooling) Fire winds What is the fire head? - CORRECT ANSWER-Portion of the fire that is moving most rapidly What is the fire heel? - CORRECT ANSWER-Opposite of the head, less intense What are the causes of wildfires? - CORRECT ANSWER-Lighting Spontaneous heating Campsite Smoking Debris burning Sunlight and glass refraction Incendiary Juvenile Fireworks Controlled burn Vehicles Railroad What are some search patterns? - CORRECT ANSWER-Grid Spiral Strip Area What are some ways to identify a boat? - CORRECT ANSWER-Hull Identification Number (HIN) Registration numbers US Coast Guard documentation numbers Boat name and hailing port What are some common ignition sources on a boat? - CORRECT ANSWER-Open flames Electrical faults / overloads Mechanical (bearings, friction) Hot surfaces (exhaust, cooking, heating) Boats that are powered by gasoline have similar fuel systems to cars. What are the two main gasoline fuel systems? - CORRECT ANSWER-High pressure - fuel injected Lower pressure - carbuerated ALSO: Some boats are diesel, or even electric ONLY What are some cooking fuels found on boats? - CORRECT ANSWER-LPG CNG Solid fuels Alcohol Diesel What are sources of electrical energy on boats? - CORRECT ANSWER-Batteries Inverters Shore power What are some basic safety concerns when working on a boat? - CORRECT ANSWERConfined spaces Airborn particles Fuel leaks Electricity Stability What are some basic concerns for complex investigations? - CORRECT ANSWERTransportation Equipment Security Decon Environmental Communications Sanitation Trash removal Snow & Ice Lighting Evidence storage What are two natural causes of wildfires? - CORRECT ANSWER-Lighting Spontaneous heating What are some human causes of wildfires? - CORRECT ANSWER-Campsite Smoking Debris burning Glass refraction Incendiary Controlled burn Machines Railroad Juveniles Fireworks What are some utilities that can cause wildfires? - CORRECT ANSWER-Electrical Gas and oil drilling What are four search patterns? - CORRECT ANSWER-Segment Loop Grid Lane What are some types of suppression for wildfires? - CORRECT ANSWER-Class A foam Fire breaks Air drops Firing out