Page 1 of 190
FIRE FAE Mock Exam – Part 3: Operations
& Safety Heavy (50 Questions) Contents:
Emphasis on CAL FIRE SOPs, apparatus
driving, mechanical systems, and field
safety NFPA, DOT, and CAL FIRE policy-
based questions
Question 1
Scenario: As a CAL FIRE FAE, you are responsible for the daily
inspection and functional check of a Type 3 engine assigned to a
wildland-urban interface (WUI) station. According to CAL FIRE
specifications, what is the minimum pump flow (GPM)
rate required for a Type 3 engine?
,Page 2 of 190
A) 250 gpm
B) 500 gpm
C) 750 gpm
D) 150 gpm
Answer: D
Rationale: CAL FIRE Type 3 engines are designed for wildland
interface operations. They carry a minimum of 150 gpm at 250
psi configured for wildland hose lays. In contrast, Type 1
structural engines require 1000 gpm, and Type 6 initial attack
wildland engines require approximately 50-100 gpm
depending on the specific CAL FIRE model. A Type 3 engine
balances mobility with adequate flow for rural and wildland-
urban interface environments.
Question 2
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Scenario: The Apparatus Engineer is positioning the engine at a
growing vegetation fire in heavy timber. The company officer
orders a defensive anchor point established on the unburned
flank. According to CAL FIRE wildland operation SOPs, which
apparatus positioning principle is most critical?
A) Position the engine directly between the flames and any
structures to shield exposures.
B) Position the engine in the green (unburned fuel) at least 100
feet from the fire edge, using a cleared anchor point.
C) Position the engine directly in front of the advancing flame
front to cool it aerially.
D) Position the engine at a road intersection and wait for air
attack.
Answer: B
Rationale: CAL FIRE wildland anchoring procedures emphasize
establishing a defensible position in the green (unburned) fuel.
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The anchor point must provide tactical flexibility, and the engine
positions at least 100 feet from the fire edge, using a cleared
area on an unburned flank. The "green" area is prioritized to
ensure the engine team does not become entrapped.
Question 3
Scenario: You are assigned to a Type 1 structural engine at a
large commercial building fire. The incident commander orders
the FAE to set up a water supply relay from a hydrant 1,500
feet away. According to NFPA 1962 and CAL FIRE hydraulics
SOPs, what is the recommended size of LDH hose for this
operation?
A) 2½-inch supply lines
B) 3-inch supply lines
C) 5-inch or larger LDH
D) 1¾-inch attack lines
FIRE FAE Mock Exam – Part 3: Operations
& Safety Heavy (50 Questions) Contents:
Emphasis on CAL FIRE SOPs, apparatus
driving, mechanical systems, and field
safety NFPA, DOT, and CAL FIRE policy-
based questions
Question 1
Scenario: As a CAL FIRE FAE, you are responsible for the daily
inspection and functional check of a Type 3 engine assigned to a
wildland-urban interface (WUI) station. According to CAL FIRE
specifications, what is the minimum pump flow (GPM)
rate required for a Type 3 engine?
,Page 2 of 190
A) 250 gpm
B) 500 gpm
C) 750 gpm
D) 150 gpm
Answer: D
Rationale: CAL FIRE Type 3 engines are designed for wildland
interface operations. They carry a minimum of 150 gpm at 250
psi configured for wildland hose lays. In contrast, Type 1
structural engines require 1000 gpm, and Type 6 initial attack
wildland engines require approximately 50-100 gpm
depending on the specific CAL FIRE model. A Type 3 engine
balances mobility with adequate flow for rural and wildland-
urban interface environments.
Question 2
,Page 3 of 190
Scenario: The Apparatus Engineer is positioning the engine at a
growing vegetation fire in heavy timber. The company officer
orders a defensive anchor point established on the unburned
flank. According to CAL FIRE wildland operation SOPs, which
apparatus positioning principle is most critical?
A) Position the engine directly between the flames and any
structures to shield exposures.
B) Position the engine in the green (unburned fuel) at least 100
feet from the fire edge, using a cleared anchor point.
C) Position the engine directly in front of the advancing flame
front to cool it aerially.
D) Position the engine at a road intersection and wait for air
attack.
Answer: B
Rationale: CAL FIRE wildland anchoring procedures emphasize
establishing a defensible position in the green (unburned) fuel.
, Page 4 of 190
The anchor point must provide tactical flexibility, and the engine
positions at least 100 feet from the fire edge, using a cleared
area on an unburned flank. The "green" area is prioritized to
ensure the engine team does not become entrapped.
Question 3
Scenario: You are assigned to a Type 1 structural engine at a
large commercial building fire. The incident commander orders
the FAE to set up a water supply relay from a hydrant 1,500
feet away. According to NFPA 1962 and CAL FIRE hydraulics
SOPs, what is the recommended size of LDH hose for this
operation?
A) 2½-inch supply lines
B) 3-inch supply lines
C) 5-inch or larger LDH
D) 1¾-inch attack lines
