ANSI/IICRC S700 Fire and Smoke Damage
Restoration – IICRC S700 Study Guide & Exam
Preparation, Original Practice Questions and
Answers, Comprehensive Fire & Smoke Restoration
Review, Smoke Damage, Fire Damage, Cleaning,
Restoration Procedures, Safety & Professional
Practices
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 final cost of reconstruction for insurance purposes.
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration.
C. To assign legal liability for the cause of the fire incident.
D. To schedule the demolition and disposal of structural materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for
fire and smoke damage restoration.
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard mandates the creation of a Restoration Work
Plan (RWP) to systematically document assessment findings, restoration objectives,
chosen cleaning and deodorization methods, and verification procedures. This ensures a
consistent, defensible, and professional approach to the project .
Question 2: What are the three essential components required for combustion
to occur, commonly referred to as 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 three necessary elements: heat (to raise the fuel
to its ignition temperature), fuel (the material that burns), and oxygen (an oxidizer that
supports the chemical reaction). Removing any of these three components will prevent
or extinguish the fire .
Question 3: Which type of smoke residue is typically produced by the slow,
smoldering combustion of natural materials like wood or paper, characterized
by a heavy, black, powdery soot?
A. Wet smoke.
B. Protein residue.
C. Dry smoke.
D. Fuel oil residue.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 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 is relatively
easy to remove with dry cleaning methods like chemical sponges, as opposed to wet
smoke which is oily and smeary .
Question 4: 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 ventilated.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls,
and eye protection.
Rationale: Fire-damaged structures contain hazardous airborne contaminants, including
soot particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and potentially carcinogenic
substances. IICRC and OSHA guidelines require comprehensive PPE, including a full-
face respirator with P100 (or organic vapor cartridges) for respiratory and eye
protection, along with coveralls and gloves to prevent skin contamination .
Question 5: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard describes the assessment of fire
residues and odors affecting various components of a building. Which of the
following is explicitly mentioned as a system that must be assessed?
A. Plumbing and drainage systems.
B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
C. Electrical wiring and conduit.
D. Natural gas supply lines.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
systems.
Rationale: The scope of the S700 Standard explicitly includes the assessment and
restoration of building systems affected by fire residues and odors, with specific mention
of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) and Air Conveyance Systems
(ACS) .
Question 6: What is the fundamental first step recommended in the
ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for addressing odor control in a fire-damaged
structure?
A. Applying a thermal fog to neutralize odors.
B. Placing ozone generators throughout the structure.
C. Performing thorough source removal through physical cleaning.
D. Encapsulating all affected surfaces with a sealant.
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Performing thorough source removal through physical
cleaning.
Rationale: IICRC standards and best practices emphasize that source removal—
physically cleaning and removing the odor-causing residues—is the foundational step in
odor control. Supplemental technologies like ozone, hydroxyl generators, or sealing
should only be considered after all possible residues have been removed through
cleaning .
Question 7: Which deodorization method works by chemically altering odor
molecules through oxidation, breaking them down into less odorous
compounds?
A. Adsorption using activated charcoal.
B. Masking with fragrances.
C. Ozone treatment.
D. Thermal fogging.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ozone treatment.
Rationale: Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidizing agent. It works by chemically altering and
breaking down odor-causing molecules, which changes their chemical structure and
eliminates the odor. Ozone generators must be used in unoccupied spaces due to
respiratory hazards .
Question 8: When assessing fire damage, what does the term "soil loading"
refer 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 of materials after fire exposure.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke
residues on surfaces.
Rationale: Soil loading is a critical assessment concept that describes the density,
thickness, and pattern of smoke and soot residues deposited on surfaces. This
evaluation helps technicians determine the appropriate cleaning methods, chemicals,
and agitation required for effective restoration .
Question 9: A fire in a modern home with many synthetic furnishings typically
produces more toxic and corrosive residues than a fire in a home with mostly
natural materials. Why?
A. Modern materials burn at a much cooler temperature.
B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds that form acids
and toxic gases.
C. Modern homes have lower oxygen levels by design.
D. 1950s homes had more electrical wiring to create fire.
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and
sulfur compounds that form acids and toxic gases.
Rationale: Synthetic polymers like PVC, polyurethane, and nylon contain additives such
as chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur. When burned, they release hydrochloric acid (HCl),
hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx), which are
significantly more toxic and corrosive to metals and electronics than the residues from
burning natural cellulose .
Question 10: Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary smoke
residue categories recognized by the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard?
A. Dry smoke.
B. Protein residue.
C. Electrical arc residue.
D. Fuel oil residue.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Electrical arc residue.
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard recognizes four primary smoke residue
categories: dry smoke, wet smoke, protein, and fuel oil. "Electrical arc residue" is not a
defined primary category in the standard, although electrical fires can produce residues
that fall into these categories depending on what materials were ignited .
Question 11: What is "char" best described as in the context of fire damage
restoration?
A. Light gray dust from completely combusted wood.
B. A liquid byproduct of burning synthetic materials.
C. Material that has been heated enough to be carbonized but not fully consumed by
combustion.
D. The deodorant produced by hydroxyl generators.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Material that has been heated enough to be carbonized
but not fully consumed by combustion.
Rationale: Char is partially combusted material—typically wood—that has been
carbonized (turned black) but not fully consumed by the fire. In fire restoration, charred
framing is structurally compromised and is usually removed or, if structurally sound,
may be encapsulated after surface cleaning methods such as soda or dry-ice blasting .
Question 12: What is the approximate average size range of a smoke
particulate, which influences its ability to penetrate materials and remain
airborne?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns.
B. 0.1 - 4 microns.
C. 5 - 10 microns.
D. 10 - 50 microns.
Restoration – IICRC S700 Study Guide & Exam
Preparation, Original Practice Questions and
Answers, Comprehensive Fire & Smoke Restoration
Review, Smoke Damage, Fire Damage, Cleaning,
Restoration Procedures, Safety & Professional
Practices
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 final cost of reconstruction for insurance purposes.
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration.
C. To assign legal liability for the cause of the fire incident.
D. To schedule the demolition and disposal of structural materials.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for
fire and smoke damage restoration.
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard mandates the creation of a Restoration Work
Plan (RWP) to systematically document assessment findings, restoration objectives,
chosen cleaning and deodorization methods, and verification procedures. This ensures a
consistent, defensible, and professional approach to the project .
Question 2: What are the three essential components required for combustion
to occur, commonly referred to as 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 three necessary elements: heat (to raise the fuel
to its ignition temperature), fuel (the material that burns), and oxygen (an oxidizer that
supports the chemical reaction). Removing any of these three components will prevent
or extinguish the fire .
Question 3: Which type of smoke residue is typically produced by the slow,
smoldering combustion of natural materials like wood or paper, characterized
by a heavy, black, powdery soot?
A. Wet smoke.
B. Protein residue.
C. Dry smoke.
D. Fuel oil residue.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 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 is relatively
easy to remove with dry cleaning methods like chemical sponges, as opposed to wet
smoke which is oily and smeary .
Question 4: 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 ventilated.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls,
and eye protection.
Rationale: Fire-damaged structures contain hazardous airborne contaminants, including
soot particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and potentially carcinogenic
substances. IICRC and OSHA guidelines require comprehensive PPE, including a full-
face respirator with P100 (or organic vapor cartridges) for respiratory and eye
protection, along with coveralls and gloves to prevent skin contamination .
Question 5: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard describes the assessment of fire
residues and odors affecting various components of a building. Which of the
following is explicitly mentioned as a system that must be assessed?
A. Plumbing and drainage systems.
B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems.
C. Electrical wiring and conduit.
D. Natural gas supply lines.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
systems.
Rationale: The scope of the S700 Standard explicitly includes the assessment and
restoration of building systems affected by fire residues and odors, with specific mention
of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) and Air Conveyance Systems
(ACS) .
Question 6: What is the fundamental first step recommended in the
ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for addressing odor control in a fire-damaged
structure?
A. Applying a thermal fog to neutralize odors.
B. Placing ozone generators throughout the structure.
C. Performing thorough source removal through physical cleaning.
D. Encapsulating all affected surfaces with a sealant.
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Performing thorough source removal through physical
cleaning.
Rationale: IICRC standards and best practices emphasize that source removal—
physically cleaning and removing the odor-causing residues—is the foundational step in
odor control. Supplemental technologies like ozone, hydroxyl generators, or sealing
should only be considered after all possible residues have been removed through
cleaning .
Question 7: Which deodorization method works by chemically altering odor
molecules through oxidation, breaking them down into less odorous
compounds?
A. Adsorption using activated charcoal.
B. Masking with fragrances.
C. Ozone treatment.
D. Thermal fogging.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ozone treatment.
Rationale: Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidizing agent. It works by chemically altering and
breaking down odor-causing molecules, which changes their chemical structure and
eliminates the odor. Ozone generators must be used in unoccupied spaces due to
respiratory hazards .
Question 8: When assessing fire damage, what does the term "soil loading"
refer 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 of materials after fire exposure.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke
residues on surfaces.
Rationale: Soil loading is a critical assessment concept that describes the density,
thickness, and pattern of smoke and soot residues deposited on surfaces. This
evaluation helps technicians determine the appropriate cleaning methods, chemicals,
and agitation required for effective restoration .
Question 9: A fire in a modern home with many synthetic furnishings typically
produces more toxic and corrosive residues than a fire in a home with mostly
natural materials. Why?
A. Modern materials burn at a much cooler temperature.
B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds that form acids
and toxic gases.
C. Modern homes have lower oxygen levels by design.
D. 1950s homes had more electrical wiring to create fire.
, CORRECT ANSWER: B. Synthetic polymers release chlorine, nitrogen, and
sulfur compounds that form acids and toxic gases.
Rationale: Synthetic polymers like PVC, polyurethane, and nylon contain additives such
as chlorine, nitrogen, and sulfur. When burned, they release hydrochloric acid (HCl),
hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx), which are
significantly more toxic and corrosive to metals and electronics than the residues from
burning natural cellulose .
Question 10: Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary smoke
residue categories recognized by the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard?
A. Dry smoke.
B. Protein residue.
C. Electrical arc residue.
D. Fuel oil residue.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Electrical arc residue.
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard recognizes four primary smoke residue
categories: dry smoke, wet smoke, protein, and fuel oil. "Electrical arc residue" is not a
defined primary category in the standard, although electrical fires can produce residues
that fall into these categories depending on what materials were ignited .
Question 11: What is "char" best described as in the context of fire damage
restoration?
A. Light gray dust from completely combusted wood.
B. A liquid byproduct of burning synthetic materials.
C. Material that has been heated enough to be carbonized but not fully consumed by
combustion.
D. The deodorant produced by hydroxyl generators.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Material that has been heated enough to be carbonized
but not fully consumed by combustion.
Rationale: Char is partially combusted material—typically wood—that has been
carbonized (turned black) but not fully consumed by the fire. In fire restoration, charred
framing is structurally compromised and is usually removed or, if structurally sound,
may be encapsulated after surface cleaning methods such as soda or dry-ice blasting .
Question 12: What is the approximate average size range of a smoke
particulate, which influences its ability to penetrate materials and remain
airborne?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns.
B. 0.1 - 4 microns.
C. 5 - 10 microns.
D. 10 - 50 microns.
