ANSI/IICRC S700 Fire and Smoke Damage
Restoration – IICRC S700 Comprehensive Study
Guide & Assessment Preparation, Original Practice
Questions and Answers, Fire & Smoke Restoration
Review, Damage Inspection, Smoke Residues,
Cleaning Techniques, Restoration Procedures,
Safety & Professional Practices
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of developing a Restoration Work
Plan (RWP) as required by the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard?
A. To estimate the total cost of reconstruction for the insurance claim
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration
C. To assign liability for the fire incident to the responsible party
D. To determine the amount of insurance coverage available to the client
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for
fire and smoke damage restoration
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard requires the development of a Restoration
Work Plan to systematically document assessment findings, restoration objectives,
cleaning methods, deodorization strategies, and verification procedures. This ensures
that the restoration process is consistent, defensible, and follows a structured approach
based on the specific conditions of the fire-damaged property .
Question 2: Which of the following correctly identifies the three essential
components required for combustion, as represented by the fire triangle?
A. Fuel, oxygen, 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 must be
present simultaneously for combustion to occur. Removing any one of these
components will prevent a fire from starting or extinguish an existing fire, which is
fundamental knowledge for fire restoration technicians .
Question 3: What type of smoke residue is typically produced by the slow,
smoldering combustion of natural materials like wood or paper and is
characterized by heavy, black, powdery soot?
A. Wet smoke residue
B. Dry smoke residue
C. Protein residue
D. Fuel oil soot
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry smoke residue
Rationale: Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high-temperature fires, but the
description also applies to slow smoldering of natural materials which produces a fine,
powdery, black soot. This type of residue is relatively easier to remove with dry cleaning
methods compared to wet or protein-based residues .
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required
when entering a structure with visible soot contamination and unknown
atmospheric conditions?
A. Safety glasses and gloves only
B. An N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
C. A full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls, and eye protection
D. A disposable dust mask and work boots
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A 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 PPE, including a full-
face respirator with P100 filters for respiratory and eye protection, along with coveralls
and gloves to prevent skin contamination .
Question 5: Which cleaning method is MOST appropriate for removing dry,
powdery soot from non-porous surfaces like glass or metal as an initial step?
A. Wet cleaning with an alkaline detergent
B. Dry sponge wiping with a chemical sponge
C. Abrasive blasting with media
D. Solvent-based degreasing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry sponge wiping with a chemical sponge
Rationale: Dry chemical sponges (soot sponges) are specifically designed to lift dry,
powdery soot from non-porous surfaces without smearing or driving the residue deeper.
This method is recommended by IICRC guidelines as a first-step cleaning technique
before considering wet methods, which can cause smearing on certain residues .
Question 6: What is the primary function of an air scrubber equipped with a
HEPA filter in fire and smoke damage restoration?
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 odors
D. To humidify dry air post-fire for occupant comfort
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. This improves indoor air quality during restoration,
protects workers, and prevents cross-contamination to unaffected areas .
Question 7: Which type of smoke residue is produced by the combustion of
natural materials such as wood or paper and is typically dry and powdery?
A. Wet smoke residue
B. Protein residue
C. Natural substance residue
D. Fuel oil residue
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Natural substance residue
Rationale: Natural substance residues result from burning organic materials like wood,
paper, or cotton. These residues are typically dry, powdery, and easier to clean
compared to protein or petroleum-based residues, which require specialized cleaning
approaches per IICRC S700 standards .
Question 8: What is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-cleaning
inspection in fire damage restoration?
A. To estimate the insurance claim values
B. To identify the type of smoke residue and affected materials
C. To determine the cause of the fire incident
D. To schedule the delivery of equipment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify the type of smoke residue and affected
materials
Rationale: A thorough pre-cleaning inspection allows technicians to classify smoke
residues, assess material porosity, and develop an appropriate cleaning strategy. This
critical step ensures effective restoration while preventing further damage .
Question 9: In fire restoration contexts, what does the term "thermal
degradation" refer to?
A. The cooling process of structural materials following a fire
B. The chemical breakdown of materials due to heat exposure
C. The evaporation of moisture from building components
D. The structural collapse risk assessment
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 this
process informs assessment and remediation decisions .
, Question 10: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment and
requires non-conductive extinguishing agents?
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 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 .
Question 11: 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 (O3) is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down odor-causing
molecules by altering their chemical structure. Ozone generators must be used in
unoccupied spaces with proper safety protocols due to respiratory hazards .
Question 12: 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
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 smoke residue accumulation
on surfaces. This assessment guides the selection of cleaning methods and determines
the level of effort required for restoration .
Question 13: What is the average size range of a smoke particulate?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns
B. 0.1 - 4 microns
C. 5 - 10 microns
D. 10 - 50 microns
Restoration – IICRC S700 Comprehensive Study
Guide & Assessment Preparation, Original Practice
Questions and Answers, Fire & Smoke Restoration
Review, Damage Inspection, Smoke Residues,
Cleaning Techniques, Restoration Procedures,
Safety & Professional Practices
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of developing a Restoration Work
Plan (RWP) as required by the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard?
A. To estimate the total cost of reconstruction for the insurance claim
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration
C. To assign liability for the fire incident to the responsible party
D. To determine the amount of insurance coverage available to the client
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for
fire and smoke damage restoration
Rationale: The ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard requires the development of a Restoration
Work Plan to systematically document assessment findings, restoration objectives,
cleaning methods, deodorization strategies, and verification procedures. This ensures
that the restoration process is consistent, defensible, and follows a structured approach
based on the specific conditions of the fire-damaged property .
Question 2: Which of the following correctly identifies the three essential
components required for combustion, as represented by the fire triangle?
A. Fuel, oxygen, 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 must be
present simultaneously for combustion to occur. Removing any one of these
components will prevent a fire from starting or extinguish an existing fire, which is
fundamental knowledge for fire restoration technicians .
Question 3: What type of smoke residue is typically produced by the slow,
smoldering combustion of natural materials like wood or paper and is
characterized by heavy, black, powdery soot?
A. Wet smoke residue
B. Dry smoke residue
C. Protein residue
D. Fuel oil soot
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry smoke residue
Rationale: Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high-temperature fires, but the
description also applies to slow smoldering of natural materials which produces a fine,
powdery, black soot. This type of residue is relatively easier to remove with dry cleaning
methods compared to wet or protein-based residues .
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required
when entering a structure with visible soot contamination and unknown
atmospheric conditions?
A. Safety glasses and gloves only
B. An N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
C. A full-face respirator with P100 filters, gloves, coveralls, and eye protection
D. A disposable dust mask and work boots
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A 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 PPE, including a full-
face respirator with P100 filters for respiratory and eye protection, along with coveralls
and gloves to prevent skin contamination .
Question 5: Which cleaning method is MOST appropriate for removing dry,
powdery soot from non-porous surfaces like glass or metal as an initial step?
A. Wet cleaning with an alkaline detergent
B. Dry sponge wiping with a chemical sponge
C. Abrasive blasting with media
D. Solvent-based degreasing
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry sponge wiping with a chemical sponge
Rationale: Dry chemical sponges (soot sponges) are specifically designed to lift dry,
powdery soot from non-porous surfaces without smearing or driving the residue deeper.
This method is recommended by IICRC guidelines as a first-step cleaning technique
before considering wet methods, which can cause smearing on certain residues .
Question 6: What is the primary function of an air scrubber equipped with a
HEPA filter in fire and smoke damage restoration?
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 odors
D. To humidify dry air post-fire for occupant comfort
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. This improves indoor air quality during restoration,
protects workers, and prevents cross-contamination to unaffected areas .
Question 7: Which type of smoke residue is produced by the combustion of
natural materials such as wood or paper and is typically dry and powdery?
A. Wet smoke residue
B. Protein residue
C. Natural substance residue
D. Fuel oil residue
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Natural substance residue
Rationale: Natural substance residues result from burning organic materials like wood,
paper, or cotton. These residues are typically dry, powdery, and easier to clean
compared to protein or petroleum-based residues, which require specialized cleaning
approaches per IICRC S700 standards .
Question 8: What is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-cleaning
inspection in fire damage restoration?
A. To estimate the insurance claim values
B. To identify the type of smoke residue and affected materials
C. To determine the cause of the fire incident
D. To schedule the delivery of equipment
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To identify the type of smoke residue and affected
materials
Rationale: A thorough pre-cleaning inspection allows technicians to classify smoke
residues, assess material porosity, and develop an appropriate cleaning strategy. This
critical step ensures effective restoration while preventing further damage .
Question 9: In fire restoration contexts, what does the term "thermal
degradation" refer to?
A. The cooling process of structural materials following a fire
B. The chemical breakdown of materials due to heat exposure
C. The evaporation of moisture from building components
D. The structural collapse risk assessment
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 this
process informs assessment and remediation decisions .
, Question 10: Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment and
requires non-conductive extinguishing agents?
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 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 .
Question 11: 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 (O3) is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down odor-causing
molecules by altering their chemical structure. Ozone generators must be used in
unoccupied spaces with proper safety protocols due to respiratory hazards .
Question 12: 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
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 smoke residue accumulation
on surfaces. This assessment guides the selection of cleaning methods and determines
the level of effort required for restoration .
Question 13: What is the average size range of a smoke particulate?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns
B. 0.1 - 4 microns
C. 5 - 10 microns
D. 10 - 50 microns
