ANSI/IICRC S700 Fire and Smoke Damage
Restoration – IICRC S700 Exam Preparation Study
Guide, Original Practice Questions & Answers,
Comprehensive Fire and Smoke Restoration Review,
Damage Assessment, Smoke Residues, Cleaning
Methods, Restoration Procedures, Safety,
Documentation & 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 establish a final cost estimate for the insurance claim
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration
C. To assign liability for the cause of the fire event
D. To create a schedule for demolition and reconstruction activities
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 (RWP) to formally document the assessment findings, restoration objectives,
cleaning methods, deodorization strategies, and verification procedures. This ensures
that restoration activities are systematic, consistent, and defensible, guiding the entire
project from assessment to post-restoration evaluation .
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 ignition source
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heat, fuel, and oxygen
Rationale: The fire triangle consists of three elements—heat, fuel, and oxygen—that
must all be present simultaneously for combustion to occur. Removing any one of these
components will prevent a fire from starting or extinguish an existing fire. This
fundamental fire science principle is essential knowledge for restoration technicians
when assessing fire behavior and resultant damage patterns .
Question 3: Which type of smoke residue is typically produced by the fast-
burning, high-temperature combustion of natural materials like wood or
paper?
A. Wet smoke
B. Dry smoke
,C. Protein smoke
D. Fuel oil soot
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry smoke
Rationale: Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high-temperature fires involving natural
materials such as wood, paper, or cotton. It produces a fine, powdery, black soot that is
relatively easy to remove with dry cleaning methods such as chemical sponges.
Understanding the residue type is critical for selecting appropriate cleaning techniques
and restoration strategies per the S700 Standard .
Question 4: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required
when entering a structure with visible soot contamination and unknown air
quality according to S700 and OSHA guidelines?
A. Safety glasses and gloves only
B. N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
C. Full-face respirator with P100 or organic vapor cartridges, gloves, coveralls, and eye
protection
D. No PPE is required if the structure has been adequately ventilated
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Full-face respirator with P100 or organic vapor
cartridges, gloves, coveralls, and eye protection
Rationale: Fire-damaged structures may contain hazardous airborne contaminants
including soot particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and potential carcinogens.
ANSI/IICRC S700 and OSHA guidelines mandate comprehensive PPE, including
appropriate respiratory protection (P100 or organic vapor cartridges), skin protection
(coveralls and gloves), and eye protection to safeguard technicians during assessment
and restoration activities .
Question 5: 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 chemically altering their structure through oxidation. Ozone generators
must be used in unoccupied spaces with proper safety protocols due to respiratory
hazards. This method is effective for penetrating porous materials where odors become
trapped, and is recognized as a primary deodorization technique in the S700 Standard .
Question 6: 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 building components after fire exposure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke
residues on surfaces
Rationale: Soil loading in fire restoration describes the density and pattern of soot and
smoke residue deposition on surfaces. This concept is essential for determining the
appropriate cleaning methods, estimating labor requirements, and developing the
Restoration Work Plan. The S700 Standard notes that fire residues typically deposit in
greater quantities on horizontal surfaces than vertical surfaces, which aids in visual
inspection .
Question 7: According to the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard, which of the
following areas is NOT comprehensively addressed by the standard?
A. Assessment of fire residues and odors affecting building systems
B. Restoration cleaning of buildings and contents
C. Reconstruction issues and building demolition as a source removal procedure
D. Development of the Restoration Work Plan (RWP)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reconstruction issues and building demolition as a
source removal procedure
Rationale: While the S700 Standard addresses building demolition specifically for Fire
and Smoke Damage (FSD) assessment, mitigation, or as a source removal procedure, it
does not comprehensively address broader reconstruction issues. The standard's scope
is primarily focused on assessment, mitigation, and restoration cleaning rather than full
reconstruction .
Question 8: The average size of a smoke particulate is most commonly in what
range?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns
B. 0.1 - 4 microns
C. 5 - 10 microns
D. 10 - 50 microns
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 0.1 - 4 microns
Rationale: Smoke particles typically range from 0.1 to 4 microns in size. This extremely
small particle size allows smoke to remain suspended in air for long periods and
penetrate deeply into porous materials. Understanding smoke particulate size is critical
for selecting appropriate filtration equipment and cleaning methods, as well as
understanding smoke migration behavior .
Question 9: What is the primary factor that drives smoke migration toward
cooler surfaces in a structure?
, A. Gravitational settling of particles
B. Electrostatic attraction to ionized particles
C. Convection currents and temperature differentials
D. Air pressure differences between interior and exterior
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Convection currents and temperature differentials
Rationale: Smoke migration toward cooler surfaces is primarily driven by convection
currents. As smoke is heated by the fire, it rises and then moves toward cooler surfaces
where it condenses and deposits. This principle explains why smoke damage is often
found on cooler walls, windows, and surfaces away from the fire's direct heat.
Understanding this behavior is essential for comprehensive smoke damage assessment .
Question 10: Which type of soot residue is most likely to be encountered after
a synthetic polymer fire involving materials like PVC or polyurethane?
A. Gray/black dry powder
B. Greasy, clear/yellowish residue
C. Black, smeary, dense oily residue
D. White, fluffy ash
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Black, smeary, dense oily residue
Rationale: Synthetic polymer fires produce a dense, oily black soot that is smeary in
nature due to high carbon content and additives present in plastics and synthetic
materials. This type of residue is particularly challenging to clean and often requires
specialized cleaning agents and techniques. Synthetic polymers release complex
chemical compounds when burned, making the residue more difficult to remove than
dry smoke from natural materials .
Question 11: According to the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard, what does the term
"Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) refer to?
A. The insurance company responsible for claim approval
B. The restoration contractor managing the project
C. An entity with the authority and responsibility for enforcing applicable federal, state,
provincial, and local laws and regulations
D. The property owner who has legal jurisdiction over the building
CORRECT ANSWER: C. An entity with the authority and responsibility for
enforcing applicable federal, state, provincial, and local laws and regulations
Rationale: The S700 Standard defines the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as an
entity that has the authority and responsibility for enforcing applicable federal, state,
provincial, and local laws and regulations. Restoration contractors must comply with
AHJ requirements throughout the restoration process, particularly regarding safety,
hazardous materials handling, and waste disposal .
Question 12: What is the recommended first-step cleaning method for
removing dry, powdery soot from non-porous surfaces like glass or metal?
Restoration – IICRC S700 Exam Preparation Study
Guide, Original Practice Questions & Answers,
Comprehensive Fire and Smoke Restoration Review,
Damage Assessment, Smoke Residues, Cleaning
Methods, Restoration Procedures, Safety,
Documentation & 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 establish a final cost estimate for the insurance claim
B. To document the scope, methods, and procedures for fire and smoke damage
restoration
C. To assign liability for the cause of the fire event
D. To create a schedule for demolition and reconstruction activities
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 (RWP) to formally document the assessment findings, restoration objectives,
cleaning methods, deodorization strategies, and verification procedures. This ensures
that restoration activities are systematic, consistent, and defensible, guiding the entire
project from assessment to post-restoration evaluation .
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 ignition source
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Heat, fuel, and oxygen
Rationale: The fire triangle consists of three elements—heat, fuel, and oxygen—that
must all be present simultaneously for combustion to occur. Removing any one of these
components will prevent a fire from starting or extinguish an existing fire. This
fundamental fire science principle is essential knowledge for restoration technicians
when assessing fire behavior and resultant damage patterns .
Question 3: Which type of smoke residue is typically produced by the fast-
burning, high-temperature combustion of natural materials like wood or
paper?
A. Wet smoke
B. Dry smoke
,C. Protein smoke
D. Fuel oil soot
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dry smoke
Rationale: Dry smoke results from fast-burning, high-temperature fires involving natural
materials such as wood, paper, or cotton. It produces a fine, powdery, black soot that is
relatively easy to remove with dry cleaning methods such as chemical sponges.
Understanding the residue type is critical for selecting appropriate cleaning techniques
and restoration strategies per the S700 Standard .
Question 4: What personal protective equipment (PPE) is minimally required
when entering a structure with visible soot contamination and unknown air
quality according to S700 and OSHA guidelines?
A. Safety glasses and gloves only
B. N95 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls
C. Full-face respirator with P100 or organic vapor cartridges, gloves, coveralls, and eye
protection
D. No PPE is required if the structure has been adequately ventilated
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Full-face respirator with P100 or organic vapor
cartridges, gloves, coveralls, and eye protection
Rationale: Fire-damaged structures may contain hazardous airborne contaminants
including soot particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and potential carcinogens.
ANSI/IICRC S700 and OSHA guidelines mandate comprehensive PPE, including
appropriate respiratory protection (P100 or organic vapor cartridges), skin protection
(coveralls and gloves), and eye protection to safeguard technicians during assessment
and restoration activities .
Question 5: 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 chemically altering their structure through oxidation. Ozone generators
must be used in unoccupied spaces with proper safety protocols due to respiratory
hazards. This method is effective for penetrating porous materials where odors become
trapped, and is recognized as a primary deodorization technique in the S700 Standard .
Question 6: 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 building components after fire exposure
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The concentration and distribution of soot and smoke
residues on surfaces
Rationale: Soil loading in fire restoration describes the density and pattern of soot and
smoke residue deposition on surfaces. This concept is essential for determining the
appropriate cleaning methods, estimating labor requirements, and developing the
Restoration Work Plan. The S700 Standard notes that fire residues typically deposit in
greater quantities on horizontal surfaces than vertical surfaces, which aids in visual
inspection .
Question 7: According to the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard, which of the
following areas is NOT comprehensively addressed by the standard?
A. Assessment of fire residues and odors affecting building systems
B. Restoration cleaning of buildings and contents
C. Reconstruction issues and building demolition as a source removal procedure
D. Development of the Restoration Work Plan (RWP)
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Reconstruction issues and building demolition as a
source removal procedure
Rationale: While the S700 Standard addresses building demolition specifically for Fire
and Smoke Damage (FSD) assessment, mitigation, or as a source removal procedure, it
does not comprehensively address broader reconstruction issues. The standard's scope
is primarily focused on assessment, mitigation, and restoration cleaning rather than full
reconstruction .
Question 8: The average size of a smoke particulate is most commonly in what
range?
A. 0.01 - 0.05 microns
B. 0.1 - 4 microns
C. 5 - 10 microns
D. 10 - 50 microns
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 0.1 - 4 microns
Rationale: Smoke particles typically range from 0.1 to 4 microns in size. This extremely
small particle size allows smoke to remain suspended in air for long periods and
penetrate deeply into porous materials. Understanding smoke particulate size is critical
for selecting appropriate filtration equipment and cleaning methods, as well as
understanding smoke migration behavior .
Question 9: What is the primary factor that drives smoke migration toward
cooler surfaces in a structure?
, A. Gravitational settling of particles
B. Electrostatic attraction to ionized particles
C. Convection currents and temperature differentials
D. Air pressure differences between interior and exterior
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Convection currents and temperature differentials
Rationale: Smoke migration toward cooler surfaces is primarily driven by convection
currents. As smoke is heated by the fire, it rises and then moves toward cooler surfaces
where it condenses and deposits. This principle explains why smoke damage is often
found on cooler walls, windows, and surfaces away from the fire's direct heat.
Understanding this behavior is essential for comprehensive smoke damage assessment .
Question 10: Which type of soot residue is most likely to be encountered after
a synthetic polymer fire involving materials like PVC or polyurethane?
A. Gray/black dry powder
B. Greasy, clear/yellowish residue
C. Black, smeary, dense oily residue
D. White, fluffy ash
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Black, smeary, dense oily residue
Rationale: Synthetic polymer fires produce a dense, oily black soot that is smeary in
nature due to high carbon content and additives present in plastics and synthetic
materials. This type of residue is particularly challenging to clean and often requires
specialized cleaning agents and techniques. Synthetic polymers release complex
chemical compounds when burned, making the residue more difficult to remove than
dry smoke from natural materials .
Question 11: According to the ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard, what does the term
"Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) refer to?
A. The insurance company responsible for claim approval
B. The restoration contractor managing the project
C. An entity with the authority and responsibility for enforcing applicable federal, state,
provincial, and local laws and regulations
D. The property owner who has legal jurisdiction over the building
CORRECT ANSWER: C. An entity with the authority and responsibility for
enforcing applicable federal, state, provincial, and local laws and regulations
Rationale: The S700 Standard defines the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as an
entity that has the authority and responsibility for enforcing applicable federal, state,
provincial, and local laws and regulations. Restoration contractors must comply with
AHJ requirements throughout the restoration process, particularly regarding safety,
hazardous materials handling, and waste disposal .
Question 12: What is the recommended first-step cleaning method for
removing dry, powdery soot from non-porous surfaces like glass or metal?
