IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
,IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
Question 1
Which of the following BEST describes the scientific method as used in fire
investigation?
A) A process of elimination based on investigator intuition
B) A systematic approach involving observation, hypothesis, testing, and
conclusion
C) A legal procedure for arresting arson suspects
D) A method for estimating fire damage costs
Correct Answer: B) A systematic approach involving observation,
hypothesis, testing, and conclusion
Rationale: NFPA 921 mandates the scientific method for fire investigations. It
includes recognizing the need, collecting data, analyzing, developing and
testing hypotheses, and reaching a conclusion.
Question 2
What is the PRIMARY reason for establishing a command post at a fire
scene?
A) To coordinate investigation efforts and maintain scene security
B) To provide refreshments for investigators
C) To store evidence temporarily
D) To serve as a media briefing area
Correct Answer: A) To coordinate investigation efforts and maintain
scene security
Rationale: A command post centralizes communication, assigns tasks, and
ensures the scene is controlled and secure.
,IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of a COMBUSTIBLE liquid?
A) Gasoline
B) Kerosene
C) Acetone
D) Ethanol
Correct Answer: B) Kerosene
Rationale: Combustible liquids have a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C).
Kerosene is a combustible liquid, whereas gasoline, acetone, and ethanol are
classified as flammable liquids.
Question 4
What does the term "ignition lag" refer to?
A) The time delay between the arrival of heat and the start of combustion
B) The time between fire ignition and fire department notification
C) The delay in fire spread through a wall
D) The time between flashover and full development
Correct Answer: A) The time delay between the arrival of heat and the
start of combustion
Rationale: Ignition lag is the period required for a material to absorb
sufficient heat to reach its ignition temperature. It varies by material
properties and heat flux.
, IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
Question 5
Which of the following is a key indicator that a fire may have been
INCENDIARY?
A) Single point of origin in the kitchen
B) Presence of a trailer or combustible material connecting separate areas
C) Fire confined to one room
D) Charring consistent with normal fire spread
Correct Answer: B) Presence of a trailer or combustible material
connecting separate areas
Rationale: Trailers are often used in arson to spread fire from one location to
another. Their presence strongly suggests intentional ignition.
Question 6
What is the term for the layer of hot gases that accumulates at the ceiling
during a compartment fire?
A) Plume layer
B) Upper layer
C) Pyrolysis zone
D) Flame zone
Correct Answer: B) Upper layer
Rationale: The upper layer is the hot gas layer that forms beneath the ceiling
due to buoyancy. It is a critical factor in fire growth and flashover.
Question 7
When conducting a scene examination, which area should be examined
FIRST?
,IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
Question 1
Which of the following BEST describes the scientific method as used in fire
investigation?
A) A process of elimination based on investigator intuition
B) A systematic approach involving observation, hypothesis, testing, and
conclusion
C) A legal procedure for arresting arson suspects
D) A method for estimating fire damage costs
Correct Answer: B) A systematic approach involving observation,
hypothesis, testing, and conclusion
Rationale: NFPA 921 mandates the scientific method for fire investigations. It
includes recognizing the need, collecting data, analyzing, developing and
testing hypotheses, and reaching a conclusion.
Question 2
What is the PRIMARY reason for establishing a command post at a fire
scene?
A) To coordinate investigation efforts and maintain scene security
B) To provide refreshments for investigators
C) To store evidence temporarily
D) To serve as a media briefing area
Correct Answer: A) To coordinate investigation efforts and maintain
scene security
Rationale: A command post centralizes communication, assigns tasks, and
ensures the scene is controlled and secure.
,IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of a COMBUSTIBLE liquid?
A) Gasoline
B) Kerosene
C) Acetone
D) Ethanol
Correct Answer: B) Kerosene
Rationale: Combustible liquids have a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C).
Kerosene is a combustible liquid, whereas gasoline, acetone, and ethanol are
classified as flammable liquids.
Question 4
What does the term "ignition lag" refer to?
A) The time delay between the arrival of heat and the start of combustion
B) The time between fire ignition and fire department notification
C) The delay in fire spread through a wall
D) The time between flashover and full development
Correct Answer: A) The time delay between the arrival of heat and the
start of combustion
Rationale: Ignition lag is the period required for a material to absorb
sufficient heat to reach its ignition temperature. It varies by material
properties and heat flux.
, IFSTA FIRE INVESTIGATOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
Question 5
Which of the following is a key indicator that a fire may have been
INCENDIARY?
A) Single point of origin in the kitchen
B) Presence of a trailer or combustible material connecting separate areas
C) Fire confined to one room
D) Charring consistent with normal fire spread
Correct Answer: B) Presence of a trailer or combustible material
connecting separate areas
Rationale: Trailers are often used in arson to spread fire from one location to
another. Their presence strongly suggests intentional ignition.
Question 6
What is the term for the layer of hot gases that accumulates at the ceiling
during a compartment fire?
A) Plume layer
B) Upper layer
C) Pyrolysis zone
D) Flame zone
Correct Answer: B) Upper layer
Rationale: The upper layer is the hot gas layer that forms beneath the ceiling
due to buoyancy. It is a critical factor in fire growth and flashover.
Question 7
When conducting a scene examination, which area should be examined
FIRST?
