PRACTICE EXAM FIREFIGHTER STUDY
TEST.
Which of the following was not suggested for personnel protection with regard to dealing with the
chemical in question?
A. Keep upwind of the chemical.
B. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
C. Avoid bodily contact with the chemical.
D. Any chemical that may inadvertently contact the body should be washed off with large amounts of
alcohol. - CORRECT ANSWER D. Any chemical that may inadvertently contact the body should be
washed off with large amounts of alcohol.
If a container of ethylene oxide has been subjected to fire for a prolonged period of time, what is the
recommended distance for safe evacuation? - CORRECT ANSWER 5,000 feet
What dilution of ethylene oxide with water is required to effectively inhibit its flammability? - CORRECT
ANSWER 24: 1
Once ethylene oxide becomes contaminated, what kind of chemical process may occur that can
generate enough heat and pressure to rupture its containment? - CORRECT ANSWER Polymerization
13. Which of the following choices is not recognized as a symptom stemming from ethylene oxide vapor
exposure?
A. Eye irritation
B. Skin irritation or burns
C. Irritation of the respiratory system
,D. Loss of muscular function - CORRECT ANSWER C. Irritation of the respiratory system
16. Firefighters often apply a hose stream to the side of a building that is in close proximity to a fire.
What is the primary reason for conducting such an operation? - CORRECT ANSWER Radiant heat given
off by the neighboring fire may adversely affect the nearest wall. Without the coolant effect of the hose
stream, enough heat may be absorbed by an exposed surface to cause ignition and create a separate
blaze.
17. Frequently, people use an octopus wall outlet connection to maximize the number of appliances that
can be plugged into a single outlet. What would this be considered? - CORRECT ANSWER Unsafe,
because the excessive amount of current drawn through the outlet may exceed what it is designed to
handle. This may set the stage for wires to overheat or a short circuit to occur, thus causing a fire within
the partition.
18. What is the greatest danger aspect for someone using an aluminum ladder to install or realign a
rooftop antenna? - CORRECT ANSWER A potential electrical shock hazard is possible when in the vicinity
of power lines.
**Any kind of metal ladder poses an electrical hazard if it comes into contact with an energized power
line. Aluminum is a superb conductor. Choices A and B are incorrect. Choice D refers to a problem
associated with aluminum ladders. However, it is not considered a greater danger than the prospect of
electrocution.**
19. In the process of fighting a fire, your superior officer directs you to perform a different part of the
operation. If, because of the noise and commotion you do not fully hear or comprehend what was said,
what should you do? - CORRECT ANSWER Ask your commanding officer to repeat the instruction.
**Problems that occur at the fire scene that hamper the efficiency of how a fire is handled are normally
attributed to poor communication among firefighters. If a direction is not fully comprehended or clearly
heard, it is better to have it repeated than to undertake action on your own initiative. Effective
teamwork is imperative for any kind of operation to be conducted efficiently. The other choices run
counter to this concept.**
21. If someone's clothing were to catch on fire, what would be an appropriate thing to do? - CORRECT
ANSWER If it is a loose fitting garment, such as a jacket or coat, you should attempt to strip it off.
,Wrap a blanket or something similar around the victim to smother the flames.
Get the victim to drop to the ground and roll slowly.
22. Icy road conditions can be particularly hazardous for driving because - CORRECT ANSWER Friction
between the tires and road is minimized.
**Brakes, contrary to popular thought, are not directly responsible for stopping a vehicle. Instead, they
retard the motion of the wheels. Consequently, friction develops between the tire and the road which is
directly responsible for a vehicle coming to a complete stop.**
23. According to the National Safety Council, each year twenty times more deaths within the United
States are caused by fires than by tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes combined. What can
we deduce from this statement?
A. Fires are more lethal by comparison.
B. Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are taken for granted by most people.
C. People are better able to cope with natural weather phenomena than fire.
D. Statistically there are many more fires than natural weather or geophysical disasters. This, combined
with public apathy and a lack of education about fire, is the probable reason for the high fatality rate. -
CORRECT ANSWER D. Statistically there are many more fires than natural weather or geophysical
disasters. This, combined with public apathy and a lack of education about fire, is the probable reason
for the high fatality rate.
**When the destructive capabilities of fire are compared to those of tornadoes, hurricanes,
earthquakes, and floods, it is a misconception to think that fire is the worst. In fact, the destructive
energy of the other phenomenon discussed is significantly greater. Additionally, fire prevention and
education are taken for granted by most people, thus leading to preventable accidents and consequent
fatalities.**
, 24. When mechanical ventilation is required to help purge heat and smoke from a burning building,
which of the following should be avoided? - CORRECT ANSWER Placing the exhaust fan, if possible, in
the same direction that the prevailing winds are coming from.
**The vented exhaust is being directed against a prevailing wind. This is neither efficient nor desired
because the vented gases could be inadvertently recirculated into the building. The best idea is to use
wind to your advantage, not have it work against you.**
27. In your judgment, what is the best reason for fire hoses to be removed and reloaded on an
apparatus at least once every 30 days?
A. Hose tends to get brittle with little use.
B. Water trapped within a hose after use can stagnate and deteriorate the lining.
C. It reduces the possibility of bends becoming permanently set at certain points in the hoseline.
D. It is just another menial job to keep firefighters constantly busy. - CORRECT ANSWER C. It reduces the
possibility of bends becoming permanently set at certain points in the hoseline.
**It is a fact that hose lines left unused for long periods of time deteriorate more quickly than hoses that
are frequently used. Unloading hose at least once a month eliminates the problem of bends becoming
permanently set in the lining. Once bends happen, hoses can become weak at the bend points and are
more prone to leakage or rupture.**
26. What is the most important attribute a good driver has over someone with marginal driving ability? -
CORRECT ANSWER A good attitude.
28. Firefighters are responsible for preventing any unnecessary damage from occurring to hoselines at
the scene of a fire. Not only are they expensive to replace, but damaged hoses can become ineffective in
fighting a fire if they cannot remain charged because of leaks or ruptures. Which of the following hose-
care practices is not recommended?
A. Avoid excessive dragging.
TEST.
Which of the following was not suggested for personnel protection with regard to dealing with the
chemical in question?
A. Keep upwind of the chemical.
B. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
C. Avoid bodily contact with the chemical.
D. Any chemical that may inadvertently contact the body should be washed off with large amounts of
alcohol. - CORRECT ANSWER D. Any chemical that may inadvertently contact the body should be
washed off with large amounts of alcohol.
If a container of ethylene oxide has been subjected to fire for a prolonged period of time, what is the
recommended distance for safe evacuation? - CORRECT ANSWER 5,000 feet
What dilution of ethylene oxide with water is required to effectively inhibit its flammability? - CORRECT
ANSWER 24: 1
Once ethylene oxide becomes contaminated, what kind of chemical process may occur that can
generate enough heat and pressure to rupture its containment? - CORRECT ANSWER Polymerization
13. Which of the following choices is not recognized as a symptom stemming from ethylene oxide vapor
exposure?
A. Eye irritation
B. Skin irritation or burns
C. Irritation of the respiratory system
,D. Loss of muscular function - CORRECT ANSWER C. Irritation of the respiratory system
16. Firefighters often apply a hose stream to the side of a building that is in close proximity to a fire.
What is the primary reason for conducting such an operation? - CORRECT ANSWER Radiant heat given
off by the neighboring fire may adversely affect the nearest wall. Without the coolant effect of the hose
stream, enough heat may be absorbed by an exposed surface to cause ignition and create a separate
blaze.
17. Frequently, people use an octopus wall outlet connection to maximize the number of appliances that
can be plugged into a single outlet. What would this be considered? - CORRECT ANSWER Unsafe,
because the excessive amount of current drawn through the outlet may exceed what it is designed to
handle. This may set the stage for wires to overheat or a short circuit to occur, thus causing a fire within
the partition.
18. What is the greatest danger aspect for someone using an aluminum ladder to install or realign a
rooftop antenna? - CORRECT ANSWER A potential electrical shock hazard is possible when in the vicinity
of power lines.
**Any kind of metal ladder poses an electrical hazard if it comes into contact with an energized power
line. Aluminum is a superb conductor. Choices A and B are incorrect. Choice D refers to a problem
associated with aluminum ladders. However, it is not considered a greater danger than the prospect of
electrocution.**
19. In the process of fighting a fire, your superior officer directs you to perform a different part of the
operation. If, because of the noise and commotion you do not fully hear or comprehend what was said,
what should you do? - CORRECT ANSWER Ask your commanding officer to repeat the instruction.
**Problems that occur at the fire scene that hamper the efficiency of how a fire is handled are normally
attributed to poor communication among firefighters. If a direction is not fully comprehended or clearly
heard, it is better to have it repeated than to undertake action on your own initiative. Effective
teamwork is imperative for any kind of operation to be conducted efficiently. The other choices run
counter to this concept.**
21. If someone's clothing were to catch on fire, what would be an appropriate thing to do? - CORRECT
ANSWER If it is a loose fitting garment, such as a jacket or coat, you should attempt to strip it off.
,Wrap a blanket or something similar around the victim to smother the flames.
Get the victim to drop to the ground and roll slowly.
22. Icy road conditions can be particularly hazardous for driving because - CORRECT ANSWER Friction
between the tires and road is minimized.
**Brakes, contrary to popular thought, are not directly responsible for stopping a vehicle. Instead, they
retard the motion of the wheels. Consequently, friction develops between the tire and the road which is
directly responsible for a vehicle coming to a complete stop.**
23. According to the National Safety Council, each year twenty times more deaths within the United
States are caused by fires than by tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes combined. What can
we deduce from this statement?
A. Fires are more lethal by comparison.
B. Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are taken for granted by most people.
C. People are better able to cope with natural weather phenomena than fire.
D. Statistically there are many more fires than natural weather or geophysical disasters. This, combined
with public apathy and a lack of education about fire, is the probable reason for the high fatality rate. -
CORRECT ANSWER D. Statistically there are many more fires than natural weather or geophysical
disasters. This, combined with public apathy and a lack of education about fire, is the probable reason
for the high fatality rate.
**When the destructive capabilities of fire are compared to those of tornadoes, hurricanes,
earthquakes, and floods, it is a misconception to think that fire is the worst. In fact, the destructive
energy of the other phenomenon discussed is significantly greater. Additionally, fire prevention and
education are taken for granted by most people, thus leading to preventable accidents and consequent
fatalities.**
, 24. When mechanical ventilation is required to help purge heat and smoke from a burning building,
which of the following should be avoided? - CORRECT ANSWER Placing the exhaust fan, if possible, in
the same direction that the prevailing winds are coming from.
**The vented exhaust is being directed against a prevailing wind. This is neither efficient nor desired
because the vented gases could be inadvertently recirculated into the building. The best idea is to use
wind to your advantage, not have it work against you.**
27. In your judgment, what is the best reason for fire hoses to be removed and reloaded on an
apparatus at least once every 30 days?
A. Hose tends to get brittle with little use.
B. Water trapped within a hose after use can stagnate and deteriorate the lining.
C. It reduces the possibility of bends becoming permanently set at certain points in the hoseline.
D. It is just another menial job to keep firefighters constantly busy. - CORRECT ANSWER C. It reduces the
possibility of bends becoming permanently set at certain points in the hoseline.
**It is a fact that hose lines left unused for long periods of time deteriorate more quickly than hoses that
are frequently used. Unloading hose at least once a month eliminates the problem of bends becoming
permanently set in the lining. Once bends happen, hoses can become weak at the bend points and are
more prone to leakage or rupture.**
26. What is the most important attribute a good driver has over someone with marginal driving ability? -
CORRECT ANSWER A good attitude.
28. Firefighters are responsible for preventing any unnecessary damage from occurring to hoselines at
the scene of a fire. Not only are they expensive to replace, but damaged hoses can become ineffective in
fighting a fire if they cannot remain charged because of leaks or ruptures. Which of the following hose-
care practices is not recommended?
A. Avoid excessive dragging.
