DFES WA Career Firefighter Aptitude Test

A firefighter is coupling lengths of hose. If they connect three 15-meter lengths and two 30-meter lengths, what is the total length of the hose line?

• A75 meters
• B105 meters
• C90 meters
• D120 meters

A water tank with a capacity of 4,000 liters is 75% full. How many liters of water are in the tank?

• A2,500 liters
• B3,000 liters
• C3,200 liters
• D3,500 liters

A pump discharges water at a rate of 250 liters per minute. How long will it take to discharge 1,500 liters of water?

• A4 minutes
• B5 minutes
• C8 minutes
• D6 minutes

If a firefighter works a 10-hour shift and spends 2.5 hours on equipment maintenance, what percentage of the shift was spent on maintenance?

• A25%
• B15%
• C20%
• D30%

A fire appliance travels at an average speed of 60 km/h to reach an incident that is 15 kilometers away. How many minutes will the journey take?

• A10 minutes
• B12 minutes
• C15 minutes
• D20 minutes

A foam concentrate must be mixed with water at a ratio of 3:97 (3% foam to 97% water). To produce 500 liters of foam solution, how many liters of foam concentrate are required?

• A10 liters
• B20 liters
• C15 liters
• D30 liters

A fire pump operating at 1,000 kPa pressure loses 50 kPa of pressure due to friction for every 30 meters of hose. If the hose line is 120 meters long, what is the pressure at the nozzle?

• A800 kPa
• B750 kPa
• C850 kPa
• D900 kPa

If 4 firefighters can complete a safety inspection of a commercial building in 3 hours, how many hours would it take 6 firefighters to complete the same inspection, assuming they work at the same rate?

• A1.5 hours
• B2.5 hours
• C2 hours
• D4.5 hours

A chemical container is leaking at a rate of 150 mL per minute. If the leak started at 14:15 and is stopped at 16:45, what is the total volume of chemical that leaked, in liters?

• A22.5 liters
• B15.0 liters
• C18.5 liters
• D25.0 liters

A rescue team needs to raise a load using a pulley system. The load weighs 240 kg. If a 3:1 mechanical advantage system is used, and friction adds 10% to the required effort, how much force (in kg of effort) is required to raise the load?

• A72 kg
• B80 kg
• C96 kg
• D88 kg

A training drill involves climbing a tower. Firefighter A climbs at 0.5 meters per second, and Firefighter B climbs at 0.4 meters per second. If the tower is 30 meters high, how many seconds after Firefighter A finishes will Firefighter B reach the top?

• A10 seconds
• B12 seconds
• C15 seconds
• D20 seconds

A fire station budget of $120,000 is allocated as follows: 50% for salaries, 25% for equipment maintenance, 15% for station utilities, and the remainder for community outreach. How much money is allocated to community outreach?

• A$12,000
• B$8,000
• C$10,000
• D$18,000

During a bushfire, the fire front is advancing at a rate of 1.2 kilometers per hour. If a defensive line is established 3 kilometers ahead of the fire, how many hours and minutes do crews have to prepare the line before the fire reaches it?

• A2 hours and 15 minutes
• B2 hours and 45 minutes
• C2 hours and 30 minutes
• D3 hours and 00 minutes

A storage room measures 6 meters by 8 meters, with a height of 3 meters. If firefighting foam can fill the room at a rate of 12 cubic meters per minute, how many minutes will it take to fill the entire room?

• A8 minutes
• B10 minutes
• C12 minutes
• D15 minutes

An engine consumes diesel fuel at a rate of 12 liters per hour when idling and 28 liters per hour when pumping. If the engine idled for 1.5 hours and pumped for 3 hours, how many liters of fuel were consumed in total?

• A96 liters
• B108 liters
• C102 liters
• D114 liters

A map has a scale of 1:25,000. If the distance between a fire station and a water supply on the map is 8 centimeters, what is the actual ground distance in kilometers?

• A1.5 kilometers
• B2.0 kilometers
• C2.5 kilometers
• D3.0 kilometers

A fire water tank has two inlet pipes. Pipe A can fill the tank in 4 hours, and Pipe B can fill it in 6 hours. If both pipes are opened simultaneously when the tank is empty, how many hours will it take to fill the tank to 100% capacity?

• A2.0 hours
• B2.4 hours
• C2.5 hours
• D5.0 hours

A friction loss formula is given as FL = 2 * Q^2 * L, where FL is friction loss in kPa, Q is flow rate in hundreds of liters per minute, and L is hose length in hundreds of meters. If the flow rate is 300 liters per minute and the hose length is 150 meters, what is the friction loss?

• A18 kPa
• B36 kPa
• C54 kPa
• D27 kPa

A cylinder of breathing air contains 2,040 liters of compressed air. A firefighter consumes air at an average rate of 40 liters per minute. However, under high stress, their consumption increases by 25%. If the low-air alarm sounds when 20% of the cylinder capacity remains, how many minutes can the firefighter work under high stress before the alarm sounds?

• A30.60 minutes
• B38.25 minutes
• C40.80 minutes
• D32.64 minutes

A high-expansion foam generator produces foam that expands at a ratio of 500:1. If foam concentrate is mixed with water to make 60 liters of solution, and all of it is run through the generator, how many cubic meters of foam will be produced? (1 cubic meter = 1,000 liters)

• A12 cubic meters
• B30 cubic meters
• C24 cubic meters
• D300 cubic meters

Based on the following instruction: 'All personnel entering the hot zone must wear full structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Support staff in the warm zone must wear standard turnout gear but do not require SCBA unless smoke is present.' A firefighter enters the hot zone to assist with search and rescue. Which of the following is correct?

• AThey only require standard turnout gear without SCBA.
• BThey must wear full structural firefighting PPE and SCBA.
• CThey do not require SCBA unless smoke is visible in the hot zone.
• DThey may enter the hot zone in standard uniform if it is an emergency.

Read the statement: 'Every fire appliance must undergo a complete safety inspection at the start of each 10-hour shift. If any defect is found in the braking or steering systems, the vehicle must be immediately marked out-of-service and reported to the workshop.' A minor tear is found in a passenger seat cover during the shift inspection. Which of the following is correct?

• AThe appliance can remain in service, but the defect should be logged.
• BThe appliance must be immediately marked out-of-service.
• CThe inspection can be skipped since the tear is minor.
• DThe vehicle must be driven to the workshop immediately.

Read the statement: 'The incident commander (IC) is responsible for establishing a perimeter around the incident scene. The inner perimeter is restricted to operational crews directly engaged in mitigation. The outer perimeter is established to keep the public and media at a safe distance.' Which of the following can be logically concluded?

• ASupport staff are allowed inside the inner perimeter.
• BMembers of the public are not allowed inside the outer perimeter.
• CThe media can access the inner perimeter with the IC's permission.
• DOperational crews must remain inside the inner perimeter at all times.

Read the text: 'When responding to a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident, crews must approach from uphill and upwind. This minimizes exposure to heavier-than-air vapors and drifting airborne toxins.' If a chemical spill occurs on a flat valley floor, and the wind is blowing from the east, from which direction should the crew approach?

• AFrom the West
• BFrom the North
• CFrom the South
• DFrom the East

Read the text: 'Fire Station A houses a heavy pump and a light rescue vehicle. Fire Station B houses a medium pump and a hazardous materials unit. In the event of a commercial building fire, a minimum of two pumps and one specialized rescue unit are dispatched.' Which of the following stations must respond to a commercial building fire?

• AStation A only
• BStation B only
• CNeither station can satisfy the dispatch requirements
• DBoth Station A and Station B

Read the text: 'Smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and their batteries replaced annually. Alarms older than 10 years must be completely replaced, as their sensors degrade over time.' A homeowner has a smoke alarm installed 8 years ago. According to the text, what action is required?

• AThe alarm must be completely replaced immediately.
• BThe alarm must be tested monthly, and the battery replaced annually.
• COnly monthly testing is required; the battery does not need replacement until year 10.
• DThe alarm does not require any maintenance until it reaches 10 years of age.

Read the text: 'Operational guidelines state that during a structure fire, if the thermal imaging camera (TIC) indicates a ceiling temperature above 300°C, the risk of a flashover is extremely high. In such conditions, firefighters must apply water to the ceiling to cool the gas layer before advancing.' A crew enters a burning room, and the TIC shows a ceiling temperature of 320°C. What action should they take?

• AAdvance quickly to locate the seat of the fire.
• BEvacuate the building immediately as a flashover is guaranteed.
• CWait outside the room until the temperature naturally drops below 300°C.
• DApply water to the ceiling to cool the gas layer before moving forward.

Read the text: 'The DFES WA community safety program targets three main areas: school education, home safety audits, and controlled burns. School education is conducted in the autumn term, home safety audits are performed year-round, and controlled burns are restricted to spring and autumn when weather conditions are mild.' Which of the following statements is logically supported by the text?

• AHome safety audits are only conducted in autumn.
• BControlled burns are not conducted during the winter or summer months.
• CSchool education takes place in both spring and autumn.
• DControlled burns are performed year-round.

Read the text: 'Controlled burns require a permit from the local government agency. If the fire danger rating is 'Extreme' or 'Catastrophic', all permits are automatically suspended, and any active burns must be extinguished. Today, the Bureau of Meteorology has declared an 'Extreme' fire danger rating for the region.' Which of the following is correct?

• AControlled burns can continue if the crew has a valid written permit.
• BControlled burns are only suspended if the rating reaches 'Catastrophic'.
• CPermits are suspended only for private landowners, not government agencies.
• DAny active controlled burns in the region must be extinguished immediately.

Read the text: 'Under the Emergency Management Act, the State Emergency Coordinator can declare a State of Emergency for up to 14 days. This declaration can be extended by the Minister for Emergency Services for periods of up to 14 days at a time, but only if the threat persists.' A State of Emergency was declared 10 days ago, and the threat is now completely resolved. Can the Minister extend the declaration?

• AYes, the Minister can extend it for an additional 14 days automatically.
• BNo, because the extension is only allowed if the threat persists.
• CYes, but only if the State Emergency Coordinator requests it.
• DNo, because the initial 14-day period has not yet expired.

Read the text: 'A Class A fire involves ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles, and is best extinguished using water. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like petrol or oil, and require foam or dry chemical agents to smother the oxygen supply. Using water on a Class B fire can cause the burning liquid to splash and spread.' A firefighter encounters a fire in a workshop trash bin containing discarded cardboard and wood shavings. What is the correct extinguishing agent and classification?

• AClass A fire; water should be used.
• BClass B fire; foam should be used.
• CClass A fire; water should not be used as it will cause splashing.
• DClass B fire; water should be used to cool the fuel.

Read the text: 'All recruit firefighters must complete 16 weeks of academy training, followed by a 12-month probationary period at an operational station. During the probationary period, they must complete a monthly skills logbook. Failure to submit the logbook by the last day of the month results in an automatic extension of the probationary period.' A recruit completes the academy and starts station work on June 1. They submit their June logbook on July 2. What is the result?

• ANothing, as they submitted it within a reasonable timeframe.
• BTheir probationary period is automatically extended.
• CThey must retake their academy training.
• DThey are suspended from operational duties.

Read the text: 'When treating a casualty for heat exhaustion, the first step is to move them to a cool, shaded area. You should then remove excess clothing, encourage them to drink water in small sips, and apply cool, damp cloths to their skin. If their condition does not improve within 30 minutes, or if they lose consciousness, emergency medical assistance must be summoned immediately.' A casualty suffering from heat exhaustion is moved to the shade and given water, but after 15 minutes, they become unresponsive. What action must be taken?

• AWait another 15 minutes to see if the shaded area helps.
• BRemove more clothing and continue applying damp cloths.
• CEmergency medical assistance must be summoned immediately.
• DForce them to drink more water in larger gulps.

Read the text: 'Radio communication protocol requires the use of the word 'OUT' to signify that a transmission is completed and no response is expected. The word 'OVER' signifies that the sender has finished speaking but expects a response. Using 'OVER and OUT' together is prohibited as it is contradictory.' A firefighter wants to end a transmission and does not need any reply. What is the correct radio term?

• A'OVER'
• B'OVER and OUT'
• C'OUT'
• DNo specific word is required; they can just release the button

Read the text: 'To prevent back injury, firefighters must use the leg muscles rather than the back when lifting heavy equipment. Keep the load close to the body, maintain a straight back, bend at the knees, and lift in a smooth, vertical motion without twisting the torso.' A firefighter is lifting a heavy generator from a vehicle tray. Which action violates these safety instructions?

• ABending at the knees to reach the generator.
• BKeeping the generator close to their chest while carrying it.
• CTwisting the torso to place the generator on the ground.
• DLifting in a smooth, continuous vertical motion.

Read the text: 'A dry hydrant is a non-pressurized pipe system permanently installed in a lake or pond that allows fire engines to draft water. Pressurized hydrants are connected to a municipal water main. If the municipal system experiences a water main break, nearby pressurized hydrants will lose pressure, but dry hydrants in independent lakes remain operational.' A city experiences a major water main break. Which hydrant source is reliable?

• APressurized hydrants connected to the municipal water main.
• BDry hydrants located in independent lakes.
• CBoth pressurized and dry hydrants remain equally reliable.
• DNeither hydrant type will be functional.

Read the text: 'An analysis of structural fires in commercial buildings shows that 40% are caused by electrical faults, 30% by unattended heating equipment, 20% by arson, and 10% by other causes. However, fires caused by arson result in 60% of the total property damage value because they are often started in multiple locations simultaneously.' Which of the following statements is logically true based on this text?

• AElectrical faults cause the most property damage because they are the most common cause.
• BFires started in multiple locations are always classified as arson.
• CUnattended heating equipment causes more property damage than electrical faults.
• DArson causes less than a quarter of the commercial fires but more than half of the proper…

Read the text: 'The incident command structure uses a span of control ratio, which is the number of individuals or resources one supervisor manages. The optimal span of control is 1:5 (one supervisor to five subordinates). A ratio of 1:3 is acceptable in highly complex or dangerous operations, while a ratio of 1:7 is acceptable in routine tasks. Any ratio outside the 1:3 to 1:7 range is considered inefficient.' A supervisor is managing 9 firefighters during a complex rescue operation. How is this span of control classified?

• AOptimal, because it is close to the 1:7 ratio.
• BAcceptable, because complex operations allow for larger teams.
• CInefficient, because the supervisor-to-subordinate ratio exceeds 1:7.
• DAcceptable, because 9 firefighters is within the normal operating parameters.

Read the text: 'In a study of wildland fire behavior, it was found that double the wind speed leads to a four-fold increase in the rate of fire spread (ROS), assuming fuel type and slope remain constant. Conversely, a 10% increase in slope angle increases the ROS by approximately 20%, independent of wind speed.' If a wildland fire is burning on a constant slope, and the wind speed increases from 15 km/h to 30 km/h, what is the expected change in the rate of fire spread?

• AThe rate of fire spread will double.
• BThe rate of fire spread will increase by 20%.
• CThe rate of fire spread will increase by a factor of 8.
• DThe rate of fire spread will increase by a factor of 4.

Read the text: 'Standard operating procedures (SOPs) require that if a firefighter becomes lost or trapped, they must immediately activate their Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device and transmit a 'MAYDAY' call over the radio. The PASS device emits a loud, high-pitched alarm after 30 seconds of immobility. To prevent false alarms, firefighters must manually reset the device if they remain stationary but are not in danger.' A firefighter is stationary for 45 seconds while monitoring a doorway. They are safe. What action is required to prevent a false alarm?

• AThey must manually reset the PASS device before the 30-second immobility threshold is rea…
• BThey must transmit a 'MAYDAY' call to explain they are safe.
• CThey do not need to do anything because the alarm only sounds if they are in actual dange…
• DThey should turn off the PASS device while monitoring the doorway.

A sequence of shapes shows: - Shape 1: A triangle with a black dot in its center. - Shape 2: A square with a black dot in its center. - Shape 3: A pentagon with a black dot in its center. What is the next shape in the sequence?

• AA hexagon with a white dot in its center.
• BA hexagon with a black dot in its center.
• CA heptagon with no dot.
• DA circle with a black dot in its center.

Consider a 3x3 grid of circles. In the first row, the left circle is shaded. In the second row, the middle circle is shaded. In the third row, which circle should be shaded to continue the diagonal pattern from top-left to bottom-right?

• AThe right circle.
• BThe left circle.
• CThe middle circle.
• DAll three circles.

A square tile is divided into four quadrants (top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right). A black square rotates clockwise from quadrant to quadrant: first top-left, then top-right, then bottom-right. What is the next position of the black square?

• ATop-left quadrant.
• BBottom-left quadrant.
• CBottom-right quadrant.
• DTop-right quadrant.

A clock face shows the following sequence of times: 12:00, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45. What is the next time in the sequence?

• A01:15
• B01:00
• C01:30
• D12:55

An arrow points North. In the next step, it points East. In the third step, it points South. What direction will it point in the fourth step if it continues to rotate clockwise?

• AWest
• BNorth-West
• CNorth
• DEast