Free Firefighter Exam Flashcards

Fire needs fuel, heat, oxygen, and an uninhibited chemical chain reaction. Removing any one side stops combustion.

The triangle names fuel, heat, and oxygen. The tetrahedron adds the chemical chain reaction, which explains why some agents interrupt flame chemistry.

Heat moves through a solid material or between touching objects. A hot pipe, beam, or door hardware can extend fire without visible flame.

Heat moves through hot gases or liquids. In buildings, convection carries smoke and heat upward through stairs, shafts, voids, and open paths.

Heat travels by electromagnetic waves without direct contact. Radiant heat can ignite nearby exposures and injure firefighters before flame reaches them.

Hot smoke and gases collect high while cooler air remains lower. Staying low can preserve survivable space, but disturbed layers can worsen conditions quickly.

Rollover is ignition of unburned gases in the upper layer. It signals dangerous overhead heat and possible progression toward flashover.

Flashover is the rapid transition when exposed combustibles in a compartment ignite nearly together. It is usually unsurvivable without immediate protection and withdrawal.

Backdraft is sudden ignition of fuel-rich smoke after oxygen enters a ventilation-limited space. Pressurized dark smoke, pulsing smoke, and smoke-stained windows are warning signs.

A flow path is the route heat and smoke take from the fire area toward an exhaust opening. Door and ventilation control help keep that path from endangering crews.

A fuel-limited fire has enough oxygen, so available fuel controls growth. Removing fuel or cooling the fuel package limits the fire.

A ventilation-limited fire is oxygen-starved. Opening doors or windows before water is ready can intensify fire conditions.

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and many plastics. Cooling and soaking are usually important to prevent rekindle.

Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids and gases. Suppression often requires vapor control, foam, shutoff, or nonconductive agents depending on the fuel.

Class C means energized electrical equipment is involved. Once power is secured, classify the remaining fire by the burning material.

Class D involves combustible metals; Class K involves cooking oils and fats. Both require agents matched to the hazard, not routine water application.

Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Keep an exit behind you and leave if the fire grows.

Class A foam helps water penetrate ordinary combustibles. Class B foam blankets flammable liquids to separate fuel vapors from oxygen.

Polar solvents such as alcohol can break down standard foam. Alcohol-resistant foam forms a protective layer so the blanket can survive.

A direct attack applies water to the burning fuel. It is most useful when the seat of the fire is reachable and conditions permit.

An indirect attack applies water into a heated compartment to make steam and cool gases when firefighters cannot safely make direct access.

A transitional attack uses exterior water briefly to cool the fire area before interior advancement. It must be coordinated so crews do not create uncontrolled flow paths.

Overhaul finds and extinguishes hidden fire after knockdown. Use hand tools, TIC checks, and careful opening of voids while preserving evidence when needed.

Straight or solid streams reach farther and penetrate better. Fog patterns can protect, ventilate, or cool gases but may disturb heat layers if misused.

Friction loss is pressure lost as water moves through hose, appliances, and fittings. Longer hose, higher flow, and smaller diameter increase loss.

In a forward lay, hose is laid from the water source toward the fire. It supports engine placement near the scene while establishing supply.

Drafting pulls water from a static source such as a pond or portable tank. Airtight connections and proper priming are essential.

Water hammer is a pressure surge from closing valves or nozzles too quickly. Operate valves smoothly to protect hose, pumps, and appliances.

Inspect PPE for contamination, damage, fit, and missing components before use. Defective or contaminated gear can fail when conditions become dangerous.

A low-air alarm means leave the hazardous atmosphere, notify the team or command, and manage air for exit. It is not a signal to keep working.

Track air by time, work rate, pressure checks, and exit distance. Plan to leave before the alarm so reserve air remains for problems.

A PASS device alerts others when a firefighter is motionless or in distress. Activate it manually during a Mayday if you need rescue.

Gross decon, gear cleaning, and hygiene reduce exposure to products of combustion. Treat contaminated PPE as a health hazard, not just dirty equipment.

LUNAR reports Location, Unit, Name, Assignment or Air, and Resources needed. A concise Mayday gives command usable rescue information.

CAN means Conditions, Actions, and Needs. It keeps radio traffic brief while telling command what is happening, what you are doing, and what you need.

Unity of command means each person reports to one supervisor. It reduces conflicting orders and keeps accountability clear.

Accountability tracks who is operating, where they are assigned, and when they enter or exit hazards. It is critical before a rescue or evacuation order.

Type I is fire-resistive construction with protected structural members. It can still fail under severe fire, impact, or prolonged heat exposure.

Type III usually has noncombustible exterior walls with combustible interior members. Hidden fire can travel through voids and cocklofts.

Type IV is heavy timber. Large members may char and retain strength for a time, but contents, connections, and long-duration fires still create hazards.

Type V is wood-frame construction. Combustible structural members and concealed spaces can allow fast extension and early collapse risk.

Watch for wall cracks, leaning walls, sagging roofs or floors, unusual noises, spongy floors, and structural members distorted by heat.

The irons are a Halligan tool and flat-head axe used together for forcible entry. They give prying, striking, spreading, and lock-defeating options.

Place the ladder base about one foot out for every four feet of working height. This creates a stable climbing angle for most ground-ladder work.

For roof access, extend the ladder several rungs above the roofline when local procedure permits. The visible tip helps firefighters find the ladder in smoke.

A leg lock secures a firefighter on a ladder while both hands work. It must be practiced and used only when the ladder is properly placed and supported.

Horizontal ventilation uses doors, windows, or fans to move smoke and heat out laterally. It must be coordinated with fire attack and flow-path control.

Vertical ventilation releases heat and smoke through openings above the fire. Roof work requires construction awareness, escape routes, and coordination with interior crews.

A primary search is rapid and targeted for life rescue during or soon after initial attack. Search survivable spaces first and communicate findings quickly.

Awareness-level responders recognize hazards, isolate the area, deny entry, notify appropriate resources, and avoid actions that spread contamination.