McGraw-Hill Education Firefighter Exams, Second Edition

The Firefighter’s Role in Determining the Cause of a Fire

Usually a combination of factors causes a fire—the type of fuel ignited, the form and source of the heat of ignition, and the human action or omission of action (if a person is involved).

Firefighters responding to and operating at the scene of a fire can play a significant role in assisting the fire investigator (fire marshal) in his or her investigation of the cause and origin of the fire. Fire investigators are rarely present on the scene while firefighters are battling the fire. They cannot observe who is at the scene watching the firefighters upon their arrival. They are seldom present to talk with occupants and witnesses while the fire is still burning and when people are more apt to discuss particulars of the incident that could point to the cause of the fire. Fire investigators are also not there to limit the amount of overhauling (search and complete extinguishment of hidden fire) that can destroy important evidence.

Through observation, trained firefighters can gather important information that, when communicated to the investigators, can aid greatly in determining valid facts about the fire and how it started. On receipt of the alarm, firefighters should record the time of day and weather conditions. Time of day could indicate whether occupants of residential buildings are at home sleeping or awake, fully clothed or in pajamas. If the outside temperature is high, the heating unit may not be in operation. Conversely, if the temperature is low, the windows should be in a closed position. Firefighters arriving at the scene of a fire should try to observe any conditions contrary to normal expectations.

Firefighters arriving on the scene of the fire within five minutes of the initial alarm to find a house fully involved in fire should be suspicious as to why the fire spread so fast and be on the lookout for signs of arson. Fires found in more than one location in and around the building are definite indicators of an incendiary (arson) fire.

Occupants leaving the scene of a fire should also be noted. Firefighters should try to remember the make, model, and color of vehicles fleeing the area upon their arrival. They should also try to make a mental picture of how people at the incident look and dress. People observing the action from a distance may be enjoying themselves and smiling. This information should be relayed to investigators. Time of arrival and extent of fire are other key bits of information that will prove useful to the investigator.

Firefighters should also observe the color of smoke and flames emanating from doors and windows. These observations can help determine what type of fuel is burning and thus help the investigators in their search for the cause and origin of the fire. This information may also assist the fire investigators in determining whether the type of fuel burning should or should not be in the structure under ordinary circumstances.

Firefighters should also report to investigators any signs of forcible entry prior to their arrival. Are there discarded burglary tools or empty containers with residual flammable liquid in or around the perimeter of the building? Are doors and windows locked or unlocked? Are doors and windows covered over to delay the discovery of fire inside the building?

During actual firefighting operations, firefighters should continue to observe conditions that could lead to the determination of the cause and origin of the fire. Unusual odors (gasoline, paint thinner, kerosene, etc.) could indicate that accelerants were used to start and enhance the fire. Incendiary devices (items used by arsonists to start fires) found inside the building are extremely important clues for the fire investigator to prove that the fire is incendiary (arson). If at all possible, these devices should not be disturbed by firefighters during their extinguishment duties. Information concerning the absence of furniture, appliances, clothing, and personal belongings should also be communicated to fire investigators for their review and evaluation.

At the conclusion of fire operations, all information gathered by firefighters should be reported to the chief officer-in-command of the fire incident. The chief officer-in-command will record all information and relay it to the fire investigators assigned to the case. The chief officer should also perform on a limited basis preliminary interviews with owners, occupants, and witnesses to obtain supplementary information needed by the fire investigators upon their arrival. The chief officer should seek base-level information, including positive identification, contact numbers, and a brief description of events and actions prior to and during the fire. At no time should the chief officer make any attempt to cross-examine a potential arson suspect.

Firefighters trained in observational skills upon receipt of an alarm, en route to the fire, on arrival at the fire scene, and during actual firefighting operations are tremendous assets to the fire investigator. The information gathered and relayed to the chief officer-in-command will play an important role in the ultimate findings and conclusions of the fire investigator.

2. Based on the passage, an accurate statement concerning fire investigators is that they are

3. Occupants are more apt to discuss particulars concerning the fire with investigators during what time frame?

4. Upon the receipt of the alarm at the firehouse, firefighters should record what pertinent information?

5. According to the passage, if outside temperatures are high, it can be assumed that

6. The color of smoke and flame coming from the fire building can indicate to the fire investigator

7. Firefighters arriving at the fire scene should make a mental note of all of the following bits of information for relay to investigators EXCEPT

8. According to the article, unusual odors encountered inside the fire building could indicate to firefighters that

10. At the conclusion of fire operations, all information gathered by firefighters should be relayed to

13. All but which of the following are listed in the passage as possible accelerants?

16. A fire truck having an extension ladder that is raised and lowered using the power of the truck is called a (an)

18. An internal water container found within an engine apparatus is known in the fire service as a

22. Discussions among first responders that are conducted by professionals after demanding operations and that are intended to help those responders cope with their emotions are called

23. The use of suction hose and the engine apparatus pump to lift water from below the level of the pump is called

24. A water source for firefighters consisting of one or more valves and outlets usually connected to a municipal water supply is called a

25. A hose line stream having a wide pattern with small droplets of water is called a ___________ stream.

28. A reduction in the amount of water flowing through hose or piping as a result of inner lining resistance is called

29. An extinguishing agent created by introducing air into a mixture of water and concentrate is called

35. Which of the following rooms would you expect to find in the outer perimeter of the complex?

37. The only entrance directly into the interior hallway and courtyard can be found

39. Which staircase should firefighters select to reach the seat of the fire upon arriving at the north parking lot?

41. Should the fire enter the interior hallway, which of the following rooms is most likely to be threatened?

43. The fastest way for firefighters in the south parking lot to stretch an attack hose line to extinguish the fire is to

(B) enter the building through the south entrance and into the first-floor hallway

44. Firefighters carrying a charged hose line coming out of stairway A on the fourth floor should travel in what direction to reach the fire room?

45. Firefighters should not give unofficial talks at community meeting halls primarily because

46. During an inspection, you, a firefighter, are asked by the owner of the establishment a fire prevention question. You are unsure of the answer. In this situation you should

47. Which of the following procedures could help to modernize a fire department?

48. While watching a movie at the local theater, you, an off-duty firefighter, are approached by a civilian who states that her child has just found an official fire department badge under a seat. In this situation you should take what action?

49. Firefighters are constantly in training during their entire careers in the fire service. The main reason for this is to

50. An advantage of a competitive, entry-level civil service firefighter examination is that it

51. Saving lives and protecting property are primary objectives of firefighters. From this statement you can assume that

52. Strategy is a plan of action devised by the chief officer at the scene of a fire or emergency to successfully deal with an incident. Tactics are actions employed by units on the scene of the incident to carry out the plan. From these statements, you can assume that

53. You are a firefighter performing cleanup duty in the firehouse when a civilian comes up to you and states that she has locked her keys inside her car with her infant son inside and the motor running. The vehicle is located two blocks from the firehouse. Which of the following is an appropriate action to take?

(A) Instruct the civilian to walk to the locksmith store located down the block.

54. Fire hydrants are frequently damaged by cars during parking maneuvers. To adequately safeguard fire hydrants for fire department use, which of the following procedures should be employed?

55. Many fires that lead to the loss of civilian lives in residential buildings occur at night. A likely reason for this situation is that

56. All probationary firefighters are assigned to a mentor during their initial year in the fire department. A major reason for this procedure is

57. The siren on the fire apparatus is used by firefighters to alert motorists and obtain the right-of-way when responding to fires and emergencies. Sirens are designed to enhance safety and improve response times. Based on these statements, you can assume that

58. A fire apparatus traveling on Zimmer Avenue at the intersection of Canyon Street should travel in what direction to perform an inspection at the day care center?

59. The proper route to get from the firehouse to the pet store for an alarm activation is

60. The fastest route for a fire apparatus traveling from quarters to a fire located in the theater is

61. An ambulance traveling northwest on Zimmer between Canyon and Kenner receives a radio call from the dispatcher for a medical emergency at the barbershop. The ambulance driver should follow what route to reach the barbershop?

62. A passerby in a vehicle traveling south on Gull Street, between Kenner and Canyon Streets observes smoke coming from the roof of the YMCA. What action should the person take to transmit an alarm to the fire department?

64. Which fire hydrant should be utilized by firefighters for a fire in the hotel?

68. Which of the following buildings is located in the easternmost portion of the road map?

74. Choose the letter and number that correctly fills the blank in the sequence of letters and numbers below.

75. Ladders that are 12 feet long can be climbed to a maximum height of 9 feet. Ladders 20 feet long can be climbed to a maximum height of 15 feet. Ladders 24 feet long can be climbed to a maximum height of 18 feet. Based on this information, what can you infer to be the maximum climbing height for a ladder that is 32 feet long?

76. One firefighter can carry a 12-foot ladder, but it takes two firefighters to carry a 24-foot ladder. Three firefighters are needed to carry a 36-foot ladder. Based on this information, which of the following statements can you infer to be true?

(D) As the length of a ladder doubles, the number of firefighters required to carry it quadruples.

77. A 4-to-1-safety margin must be maintained when using a personal rope in the fire service. A 5/8-inch diameter rope can hold a maximum load of 1,200 pounds. What should be the load restriction for the rope during usage in order to comply with the safety margin?

78. Rockville City fire department has more firefighters than Ludlum County. Jackson Township has fewer firefighters than Ludlum. Rockville has fewer firefighters than Jackson. If the first two statements are true, the third statement is

79. Kimbell fire department is south of the Abbey fire department. Barry fire department is northeast of the Abbey fire department. The Barry fire department is west of the Kimbell fire department. If the first two statements are true, the third statement is

80. Heller hose is made of more cotton than Lutz hose but has less cotton than Dylan hose. Lutz hose has more cotton than Kline hose but has less cotton than Utterman hose. Of the five kinds of hose, Kline has the least amount of cotton. If the first two statements are true, the third statement is

81. How many total detectors (smoke/carbon monoxide) are there inside the apartment?

88. Visualizing the floor plan with north at the top of the page, the bath, den, bedroom closet, and bedroom have an outline similar to

91. If the fire inside the apartment spread to the hallway, blocking firefighters from entering the library, how could they still gain access to this area?

92. Firefighters trying to enter the apartment had difficulty opening the door to a fully open position. The reason for this was most likely

93. A fire marshal investigating this fire for probable cause would most likely assume that the fire started due to

94. The closest access point into the apartment for immediate rescue of the most victims is the

95. The figure above shows an office supply store as seen from the outside. If you were inside the store facing the front wall, what would it look like?

96. The figure above shows a church seen from ground level. What would the church look like from an aerial view?

97. The figure above shows a 99-cent store seen from the outside. If you were inside the store facing the front wall, what would it look like?

98. The figure above shows a factory seen from outside the building. What would the factory look like from an aerial view?

99. The figure above shows a storage building seen from outside the front of the building. What would the building look like from the rear?

100. The figure above shows a gas station seen from outside the front of the station. What would the gas station look like from an aerial view?

PRACTICE EXAM V

The Firefighter’s Role in Determining the Cause of a Fire

Answer Key