Foam Fire Fighting Quiz and Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which extinguishment method involves foam creating a barrier between the fuel gases and any possible ignition sources?

Separating

Class B foams are especially effective on:

hydrocarbon fuels

In order to create high-quality foam:

foam concentrate, water, and air must be mixed in the correct ratio

High-quality foam bubbles are created through the process of:

aeration Signup and view all the answers

The amount that fire fighting foam expands depends on the type of foam concentrate used and:

accurate proportioning of the foam concentrate in the solution Signup and view all the answers

Class A foam acts as a surfactant, which means that it:

lowers the surface tension of water, allowing better penetration into the fuel Signup and view all the answers

Polar solvent fuels are flammable liquids that mix readily with water.

True Signup and view all the answers

The rate of application for Class B foam depends on:

whether the fuel is spilled or contained in a tank Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary when applying fire fighting foam?

Continued, uninterrupted application until extinguishment Signup and view all the answers

Because of environmental concerns about fire fighting foam, firefighters should:

try to prevent the foam from entering bodies of water Signup and view all the answers

Mixing water with foam concentrate to form a foam solution is referred to as:

proportioning Signup and view all the answers

Most fire fighting foams are intended to be mixed with:

94 to 99.9 percent water Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is important when selecting the appropriate foam proportioner to use?

Available water pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which method of foam proportioning involves using an external pump to force foam concentrate into the fire stream?

Injection Signup and view all the answers

The premixing method of foam proportioning is typically used with:

vehicle-mounted tank systems Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foam proportioner is directly attached to the pump panel outlet or connected at some point in the hose lay?

In-line eductor Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foam proportioner can compromise firefighter safety by slowing down operations since it requires the concentrate to be available where the nozzle is being operated?

Foam nozzle eductor Signup and view all the answers

A(An) _____ is mounted on an apparatus and uses a centrifugal pump to supply the water for the foam solution and an onboard air compressor to add air to the mixture before discharge.

compressed air foam system (CAFS) Signup and view all the answers

Fog nozzles can be used with foam solution to produce:

low-expansion, short-lasting foam Signup and view all the answers

An advantage of _____ is that they are widely available on most fire apparatus.

fog nozzles Signup and view all the answers

Which is a characteristic of foam nozzles?

Shorter stream reach than fog nozzles Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using a foam nozzle to apply fire fighting foam?

Produces higher quality foam than a fog nozzle Signup and view all the answers

If the foam being produced is poor quality, the firefighter should:

check to make sure there are no air leaks in the proportioning device Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to cause poor quality fire fighting foam to be produced?

Mixing different types of foam concentrates in the same tank Signup and view all the answers

Which method of foam application is only suitable for use on a pool of liquid fuel on open ground?

Roll-on method Signup and view all the answers

Which method of foam application would be well suited for a flammable liquid spill near the exterior wall of a building?

Bank-down method Signup and view all the answers

If a large pool of flammable liquid is burning in an open area, the _____ method of foam application may be the most effective method to use.

rain-down Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do if the fire begins to spread uncontrollably when they are applying foam?

Retreat to a safe location while using handlines for protection Signup and view all the answers

Which type of substances have a flash point less than 100°F (38°C)?

Flammable liquids Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes pressurized vessels?

They should be marked with placards or stickers identifying the contents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Foam Fire Fighting Concepts

Separating Method: Foam creates a barrier between fuel gases and ignition sources to extinguish fires.
Class B Foams: Specifically effective on hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline and oil.
High-Quality Foam Creation: Requires correct mixing ratios of foam concentrate, water, and air.
Aeration: The process that generates high-quality foam bubbles.

Foam Application and Effects

Foam Expansion Factors: Depends on the type of foam concentrate and the accurate proportioning of the solution.
Class A Foam Functionality: Acts as a surfactant, lowering water's surface tension for better penetration into fuels.
Polar Solvent Fuels: Flammable liquids that mix readily with water, complicating firefighting efforts.
Class B Foam Application Rate: Varies based on whether the fuel is contained or spilled.

Application Techniques and Environmental Considerations

Continuous Application: Essential for complete extinguishment when using firefighting foam.
Environmental Precautions: Firefighters should prevent foam from entering bodies of water due to ecological concerns.
Proportioning Definition: Mixing water with foam concentrate to form a solution.

Foam System and Proportioning Types

Water-to-Foam Ratio: Most fire fighting foams are mixed with 94 to 99.9 percent water.
Foam Proportioner Consideration: The appropriate proportioner selection is influenced by available water pressure.
Injection Method: Involves an external pump forcing foam concentrate into the fire stream.
Premixing Method: Commonly used with vehicle-mounted tank systems.

Foam Proportioner Types and Nozzle Characteristics

In-line Eductor: Attached directly to the pump panel outlet or hose lay.
Foam Nozzle Eductor: Can compromise safety as it requires concentrate at the nozzle's operation point.
Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS): Uses a centrifugal pump and onboard air compressor for foam solution discharge.

Foam Application Techniques

Fog Nozzles with Foam: Produce low-expansion, short-lasting foam and are widely available.
Foam Nozzle Advantages: Produce higher quality foam compared to fog nozzles, although they have a shorter stream reach.
Poor Quality Foam: Check for air leaks in the proportioning device if foam quality is low.
Concentrate Mixing Issues: Mixing different foam concentrates in the same tank can lead to poor foam quality.

Specific Foam Application Methods

Roll-on Method: Suitable for liquid fuel pools on open ground.
Bank-down Method: Effective for flammable liquid spills near building exteriors.
Rain-down Method: Most effective for large burning liquid pools in open areas.
Retreat Protocol: Firefighters should retreat to safety and use handlines for protection if fires spread uncontrollably.

Fire and Substance Classifications

Flammable Liquids: Defined as substances with a flash point below 100°F (38°C).
Pressurized Vessels: Must be marked with placards or stickers indicating their contents for safety and awareness.

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Description

Test your knowledge on foam fire fighting methods, particularly for liquid and gas fires, with this engaging flashcard quiz. Discover key terms and definitions related to extinguishment techniques and the effectiveness of various foam types. Perfect for students and professionals in fire safety and emergency response.

Chapter 18: Foam Fire Fighting