Firefighting History Quiz

Questions and Answers

Where was the first American fully paid fire department?

Cincinnati, Ohio

What was the worst urban fire in our history?

Chicago, October 8, 1871

Which fire led to the standardization of hose couplings after apparatus from other cities arrived and found the couplings were not compatible?

Baltimore, 1904

Which report by the National Commission of Fire Prevention and Control showed that the United States had a fire problem?

America Burning, 1973 Signup and view all the answers

This system can aid in accounting for personnel within the hazard zone.

Passport system Signup and view all the answers

The ___________ will be used to collect passports for tracking personnel on the scene.

Accountability Tracking Board Signup and view all the answers

What does LUNAR stand for?

Location.Unit.Name.Assignment.Resources. Signup and view all the answers

Define combustion.

The self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation of a fuel being reduced by an oxidizing agent along with the evolution of heat and light. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formation of a chemical bond between oxygen and another element called?

oxidation Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical decomposition of a substance through the action of heat called?

Pyrolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the conversion of a liquid into the gaseous state through the action of heat called?

Vaporization Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of a liquid compared with the weight of an equal volume of water called?

Specific Gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature at which a liquid will produce vapors sufficient to support continuous combustion once ignited called?

Fire Point Signup and view all the answers

The ___________ is the minimum temperature to which a fuel in air must be heated to start self-sustained combustion without a separate ignition source.

Ignition temperature Signup and view all the answers

The ________ is the volume between an inlet and an outlet that allows the movement of heat and smoke from the higher pressure within the fire area towards the lower pressure accessible via doors and windows.

Flow Path Signup and view all the answers

A load that is in motion when applied is called a _______.

Impact Load Signup and view all the answers

This type of construction consists mainly of reinforced concrete with structural members that are protected.

Type I (Fire Resistive) Signup and view all the answers

This type of construction is similar to fire-resistive construction, and all metal buildings fall into this category.

Type II (noncombustible) Signup and view all the answers

This type of construction requires that exterior walls and structural members be made of noncombustible or limited combustible material.

Type III (Ordinary) Signup and view all the answers

This type of construction requires that exterior and interior walls and associated structural members be made of noncombustible or limited combustible materials.

Type IV (Heavy Timber) Signup and view all the answers

This type of construction has exterior walls, bearing walls, floors, roofs, and supports made completely or partially of wood or other approved materials.

Type V (Wood-Frame) Signup and view all the answers

What tool is used to shut off the water in hose lines when other control valves are not applicable?

Hose Clamp Signup and view all the answers

A __________ should be placed 20' behind the pumper or 5' behind the coupling on the supply side.

hose clamp Signup and view all the answers

A _______ is a short fold placed in the hose to change the location of a coupling.

dutchman Signup and view all the answers

A ___________ results in the change in the direction of energy and its multiplication when the flow of water is suddenly stopped.

water hammer Signup and view all the answers

In order to perform a _______________ the fire apparatus stops at the fire and the firefighter pulls off the necessary amount of hose and equipment and drags it to the hydrant.

Reverse Lay Signup and view all the answers

When testing fire hose, what pressure must new hose be tested at for how many minutes and in what lengths?

600 psi for 5 minutes in 100' lengths Signup and view all the answers

When testing used hose, what pressure must it be tested at for how long and in what lengths?

300 psi for 3 minutes in 300' lengths Signup and view all the answers

When one cubic foot of water (7.5 gallons) is converted into steam, it expands to how many cubic feet of space?

1,700 Signup and view all the answers

When classifying fire streams according to GPMs, what is defined as a small stream, hand stream, and master stream?

Small stream: 39 GPM or less, Hand stream: 40 to 349 GPM, Master stream: 350 GPM or more Signup and view all the answers

What are the methods by which foam controls a hazard?

Smothering, separation, cooling and penetrating Signup and view all the answers

Fuels that require foam application at a rate of 3% for effective blanketing and extinguishment are called?

Hydrocarbon fuels Signup and view all the answers

Fuels that require a foam application rate of 6% because they tend to attack and destroy the foam blanket are called?

Polar Solvent Fuels Signup and view all the answers

Class A foams have a low application rate of _ to _ and are -% water.

.01 to 1.0 and are 99 - 99.9% Signup and view all the answers

What does PASS stand for?

Personal alert safety system Signup and view all the answers

When riding on a fire apparatus, noise levels above what decibels require the firefighter to wear protection?

90 dBa Signup and view all the answers

What does IDLH stand for?

Immediately dangerous to life and health Signup and view all the answers

The SCBA air supply cylinder must be hydrostatically tested every how many years?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

What will activate at approximately 1375 psi or 1/4 tank capacity?

Vibralert low air alarm Signup and view all the answers

When no movement is sensed for 20 seconds, what mode is activated?

pre-alert Signup and view all the answers

If no movement is sensed for 30 seconds, what mode does your Scott PASS go into?

alarm Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major mechanical failure modes?

Loss of demand air supply and free flow of air Signup and view all the answers

What are the four catastrophic failures?

Facepiece failure, hose failure between the breathing valve and quick connect, pressure gauge or high pressure hose failure, and low pressure hose failure between the quick connector and pressure reducer Signup and view all the answers

What are the tactical priorities?

Life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation Signup and view all the answers

When you have definite rescue where you can see or hear victims, what is this called?

confirmed rescue Signup and view all the answers

If the incident commander judges that an imminent life-threatening situation exists then you have a?

possible rescue Signup and view all the answers

A search rope is ____ feet long with knots tied every feet and a _ inch space between each distance knot.

200 feet; 25 feet; 6 inches Signup and view all the answers

What do you say upon completion of the primary search?

All clear on the primary Signup and view all the answers

The _______ is conducted by personnel other than those who did the primary search.

secondary search Signup and view all the answers

When the secondary search is complete, what should you say?

secondary search complete Signup and view all the answers

How do you properly prioritize a search area?

Most severely threatened, the largest number, remainder of fire area, the exposed areas Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you become trapped?

Remain calm to conserve air. Call a MAYDAY - give LUNAR, activate PASS, and attempt to get free and keep an eye on air consumption. Signup and view all the answers

A team of specially trained firefighters solely designated to provide safety, search and rescue of trapped or lost firefighters are called what?

Rapid Intervention Team Signup and view all the answers

It takes an average of how many firefighters to rescue one downed firefighter?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What are ladder requirements for truck companies?

Two - 16ft roof; one - 14ft combination; one - 10ft folding attic ladder; one - 24ft extension; one - 35ft extension Signup and view all the answers

What are ladder requirements for engine companies?

One - 24ft extension; one - 14ft roof; one - 10ft folding attic Signup and view all the answers

The ____________ is the lowest and widest section of an extension ladder.

bed section Signup and view all the answers

The ladder section that extends or retracts is called the ________.

fly section Signup and view all the answers

The top of the ladder is also called the ______.

Tip Signup and view all the answers

You should always make sure ladders are not raised within _________ of electrical lines.

10 ft Signup and view all the answers

What are the two angles ladders may be placed at?

75 degrees and 60 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest way to vent a building with backdraft potential?

vertically Signup and view all the answers

What are the four key attributes of smoke?

volume, velocity, density and color Signup and view all the answers

A forced ventilation technique that uses a high-volume fan to create a slightly higher pressure inside a building than that outside is called what?

positive-pressure ventilation Signup and view all the answers

________ use the principle of the lever and fulcrum to provide mechanical advantage.

Prying tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the first rule of forcible entry?

try before you pry Signup and view all the answers

How do you properly care for wooden handles?

apply a coat of boiled linseed oil Signup and view all the answers

To reset the 'emergency button' on the walkie, the user should depress the orange button for approximately how many seconds?

2 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Where do most emergency vehicle accidents occur?

intersections Signup and view all the answers

If driving during a true emergency, what should you always remember to do?

exercise due regard for the safety of others Signup and view all the answers

What is a written statement of how an organization will function administratively and operationally?

Standard Operating Guidelines Signup and view all the answers

If the brake fluid becomes too hot, what will happen?

brake fade Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common size of a GFD tarp?

12' x 18' Signup and view all the answers

A hydrant with a _______ means it has low flow - less than 500 GPM.

red bonnet Signup and view all the answers

The part of total pressure that is not used to overcome friction or gravity while forcing water through pipes, fittings, firehose and adaptors is called?

residual pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula used to determine GPM flow? What are the coefficients and their corresponding shapes?

D^2 x 29.83 x ^/NP x coefficient; coefficients are: .7 lip; .8 right angle; .9 round Signup and view all the answers

If you are drafting, how much distance should you have around all sides of your suction hose?

24 inches or 2 ft Signup and view all the answers

What are the key elements for shuttle operations of a rural water supply?

attack pumper, fill apparatus, and tankers Signup and view all the answers

What is the atmospheric pressure at sea level?

14.7; 14.2 in Greensboro Signup and view all the answers

What does BLEVE stand for?

boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion Signup and view all the answers

Liquid Petroleum Gas is about how many times heavier than air?

1 1/2; mercaptan is added as an odorant Signup and view all the answers

You should establish a danger zone of how far in either direction when you have downed transmission lines?

1 span Signup and view all the answers

What is a load resulting from rapid change of movement called?

impact/shock load Signup and view all the answers

In kernmantle rope, what percentage comes from the kern and what percentage from the mantle?

75; 25 Signup and view all the answers

The mantle is the _ and the kern is the _ of the rope.

outer sheath; core Signup and view all the answers

General-use rope must have a minimum breaking strength of how many pounds and a maximum safe working load limit of how many pounds?

9,000; 600 Signup and view all the answers

A _________ harness is rated for loads up to how many pounds?

class III; 600 Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is formed by simply bending the rope back on itself while keeping the sides parallel.

bight Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is made by crossing the side of a bight over the standing part.

Loop Signup and view all the answers

A _______ consists of further bending one side of a loop.

round turn Signup and view all the answers

A _________ is used to join two pieces of webbing or the ends of the same piece when a loop is needed.

water knot Signup and view all the answers

A hazard marking for a FEMA structure of a location that is relatively safe for USAR operations is marked with a __________.

2x2ft box Signup and view all the answers

Rescuers should not enter unshored trenches and excavations more than how many feet in depth, even for rescue?

5 ft Signup and view all the answers

Spoil piles would be moved at least how far from the edge of trenches?

2 ft Signup and view all the answers

You should approach trenches from the ______ to avoid a secondary collapse.

ends Signup and view all the answers

What indicates an oxygen-rich atmosphere which increases the potential for ignition?

23.5%+ Signup and view all the answers

On arrival to a confined space rescue, what are your two goals to assist rescue teams?

establish an exclusion zone; establish an operational zone Signup and view all the answers

What is the rate of mortality among would-be rescuers?

50% Signup and view all the answers

A vertical shaft where the elevator car travels is called the ________.

hoist way Signup and view all the answers

When you have downed wires, you should establish what?

A safety perimeter of at least one span of the poles in all directions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Department History

First fully paid fire department established in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Chicago fire on October 8, 1871, is regarded as the worst urban fire in U.S. history.

Standardization and Reports

Baltimore fire in 1904 led to the standardization of hose couplings due to compatibility issues.
"America Burning," a report from 1973, highlighted urgent fire safety issues in the United States.

Accountability in Emergency Situations

The Passport system aids in tracking personnel within hazard zones.
Accountability Tracking Board used to collect tracking passports.

Fire Dynamics

Combustion: rapid oxidation process producing heat and light.
Oxidation: formation of a chemical bond between oxygen and other elements.
Pyrolysis: thermal decomposition of substances due to heat.
Vaporization: conversion of liquid to gas under heat.
Specific Gravity: weight comparison of a liquid volume to water.
Fire Point: temperature with sufficient vapors for continuous combustion.
Ignition temperature: minimum fuel heating required for combustion.

Fire Behavior and Construction Types

Flow Path: area allowing heat and smoke movement towards lower pressure points.
Different construction types include:
- Type I: Fire-resistant materials.
- Type II: Noncombustible metal buildings.
- Type III: Noncombustible or limited combustible exterior walls.
- Type IV: Heavy timber materials used for construction.
- Type V: Wood-frame structures in residential buildings.

Hose Management and Operations

Hose Clamp: used to control water flow and manage hose damage.
Dutchman: a fold in the hose to adjust coupling position.
Water Hammer: pressure change caused by sudden water flow stoppage.
Reverse Lay: pulling hose from fire apparatus to hydrant.

Testing Fire Hose

New hose tested at 600 psi for 5 minutes in 100-foot lengths.
Used hose tested at 300 psi for 3 minutes in 300-foot lengths.

Fire Stream Classification

Small stream: 39 GPM or less.
Hand stream: 40 to 349 GPM.
Master stream: 350 GPM or more.

Firefighting Techniques

Foam hazards controlled via smothering, separation, cooling, and penetrating methods.
Class A foams: low application rates (0.1-1.0) with high water content (99-99.9%).

Personnel Safety Systems

PASS: Personal Alert Safety System for firefighter safety.
IDLH: Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health environments.
SCBA air supply must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years.

Response Protocols

Life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation are primary tactical priorities.
Confirmed rescue: clear indication of victims inside a structure.
Possible rescue: imminent life-threatening situation assessed by the incident commander.

Search and Rescue Techniques

Search rope: 200 feet long with knots every 25 feet and a directional knot at 18 inches.
Post-primary search declaration: "All clear on the primary."
Secondary search must be conducted by different personnel.

Ladder Safety and Operations

Ladder requirements for truck and engine companies include various types and lengths for different applications.
Maintain a safe distance of 10 ft from electrical lines when raising ladders.

Smoke and Ventilation

Key attributes of smoke: volume, velocity, density, and color.
Positive-pressure ventilation: creates a higher internal pressure to assist in smoke removal.

Rescue Operations and Hazard Management

Minimum breaking strength for general-use rope: 9,000 lbs; safe working load limit: 600 lbs.
Shock loads result from rapid changes in movement; the impact/shock load is a related hazard.

Trench and Excavation Safety

Rescuers should avoid unshored trenches deeper than 5 ft.
Maintain a distance of 2 ft for spoil piles from trench edges.

Environmental and Operational Conditions

Oxygen-rich atmosphere indicated by levels over 23.5%, increasing fire ignition potential.
Safety perimeter of one span established around downed wires.

Equipment Usage

Class III harness rated for loads up to 600 lbs.
Techniques like bights, loops, and round turns are essential for rope handling.

This summary condenses critical concepts and practices in fire department operations, safety measures, and equipment handling into actionable knowledge points for efficient recall and study.

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Description

Test your knowledge of significant events in American firefighting history with this quiz. Discover the locations of notable fire departments and historical fires that shaped firefighting standards. Perfect for those studying fire science or interested in historical events related to fire safety.