CFM Fire Behavior & Combustion Principles 3

Question 1

The fire tetrahedron model adds which fourth element to the traditional fire triangle?

Accepted Answer

Uninhibited chemical chain reaction

Answer

The fire tetrahedron adds the uninhibited chemical chain reaction to the fire triangle's three elements (heat, fuel, oxygen), representing the self-sustaining nature of combustion.

Question 2

'Rollover' or 'flameover' during a structure fire refers to:

Accepted Answer

Flames rolling across the ceiling as unburned gases ignite

Answer

Rollover (flameover) occurs when unburned combustible gases accumulate at ceiling level and ignite, causing flames to roll across the ceiling — a warning sign that flashover is imminent.

Question 3

The spread of fire through airborne burning embers carried by wind or convection currents is called:

Accepted Answer

Spotting

Answer

Spotting occurs when burning embers (firebrands) are carried by wind and convection to ignite new fires at a distance from the primary fire, common in wildland and wildland-urban interface fires.

Question 4

In thermal layering within a burning structure, where does the highest temperature zone typically exist?

Accepted Answer

At ceiling level where hot combustion gases accumulate

Answer

In thermal layering, the hottest combustion gases rise and accumulate at ceiling level, creating distinct temperature zones with the highest temperatures near the ceiling.

Question 5

The auto-ignition temperature (AIT) of a material is defined as the temperature at which it:

Accepted Answer

Ignites spontaneously in air without any external ignition source

Answer

Auto-ignition temperature (AIT) is the minimum temperature at which a material will spontaneously ignite in air without any external spark, flame, or ignition source.

CFM - Certified Fire Marshal Practice Test

CFM - Certified Fire Marshal Practice Test

CFM Fire Behavior & Combustion Principles 3