CPFM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPFM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under the DOT hazard class system, drip torch fuel mixture is classified primarily as which hazard class? → Class 3 - Flammable liquids
2. In incident complexity typing, which type represents the most complex incident requiring national-level resources? → Type 1
3. When checking an unresponsive adult for breathing and a pulse, what is the maximum time a rescuer should spend before starting CPR? → 10 seconds
4. Which factor is MOST critical when selecting a burn unit? → Fuel load and continuity.
5. Class A foam concentrate for wildland use is typically proportioned at what range? → About 0.1% to 1.0%
6. A prescribed fire exceeds prescription and cannot be contained by contingency actions. What must happen next? → Declare it a wildfire and follow the wildfire declaration and review process
7. A burn appears white, leathery, and the patient says it is not painful at the center. How should it be classified? → Full-thickness burn
8. What is the primary meteorological reason a prescribed burn may be postponed even when fuel moisture conditions are acceptable? → Smoke dispersal conditions are inadequate, risking air quality impacts
9. How can remote sensing (e.g., drones, satellites) aid post-fire monitoring? → Providing high-resolution imagery of burn patterns and vegetation response
10. Which approach to compliance is considered most effective? → A proactive approach that integrates compliance into daily operations
11. Why is a burn unit often prepared with a black line on the downwind side before the main ignition? → To create a widened burned buffer that holds against the higher-intensity main fire
12. Using the adult Rule of Nines, what percentage of total body surface area is one entire arm? → 9%
13. A helitorch dispenses what type of fuel? → Gelled gasoline
14. Resources in a Staging Area are in which status category? → Available
15. Which public notification is commonly required before burning near communities? → Neighbor and stakeholder notifications as specified in the burn plan
16. For estimating small or scattered burns, the patient's own palm (with fingers) represents about what percentage of body surface area? → 1%
17. Which hazard is uniquely addressed by a 'smoke management plan'? → Public health and visibility risks from particulate matter
18. An NFPA 704 diamond on a storage shed shows a 'W' with a line through it in the white quadrant. What does it mean? → The material reacts dangerously with water
19. A fusee is used to ignite fuel during a burn. Approximately how long does a standard fusee burn? → About 10 to 30 minutes, depending on type
20. A downed power line is found inside the burn unit. How should it be treated? → As energized until the utility confirms it is de-energized
21. Who is responsible for completing and signing the Prescribed Fire Go/No-Go Checklist on the day of the burn? → The burn boss
22. Which observation should lead to immediate safety actions during a burn? → A towering cumulus cloud collapsing nearby
23. When should the first post-fire evaluation be conducted? → Immediately after the fire and at regular intervals thereafter
24. Which phrase should be used on the radio to gain priority for a serious safety or medical situation? → Emergency traffic
25. On an NFPA 704 diamond, what hazard does the red quadrant represent? → Flammability
26. During clear, sunny conditions, at what time of day is atmospheric instability typically greatest? → Early afternoon (1–3 PM)
27. What is the correct way to manage a responsive adult who is choking and cannot speak or cough? → Perform abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive
28. An igniter notices a spot fire across the control line. What should be done first? → Notify the Firing Boss and holding immediately so ignition can be held
29. The Composite Burn Index (CBI) field plot is usually what size and shape? → A 30 m diameter circular plot
30. When is 'spot ignition' most effective? → In areas with patchy fuels or ecological sensitivity