Fire Behavior and Service Terminology Flashcards

Which class of fire involves flammable liquids such as gasoline or paint thinner?

Answer: Class B

Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids and gases, including gasoline, diesel, oil, paint, and propane.

'Flashover' during a building fire occurs when:

Answer: Radiant heat causes all combustible materials in a room to ignite simultaneously

Flashover is the transition phase where radiant heat from the fire causes all exposed combustible surfaces in a room to reach ignition temperature and ignite simultaneously.

The 'two-in, two-out' rule requires that:

Answer: Two firefighters enter a hazardous area together while two remain outside ready to assist

The two-in, two-out rule mandates that at least two firefighters enter a hazardous environment together and two standby outside, prepared to rescue them if needed.

'Ventilation' in a firefighting context means:

Answer: Removing heat, smoke, and toxic gases from a structure to improve conditions for firefighters and victims

Ventilation involves creating openings in a structure to allow heat, smoke, and combustion gases to escape, improving visibility and reducing temperatures for interior crews.

A 'back draft' is most likely to occur when:

Answer: Fresh oxygen enters a superheated, oxygen-depleted space, causing explosive ignition of accumulated gases

A back draft results when oxygen is suddenly introduced into an oxygen-depleted, superheated space, causing the accumulated combustible gases to ignite explosively.

In fire behavior, heat transfer by 'conduction' occurs through:

Answer: Direct physical contact between materials

Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact, such as heat traveling through a metal door handle or structural steel beam.

The three elements of the 'fire triangle' are:

Answer: Fuel, heat, and oxygen

The fire triangle represents the three requirements for combustion: fuel (combustible material), heat (energy to sustain ignition), and oxygen (oxidizer).