Basic Fire Safety Knowledge Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a fire sprinkler system?

Answer: To control fire growth and protect escape routes

Sprinkler systems are designed to control fire growth and maintain tenable conditions for evacuation, not necessarily extinguish the fire entirely.

Which household appliance is the leading cause of home fires in the United States according to the NFPA?

Answer: Cooking equipment

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the US, according to NFPA data.

What should you do if your clothes catch on fire?

Answer: Stop, drop, and roll

Stop, drop, and roll smothers the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply and prevents running, which fans the fire.

How often should fire extinguishers in a home or workplace be professionally inspected?

Answer: Annually

NFPA 10 requires fire extinguishers to receive an annual maintenance inspection by a certified professional.

What color label indicates a Class A fire extinguisher?

Answer: Green

Class A extinguishers are identified by a green label and are used for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper.

During a fire evacuation drill, who is typically responsible for conducting a headcount after evacuation?

Answer: The designated floor warden or assembly area monitor

Floor wardens or designated assembly monitors are responsible for accounting for all personnel at the designated muster point.

What is 'backdraft' in firefighting terminology?

Answer: An explosive ignition when oxygen is introduced to a superheated oxygen-depleted space

Backdraft occurs when a smoldering oxygen-starved fire suddenly gets a supply of fresh air, causing an explosive combustion event.