Fire Safety Fire Behavior and Combustion Science 2

Question 1

What is a backdraft?

Accepted Answer

An explosive ignition caused when fresh oxygen is suddenly introduced to a superheated, oxygen-depleted fire

Answer

A fire that spreads backward due to prevailing wind direction

Answer

The reverse flow of smoke out of a building through vents

Answer

A fire that originates in the basement and travels upward

Question 2

Which mechanism of heat transfer carries heat upward through the movement of hot gases and air?

Accepted Answer

Convection

Answer

Conduction

Answer

Radiation

Answer

Combustion

Question 3

What is the flashpoint of a flammable liquid?

Accepted Answer

The lowest temperature at which its vapors will ignite momentarily when exposed to an ignition source

Answer

The temperature at which the liquid begins to boil

Answer

The temperature at which the liquid will self-ignite without a spark

Answer

The temperature at which the liquid produces the maximum heat output

Question 4

Which warning signs most strongly indicate a potential backdraft condition inside a structure?

Accepted Answer

Smoke being drawn inward, discolored (yellow/brown) windows, and little visible flame

Answer

Flames visible through windows and rapidly rising smoke

Answer

Sprinklers activating and fire alarms sounding throughout the building

Answer

Rapid fire spread across the ceiling with thick black smoke

Question 5

Heat transfer through direct physical contact between materials is called:

Accepted Answer

Conduction

Answer

Convection

Answer

Radiation

Answer

Combustion

Question 6

What is 'rollover' (also called flameover) in fire development?

Accepted Answer

Flames rolling across the ceiling layer as unburned gases ignite before full flashover

Answer

Flashover occurring across multiple rooms simultaneously

Answer

Fire spreading by rolling along the floor

Answer

The rotation of a fire caused by ventilation currents

Question 7

Which factor most significantly controls the intensity and spread rate of a fire?

Accepted Answer

The availability of oxygen

Answer

The color of interior wall surfaces

Answer

The age and construction year of the building

Answer

The outdoor humidity level