Fire Behavior and Suppression Flashcards

The stage of a compartment fire where almost all combustible surfaces ignite simultaneously is called:

Answer: Flashover

Flashover is the transition where all exposed combustible surfaces in a room ignite nearly simultaneously.

Pyrolysis is best defined as:

Answer: Chemical decomposition of a material by heat

Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of a material, releasing flammable gases before ignition.

Which firefighting tactic involves applying water to the exterior before entering, to reset interior conditions?

Answer: Transitional attack

A transitional attack uses a quick exterior application to cool and reset before transitioning to interior operations.

What is the ignition temperature of a fuel?

Answer: Lowest temperature at which it will ignite and sustain combustion

Ignition temperature is the minimum temperature at which a fuel will ignite and continue to burn.

Heat transferred by electromagnetic waves that can ignite exposures across a gap is called:

Answer: Radiation

Radiation transfers heat through electromagnetic waves and can ignite nearby exposures without contact.

Class B fires involve which type of fuel?

Answer: Flammable liquids and gases

Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids and gases such as gasoline and propane.

Proper ventilation during interior firefighting primarily helps by:

Answer: Releasing heat and smoke to improve conditions

Coordinated ventilation releases heat and smoke, improving visibility and survivability when timed with suppression.