FireTEAM Written Expression Flashcards

Which sentence is an example of objective writing appropriate for a fire report?

Answer: The origin of the fire was determined to be the kitchen stove.

Identifying the fire's origin is a verifiable fact; the other options express personal judgments.

A firefighter writes: 'We seen smoke coming from the roof.' What is the error?

Answer: 'seen' should be 'saw'

'Saw' is the simple past tense of 'see'; 'seen' requires a helping verb such as 'had' or 'have.'

Which is the correct format for recording a time in a formal fire department report?

Answer: 1345 hours

Fire department reports use 24-hour military time written as a four-digit number followed by 'hours.'

What does 'chain of custody' refer to in fire investigation documentation?

Answer: The documented record of who handled evidence and when

Chain of custody documents every person who controlled the evidence and when, protecting its integrity for legal proceedings.

Which revision best improves: 'Due to the fact that the door was locked, entry could not be made by crews.'

Answer: Because the door was locked, crews could not enter.

'Because' replaces the wordy 'due to the fact that,' and active voice (crews could not enter) improves clarity.

In fire terminology, an 'exposure' refers to:

Answer: A structure or material near the fire that is at risk of igniting

An exposure is any building or combustible material adjacent to the fire that could be ignited by radiant heat or direct flame.