FireTEAM Test FireTEAM Problem Sensitivity 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A firefighter observes that windows on the fire floor are bulging outward slightly. What hazard does this indicate?
- Normal thermal expansion of modern energy-efficient windows
- Extreme pressure buildup inside from heat and gases, indicating flashover or explosion risk (Correct answer)
- The building settling due to the weight of firefighting equipment
- A structural design feature common in commercial buildings
Correct answer: Extreme pressure buildup inside from heat and gases, indicating flashover or explosion risk
Outward-bulging windows indicate tremendous internal pressure from superheated gases, which is a pre-flashover or potential explosive decompression warning.
Question 2: While suppressing a car fire, a firefighter notices the fire is near the vehicle's trunk. What additional hazard should the firefighter recognize?
- Car trunk fires are always minor and self-extinguishing
- The trunk may contain compressed gas cylinders, propane, or other stored items that could explode (Correct answer)
- Trunks are fireproof compartments that protect firefighters from the fire
- The hazard is limited to the electrical system shorting out
Correct answer: The trunk may contain compressed gas cylinders, propane, or other stored items that could explode
Vehicle trunks frequently contain stored materials like propane tanks, flares, and compressed cylinders that can explode when exposed to fire.
Question 3: A firefighter notices a crew member's protective hood has melted in several places after a fire attack. What is the primary concern?
- The hood was low quality and needs to be replaced for budget reasons
- The firefighter was exposed to extreme heat that exceeded the gear's protection rating, indicating a near-miss (Correct answer)
- Hood damage is normal and expected in routine fire attacks
- The damage is only cosmetic and the gear remains fully protective
Correct answer: The firefighter was exposed to extreme heat that exceeded the gear's protection rating, indicating a near-miss
Melted PPE indicates the firefighter was exposed to temperatures exceeding the gear's design limits, which constitutes a near-miss that must be reported and investigated.
Question 4: During a wildland fire operation, a firefighter notices the wind has shifted 180 degrees. What is the most immediate concern?
- Better visibility as smoke clears from the working area
- The fire's direction of travel has potentially reversed, threatening the crew's safety zone and escape routes (Correct answer)
- The change is temporary and operations should continue as planned
- Wind shifts indicate the fire is weakening and losing intensity
Correct answer: The fire's direction of travel has potentially reversed, threatening the crew's safety zone and escape routes
A 180-degree wind shift reverses the fire's direction of spread, which can rapidly put firefighters in the fire's path and compromise escape routes.
Question 5: A firefighter on the nozzle notices the fire is not darkening down after applying water for 30 seconds. What might this indicate?
- The fire needs more time and the crew should maintain their position
- The nozzle pattern may be incorrect, the water supply may be inadequate, or fire may be in a void space inaccessible to the stream (Correct answer)
- This is a normal response time for structure fires with heavy fuel loads
- The fire is a Class A fire and needs a different extinguishing agent
Correct answer: The nozzle pattern may be incorrect, the water supply may be inadequate, or fire may be in a void space inaccessible to the stream
Fire that does not respond to water application suggests a flow, pattern, or access problem — the crew must reassess rather than continuing an ineffective attack.
Question 6: While conducting a primary search in zero visibility, a firefighter loses contact with their partner and cannot hear them. What is the correct immediate action?
- Continue searching alone to find victims faster
- Activate PASS device, shout to locate partner, and if no response, call Mayday immediately (Correct answer)
- Return to the entry point and wait for the partner to find their way back
- Radio command for a headcount of all units without declaring Mayday
Correct answer: Activate PASS device, shout to locate partner, and if no response, call Mayday immediately
A lost firefighter is a life-safety emergency requiring immediate PASS activation, audible signals, and a Mayday declaration if contact is not quickly re-established.
Question 7: A firefighter notices that during a working fire, the door to the fire apartment repeatedly slams shut due to wind. What problem should be recognized?
- The wind is helping exhaust smoke and improving conditions
- Wind-induced positive pressure may accelerate fire spread and intensify the fire (Correct answer)
- The door slamming is only a minor inconvenience to hoseline advancement
- Wind conditions at this level are always beneficial during fire suppression
Correct answer: Wind-induced positive pressure may accelerate fire spread and intensify the fire
Wind pushing into a fire compartment can intensify combustion, accelerate fire spread, and push fire toward unprotected areas of the building.
FireTEAM Test FireTEAM Problem Sensitivity 4
A firefighter observes that windows on the fire floor are bulging outward slightly.
What hazard does this indicate?