Firefighting Knowledge Flashcards
7 cards from real NFSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Firefighting Knowledge flashcards as text
What is 'water hammer,' and why is it a concern during fireground operations?
Answer: A pressure surge in hose lines caused by rapidly opening or closing valves, potentially rupturing equipment
Water hammer is a destructive pressure wave created by sudden changes in water flow velocity, capable of damaging pumps, couplings, and hose lines.
What is the purpose of the 'cool, cover, and call' approach for burn victims at a fire scene?
Answer: Cool with cool (not cold) water, cover to prevent hypothermia, and call for advanced medical care
Cool water stops the burning process, covering prevents hypothermia and contamination, and calling for ALS ensures the victim receives definitive care for serious burns.
What is the primary purpose of salvage operations during and after a fire?
Answer: To protect property from further damage by fire, water, and smoke through covering and removing items
Salvage operations use covers, squeegees, and water removal techniques to minimize property damage from suppression activities, reducing overall loss.
In wildland firefighting, what does the acronym LCES stand for?
Answer: Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, Safety zones
LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, Safety zones) is the foundational safety system for wildland firefighters to prevent entrapment.
Which type of building construction is most susceptible to rapid structural failure during a fire due to lightweight engineered components?
Answer: Type V (wood frame) with lightweight truss construction
Lightweight wood trusses and I-joists used in modern Type V construction can fail in as little as 5–7 minutes of fire exposure, far faster than older solid-wood construction.
What is the correct sequence of actions when a firefighter's PASS device activates during interior operations?
Answer: Immediately transmit a mayday, activate emergency traffic on radio, and attempt to exit or go to a safe area
An activating PASS device indicates a firefighter may be down; the immediate actions are to declare a mayday, switch to emergency traffic, and attempt self-rescue or reach a defendable position.
What is the purpose of a fire department connection (FDC) on a sprinkler system?
Answer: To enable the fire department to supplement or boost water supply to the sprinkler system from a pumper
The FDC allows engine companies to connect a supply line and pump water into the sprinkler or standpipe system to augment pressure and flow during firefighting operations.