NFST Fire Behavior and Science Flashcards
6 cards from real NFST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 NFST Fire Behavior and Science flashcards as text
The term 'fire load' refers to which of the following?
Answer: The total amount of combustible material in a given space
Fire load is the total amount of combustible material in a space, which determines the potential heat release and severity of a fire.
Which gas produced by incomplete combustion is colorless, odorless, and highly toxic to firefighters?
Answer: Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion that is lethal even at low concentrations.
What is meant by the term 'life safety' as a fireground priority?
Answer: Protecting civilians and firefighters from injury or death
Life safety is the top priority on the fireground, encompassing the protection of civilians from harm and the safety of firefighting personnel.
A fire that is described as 'ventilation-controlled' means what about its burn characteristics?
Answer: It is limited by insufficient oxygen supply
A ventilation-controlled fire is limited in its burning rate by the available oxygen rather than by fuel supply.
What is the primary function of a thermal imaging camera (TIC) during firefighting operations?
Answer: To detect heat signatures through smoke for victim location and fire mapping
Thermal imaging cameras detect heat signatures, helping firefighters locate victims and identify fire hot spots through heavy smoke.
Rapid fire progress up the exterior of a building is most commonly associated with which feature?
Answer: Combustible exterior cladding or façade materials
Combustible exterior cladding or façade materials can act as a fire pathway, allowing rapid vertical fire spread up a building's exterior.