Red Card Incident Investigation & Analysis 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes 'normalization of deviance' as it applies to wildland fire accident investigations?

Accepted Answer

Gradual acceptance of risky practices as normal when negative outcomes don't immediately occur

Answer

Normalization of deviance occurs when repeated rule violations without immediate consequences cause crews to treat unsafe practices as acceptable.

Question 2

When preserving a wildland fire accident scene for investigation, which action is MOST critical?

Accepted Answer

Photograph the scene before disturbing any evidence

Answer

Photographic documentation before any disturbance preserves the scene's evidentiary integrity for investigators.

Question 3

An investigation reveals firefighters were not briefed on the day's Incident Action Plan. Under which investigation category does this finding fall?

Accepted Answer

Administrative or management failure

Answer

Failure to brief personnel on the IAP is a management and administrative breakdown, not an individual firefighter error.

Question 4

The 'Swiss Cheese Model' of accident causation is relevant to wildland fire investigations because it illustrates that:

Accepted Answer

Multiple layered defenses each have gaps, and accidents occur when gaps align

Answer

The Swiss Cheese Model shows that accidents result when holes in multiple safety layers align simultaneously, allowing hazards to pass through.

Question 5

A Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) differs from a formal Serious Accident Investigation primarily in that an FLA:

Accepted Answer

Focuses on learning rather than determining fault or liability

Answer

FLAs are designed as non-punitive learning tools that encourage open discussion, unlike formal investigations which may determine liability.

Red Card - Wildland Firefighter Red Card Certification Practice Test