S-130 Radio Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a repeater in wildland fire radio operations?
- To record all radio traffic for after-action review
- To extend radio coverage by receiving and retransmitting signals (Correct answer)
- To encrypt radio messages for security
- To monitor multiple frequencies simultaneously
Correct answer: To extend radio coverage by receiving and retransmitting signals
A repeater receives a signal on one frequency and retransmits it on another, extending the effective communication range over terrain.
Question 2: When conducting a radio check, which response from the receiving station confirms excellent signal quality?
- 'Copy, weak but readable'
- 'Loud and clear' or '5 by 5' (Correct answer)
- 'Broken and unreadable'
- 'Standby for signal test'
Correct answer: 'Loud and clear' or '5 by 5'
'Loud and clear' or '5 by 5' indicates the strongest possible signal strength and clarity.
Question 3: A Division Supervisor cannot reach the Operations Section Chief by radio. What is the safest immediate action?
- Continue operations and report at the next briefing
- Send a runner or use an alternate communication method (Correct answer)
- Shut down all operations until contact is reestablished
- Upgrade to a satellite phone and attempt contact
Correct answer: Send a runner or use an alternate communication method
Using a runner or alternate communication method maintains situational awareness when primary radio contact fails.
Question 4: What information is typically included in an ICS-205 Incident Radio Communications Plan?
- Personnel assignments and pay rates
- Assigned frequencies, channels, and contact information by function (Correct answer)
- Equipment inventory and maintenance schedules
- Evacuation routes and safety zones
Correct answer: Assigned frequencies, channels, and contact information by function
The ICS-205 documents assigned radio frequencies, channels, and contact information organized by ICS function.
Question 5: On a wildland fire, the term 'tactical channel' refers to which type of radio frequency?
- A frequency used for air-to-ground coordination only
- A working channel assigned for operational communications within a division or group (Correct answer)
- The primary frequency for command staff only
- A frequency shared with law enforcement for public safety
Correct answer: A working channel assigned for operational communications within a division or group
Tactical channels are working frequencies assigned to specific divisions or groups for day-to-day operational communications.
Question 6: Which radio practice helps prevent two units from transmitting simultaneously and causing interference?
- Broadcasting on multiple frequencies at once
- Listening before transmitting to ensure the channel is clear (Correct answer)
- Using a designated 'talk-around' frequency at all times
- Limiting all transmissions to under five seconds
Correct answer: Listening before transmitting to ensure the channel is clear
Monitoring the channel before transmitting prevents simultaneous transmissions (doubling) that result in garbled, unreadable messages.
Question 7: What does 'MAYDAY' signify when transmitted on a wildland fire radio channel?
- A request for additional ground resources
- A distress call indicating a firefighter is in immediate life-threatening danger (Correct answer)
- Notification that an aircraft is inbound to the incident
- A signal to begin planned ignition operations
Correct answer: A distress call indicating a firefighter is in immediate life-threatening danger
MAYDAY is an internationally recognized distress signal used when a firefighter faces an immediate, life-threatening emergency.
S-130 Radio Communication 3
What is the purpose of a repeater in wildland fire radio operations?