S-130 Wildland Tools & Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a fire swatter (flap) in wildland firefighting?
- Clearing brush to create a fireline
- Smothering flames on low-intensity ground fires (Correct answer)
- Digging trenches around hot spots
- Cutting roots below the soil surface
Correct answer: Smothering flames on low-intensity ground fires
A fire swatter is used to beat out and smother flames on low-intensity ground fires, particularly in grass or light fuel.
Question 2: When sharpening a Pulaski in the field, what is the correct filing angle for the axe bit?
- 10 to 15 degrees
- 25 to 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
- 60 degrees
Correct answer: 25 to 30 degrees
The axe bit of a Pulaski should be filed at approximately 25 to 30 degrees to maintain an effective cutting edge for chopping.
Question 3: Which type of hose is most commonly used for initial attack in wildland firefighting due to its lightweight and flexibility?
- 2.5-inch hard suction hose
- 1.5-inch cotton jacket hose
- 1-inch hard line hose
- 3/4-inch forestry hose (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 3/4-inch forestry hose
3/4-inch lightweight forestry hose is the standard for initial attack because it is easy to pack and maneuver through rough terrain.
Question 4: What does a bladder bag (backpack pump) typically hold in terms of water capacity?
- 2.5 gallons
- 5 gallons (Correct answer)
- 10 gallons
- 15 gallons
Correct answer: 5 gallons
A standard bladder bag holds approximately 5 gallons of water, making it manageable to carry while attacking a fire.
Question 5: Which tool is specifically designed to scrape and scalp burning material away from the edge of a fire?
- Pulaski
- Mcleod (Correct answer)
- Combi tool
- Hazel hoe
Correct answer: Mcleod
The McLeod has a wide flat blade on one side for scraping burning material and raking on the other, making it ideal for scalping fire edges.
Question 6: What is the main advantage of a drip torch over other ignition devices in prescribed burns?
- It uses water to control burn intensity
- It allows precise application of burning fuel while the operator walks (Correct answer)
- It eliminates the need for a holding crew
- It can ignite fuels in wet conditions without additional equipment
Correct answer: It allows precise application of burning fuel while the operator walks
A drip torch allows the operator to walk along a line and drip burning fuel precisely, enabling controlled ignition patterns in prescribed burns.
Question 7: What is the correct procedure when a hand tool handle breaks in the field?
- Continue using the broken tool until the shift ends
- Tape the handle together and continue operations
- Remove the tool from service and report it to the crew boss (Correct answer)
- Dispose of the entire tool immediately
Correct answer: Remove the tool from service and report it to the crew boss
A broken tool must be removed from service and reported to the crew boss to ensure safe replacement and prevent injury.
S-130 Wildland Tools & Equipment 2
What is the primary purpose of a fire swatter (flap) in wildland firefighting?