S-130 Wildland Tools & Equipment 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary hazard associated with using a chain saw near the fireline edge?
- Chain saw vibration causing soil erosion along the fireline
- Throwing sparks that can ignite fuels outside the controlled area (Correct answer)
- Excessive noise preventing radio communication
- Chain lubricating oil contaminating water sources
Correct answer: Throwing sparks that can ignite fuels outside the controlled area
Chain saws can throw sparks when the chain contacts rocks or other hard objects, creating an ignition risk in adjacent fuels.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 'adze' end of a Pulaski?
- A flat blade used for scraping and grubbing roots horizontally (Correct answer)
- A pointed pick used for breaking hard soil
- A serrated edge used for cutting green wood
- A flat paddle used for smothering flames
Correct answer: A flat blade used for scraping and grubbing roots horizontally
The adze end of a Pulaski is a wide, flat blade positioned perpendicular to the handle, used for grubbing roots and scraping soil to mineral earth.
Question 3: When a portable pump loses prime during operations, what is the first corrective action a firefighter should take?
- Increase engine throttle to maximum RPM
- Check and re-prime the suction hose to eliminate air leaks (Correct answer)
- Switch to an alternate water source immediately
- Replace the impeller before restarting
Correct answer: Check and re-prime the suction hose to eliminate air leaks
Loss of prime is usually caused by an air leak in the suction hose; the first step is to check connections and re-prime the system.
Question 4: What does the term 'line scout' refer to in the context of hand tool operations?
- A firefighter who carries extra tools for the crew
- A person who walks ahead to identify the best route for fireline construction (Correct answer)
- The crew boss who assigns tool positions along the line
- A firefighter who monitors completed fireline for rekindles
Correct answer: A person who walks ahead to identify the best route for fireline construction
A line scout walks ahead of the construction crew to identify terrain, fuel, and safety considerations that determine the best path for the fireline.
Question 5: What is the minimum width of a hand-constructed fireline typically required to stop the spread of a low-intensity surface fire in light fuels?
- 18 inches
- The width of the flame length (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- One chain (66 feet)
Correct answer: The width of the flame length
Fireline width should be at least as wide as the flame length to prevent spotting across the line; in light fuels this may be as narrow as 18 inches.
Question 6: A firefighter notices that the Nomex gloves they were issued have burn holes in the palm area. What is the correct action?
- Continue using the gloves until the end of the operational period
- Patch the holes with fire-resistant tape and continue working
- Remove the gloves from service and obtain a replacement pair (Correct answer)
- Wear a second pair of standard work gloves underneath for added protection
Correct answer: Remove the gloves from service and obtain a replacement pair
Damaged PPE, including Nomex gloves with burn holes, must be removed from service immediately and replaced to maintain firefighter protection.
Question 7: Which of the following fuels is approved for use in a drip torch for prescribed fire operations?
- Pure unleaded gasoline
- A mixture of 1 part diesel to 4 parts gasoline (Correct answer)
- Pure diesel fuel
- Kerosene with water added
Correct answer: A mixture of 1 part diesel to 4 parts gasoline
A standard drip torch mixture is 1 part diesel to 4 parts gasoline (or similar ratios per agency protocol), which provides a controllable burn that clings to fuel.
S-130 Wildland Tools & Equipment 5
What is the primary hazard associated with using a chain saw near the fireline edge?