Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition)
Chapter 2-Fire Behavior
FF 1 Test Review (Statements)

  • The English system of measurement is commonly used in the U.S.
  • S.I. stands for International System of Units.
  • Mass in the S.I. system is measured in kilograms (kg).
  • An example of spontaneous heating, a type of chemical heat energy, is oil-soaked rags that can burst into flames without an external source of heat.
  • An example of mechanical heat energy is compression (when SCBA bottle feels warm after being filled).
  • Black smoke becoming dense gray/yellow may indicate a backdraft situation.
  • The buildup of heat from a fire until all contents are heated to their ignition temperature and simultaneously combust is termed flashover.
  • Normal atmospheric air contains 21% oxygen.
  • Backdrafts can be prevented by ventilating to release trapped hot gases and smoke.
  • In regards to self-heating, each 18oF increase in temperature causes heating reaction to double.
  • A calorie is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 gram of water 1oC.
  • Convection is the transfer of heat by movement of air or liquid.
  • Thermal imbalance may occur is water is applied improperly to a non-ventilated fire area.
  • The measurement of gravity on a specific mass best describes weight in the S.I. System.
  • Work is defined as the application of force to an object over a distance.
  • Power is defined as the amount of energy delivered over a given time period.
  • The S.I. System equivalent to horsepower is Watts.
  • Low flash point liquids cannot be easily extinguished by cooling with water.
  • 0oC is the freezing point of ice and 100oC is the boiling point in the metric unit termed Celsius.
  • Warm objects tend to radiate heat.
  • Oxygen content as low as 14% can support combustion at room temperature.
  • Joules is the approved S.I. unit for all forms of energy.
  • Ignition Temperature is defined as the minimum temperature to which a fuel in air must be heated in order to start self-sustained combustion without a separate ignition source.
  • The transfer of heat energy by the movement of heated liquids and gases is termed convection.
  • Oxidation is a form of combustion.
  • A British Thermal Unit is the amount of heat needed to raise 1 pound of water 1oF.
  • A charged hose with the nozzle closed is a form of potential energy.
  • The rate of heat transfer is faster when temperature differences between the objects increases.
  • Chemical flame inhibition cannot be used to extinguish a fire in the smoldering stage.
  • 32oF is the freezing point of ice and 212oF is the boiling point in the U.S. unit of temperature measurement termed Fahrenheit.
  • Heat cannot be conducted in a vacuum because there is no medium for point-to-point contact.
  • Insulation made of fine particles or fibers with voids between them make the best insulators.
  • An example of friction is when a vehicle's brakes are applied and build up heat energy.
  • Heat will transfer between objects as long as the temperatures are different.
  • Heat is the most common type of energy.
  • Conduction is the heat transferred from gases to structural components when the gases and components are in direct contact.
  • Liquids with a specific gravity less than 1 will float, while less than 1 sinks.
  • Vapors with a vapor density less than 1 will rise in air, while less than 1 sinks.
  • Combustion is an exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction.
  • Hot rising gases will rise to the top of the space and then spread out laterally.
  • Radiation is the major source of fire spread to exposures.
  • Gaseous fuels are the most dangerous fuel type.
  • The physical position of solid fuels is usually of more concern than liquid fuel fires.
  • Flammable limits of fuels are usually reported at atmospheric temperatures and pressures.
  • Large volumes of unburned gases are produced when a compartment fire is fully developed.
  • Additional fuel becomes involved just prior to a flashover.
  • Polyurethane Foam has a high maximum hear release rate.
  • Sodium Nitrate, an oxidizer, can burn in an oxygen-free atmosphere.
  • Flameover is a condition in which flames move through unburned gases.
  • Flames may not be present in a smoldering fire.
  • When a burning gas mixes with the proper amount of oxygen, it burns hotter and less luminous.
  • Gasoline cannot be extinguished easily by temperature reduction.
  • The volume and height of a compartment significantly affects fire behavior within that compartment.
  • Flooding an area with an inert gas is an example of extinguishment by oxygen exclusion.
  • Halon is used to interrupt the chemical chain reaction and stop flaming.
  • The most common hazardous substance in smoke is carbon monoxide.
  • Ordinary combustibles are considered Class A fuels.
  • Flammable and combustible liquids are considered Class B fuels.
  • Energized electrical equipment is considered Class C fuels.
  • Combustible metals are considered Class D fuels.
  • Cooling with water or foam works best with Class A fuels.
  • Alcohol is a polar solvent.
  • Smothering or blanketing works best on Class B fuels.
  • Fuel-specific agents may be needed to cover up and smother a Class D fire.
  • Allowing a fuel to burn until all fuel is consumed is an example of fuel removal.
  • Halon, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers may be used on Class C fuels.
  • Ingition in an oxygen-rich environment generally takes lesser temperatures.
  • All fire require some type of ignition.
  • MSDS sheets or an ERG guides should be used to determine extinguishment methods for Class D fires.