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FDP Year 4 & 5 Questions > Firefighting > Flashcards

Firefighting Flashcards

1
Q

At a factory fire, gas cylinders are being impacted by fire and there is a high risk of a BLEVE occurring. Define the acronym BLEVE and describe how it occurs.

A

Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosions occur when cylinder contents impacted by fire expand to such an extend that the cylinder can’t contain the pressure and ruptures due to the intense heat.

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2
Q

At the incident above, describe the firefighting response and identify the signs that would indicate to you that a BLEVE may occur.

A

Indications;
- Flame impingement
- Container distortion
- Sounding of relief valve

Response;
- Withdraw immediately
- Report / communicate hazard
- Apply cooling from protected position
- Do not extinguish the flame

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3
Q

State the 3 general properties of gas, and then identify what 4 measures you would consider using when trying to combat a gas leak?

A
  1. Gases can be compressed.
  2. Gases can expand to fill any container.
  3. Gases will expand when heated.

1a. Turn off supply (if possible).
2a. Eliminate any potential ignition sources.
3a. Dilute with air and/or water spray.
4a. Disperse with water spray.

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4
Q

On arrival at an incident involving a backyard BBQ cylinder on fire, identify the correct steps you would take to combat this scenario.

A
  • Do not extinguish
  • Cool the container from safe distance
  • Only approach from side on (45 degree angle)
  • Take cover whilst cooling
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5
Q

On arrival at a fire at a shopping centre with an installed fire safety system, what functions would you expect the sprinkler system to have performed?

A
  • Automatically activated
  • Prevented further spread of fire
  • Contained the fire
  • Alerted occupants and DFES
  • Helps to identify specific area of the fire
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6
Q

During salvage and overhaul operations at a structure fire, you identify vital evidence that has to be moved to a safer location. What are the procedures you would take before doing this?

A
  • Verbally notify the OIC and other FF’s
  • Limit further water, where possible
  • Document, photograph and/or video the scene prior to moving
  • Ensure new location will not require another move
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7
Q

When firefighting at a bushfire incident, in conjunction with fixed wing or rotary aircraft, what are the precautions you can take to ensure the safety of yourself and your LT crew member.

A
  • Maintain comms with GC
  • Move off fire line when directed to
  • Return when all clear from GC
  • If caught in drop:
  • Ensure helmet is on
  • Move away from fire line
  • Don’t run or panic
  • Watch your footing
  • Hand tools to be well clear
  • Watch for falling debris
  • If hit by foam – decon immediately
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8
Q

A fire has been reported in a Zone 2 Automated Response Zone, what aerial resources are automatically activated for an incident in that area?

A

2x fire bombers with air attack supervisor
2x aerial appliances either fixed wing or rotary

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9
Q

You have been asked by the SO to act as Ground Controller at an incident, what 4 prerequisites must be met for you to undertake this role?

A
  1. Have a sound knowledge of bush firefighting strategies and tactics
  2. Ability to read and interpret maps
  3. Ability to quickly assess a bush fire situation and make recommendations
  4. Clear and concise radio communication skills
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10
Q

Explain and describe what the acronym AIT stands for? What is the concern for you as a firefighter if you identify objects approaching their AIT?

A

Auto ignition temperature
- When a fuel/air mixture is heated to its AIT it will ignite without a light or spark.
- The intensity of the ignition is dependent upon degree of mixing.

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11
Q

List in order the 6 stages of branch control.

A
  1. Left for life
  2. Set to flush
  3. Open the branch
  4. Call or signal for water on
  5. Set your flow rate
  6. Set your flow pattern
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12
Q

Identify and explain what occurs during the 4 phases of combustion.

A
  1. Incipient - Decomposition by way of pyrolysis
  2. Smouldering - products released at the surface of the fuel become visible as smoke
  3. Flaming - Vapours from the decomposing fuel have been ignited
  4. Heat - Combustion has reached the point where the fire is much more rapid and creating considerable heat
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13
Q

On entry into a structure fire you would expect fire gases to be present. As these fire gases reach their LEL, what are the types of ignition sources that could be present to cause an explosion to occur?

A
  • Sparks due to impact or friction
  • Pilot lights
  • Flames
  • Sparks from vehicle
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14
Q

You have been tasked to don BA, make entry and carry out primary search and rescue. Explain the correct door entry procedure you should use to safely make entry into the structure.

A
  • Ensure hose line is charged, flushed and set to spray
  • Check direction of door opening by examining hinges
  • Adopt a position of safety behind door or wall
  • Paint door to find level of neutral plane - test door with back of hand for heat
  • Gas cool above the door before opening communicating with number 2
  • Open door - gas cool within compartment and shut door - allow for effect
  • Assess entry, enter when safe
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15
Q

As the pump operator at an incident you identify a sudden drop in pressure on the compound gauge. You are pumping from a reticulated supply. Describe 3 potential causes for this sudden drop occurring;

A
  1. Burst hose from hydrant
  2. Blocked internal strainer
  3. Over supply of water to delivery lines
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16
Q

As crew member working in your LT at a bushfire incident, you identify a loss in communications with your Sector Commander. What actions could you take to re-establish radio contact? Describe at least 3.

A
  1. Check/change battery
  2. Change position/location or move to higher ground
  3. Use vehicle mounted radio
  4. Relocate to the last place you had comms
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17
Q

When firefighting at a bushfire there are always 3 priorities that you must consider. Identify and describe these priorities in order.

A
  1. Preservation of life - public/bystanders directly affected
  2. Protection of property - property directly under threat, structural triage to prioritise
  3. Protection of environment - stay on tracks/road, leave smallest possible footprint
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18
Q

As the designated pump operator, your OIC has asked you to provide foam to the branch operator. Identify and describe 3 disadvantages of foam being used in firefighting operations.

A
  1. Foam concentrate can be expensive
  2. Foam may be attacked by certain chemical agents
  3. Application may be affected by strong winds
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19
Q

You arrive at a Class C fire. Identify the preferred firefighting method to be used to combat this incident and why?

A
  1. Isolate fuel supply
  2. Turn gas off at source
  3. Do not extinguish flame
  4. Cool cylinder
  5. Protect exposures
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20
Q

Heat build-up is a very late indicator and should not be used as a warning sign for which particular fire phenomenon? What other signs can be used to identify this earlier and potentially allow you to prevent it occurring?

A

Flashover - Look for products beginning to pyrolyse, thermal layer lowering, smoke darkening.
Ventilate vertically and gas cool.

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21
Q

Explain the affects of increased temperature on the characteristics of water. How does this directly affect the application of water in an Internal Structure Firefighting scenario?

A

The expansion ratio of water turning to steam changes with temperature. At temps above 100 degrees the ratio is approx 1:1700. Above 600°C approx. 1:3400.

Meaning small amounts of water can be used to great effect. Three dimensional fire trap.

High thermal capacity - 4,200 Joules per litre to raise the temperature by 1°C.
High latent heat capacity - 2,260 kJ is required to convert a litre of water at 100 °C to steam.

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22
Q

During a suction drill you are not able to achieve the Maximum Theoretical suction lift or Maximum Practical suction lift. List the 6 recognised causes.

A
  1. Friction loss
  2. Turbulence
  3. Density of water
  4. Temperature of the water
  5. Altitude
  6. Creating flow
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23
Q

You arrive to a house fire, what are the signs you are looking for to indicate that a Backdraught may occur? What steps can we take to ensure that we avoid a Backdraught event.

A
  1. Blackening and crazing of windows
  2. Pulsating smoke and whistling noises
  3. Turbulent movement of smoke
  4. Dense smoke with no obvious sign of flame
  5. Neutral Plane very low
  6. Fire gases igniting on leaving the compartment

Ensure crews are aware of the situation so that accidental ventilation does not occur. Only ventilate vertically. Do not enter until internal gases are sufficiently cooled using correct door entry procedures.

24
Q

Identify the 3 types of fire streams used, and describe 2 pros and 2 cons of using each at a structure fire;

A
  1. Jet - Long reach, Good penetration, High chance of damage, jet reaction.
  2. Spray - Water curtain protects, economical, less throw, less penetration.
  3. Fog - Absorbs heat, enhances rate water converts to steam, Wind affected, short reach.
25
Q

You hear whistling noises coming from a compartment inside a structure fire. What does this indicate is currently occurring? And potentially what phenomena may result?

A

Usually caused by air being drawn into and forced out of the small openings of a compartment containing a ventilation controlled fire, possibility of backdraught.

26
Q

You have been directed to break a glass panel to gain access at a structure fire. Describe the process followed to ensure that there is no danger to any occupants inside the building;

A
  • Confirm no one is on the other side of the window.
  • Use flat part of the axe to give sharp (not hard) blow to top corner.
  • Push glass into the room.
  • Once all glass cleared, use a salvage sheet as safety to enter and exit via the window.
27
Q

How would your knowledge of “Flammability Range”, “Lower Explosive Limit”, “Upper Explosive Limit”, and “Ideal Mixture” assist you to deal with a venting LPG cylinder inside a small factory shed.

A

Ventilate accordingly. Eliminate all ignition sources.

28
Q

You arrive at a structure fire involving a high-rise building. Identify 4 hazards that are specific to, or at an increased risk in this scenario, and how we can avoid these occurring.

A
  1. Structural collapse of all or part of the building. Maintain a 60 metre exclusion zone. Hose lines should be positioned where they can be protected.
  2. Concealed fire spread. Take care when advancing through buildings to ensure you are not suddenly cut off by fire emerging from a concealed place.
  3. Heat stress. Provide relief crews. Hydration.
  4. Extreme fire behavior. Control ventilation.
  5. Reduced visibility. Consider guidelines, torch, work in pairs.
29
Q

Identify what 3 factors affect fire behaviour in a bushfire context, and explain how they could affect you as crew of a 3.4 at a large bushfire.

A
  1. Fuel - can affect ROS and intensity of fire.
  2. Weather - can affect extremes of fire with varying wind (speed and direction) and temperatures.
  3. Topography - can affect ROS (uphill versus downhill).
30
Q

On arrival at a large scale bushfire, you are required to report to the ICV. Identify all the relevant information that is to be recorded on your T-Card.

A
  • Unit appliance name and type
  • Name of team leader or OIC
  • Name of team members
  • Sellcall/mobile numbers
  • Time of arrival
31
Q

As per the diagram in your Respond to Wildfire TRK, label the 10 parts of a bushfire.

A
  1. Point of origin
  2. Tail
  3. Unburnt pocket
  4. Right flank
  5. Left flank
    6 & 7. Tongue x 2
  6. Head
  7. Spot fires
  8. Direction of spread
32
Q

Using your knowledge of the Fire Tetrahedron, explain how to use these to your advantage at a fire by giving an example for each.

A
  • Remove the fuel - starvation
  • Cut off the oxygen supply - smothering
  • Remove the heat - cooling
  • Interrupt the chain reaction - interrupting the chain reaction
33
Q

Using the Phonetic Alphabet, spell the following street names;

  1. Furniss Rd
  2. Quarimor Dr
  3. Zuvela Crt
  4. Badja Pl
A

A -Alpha B- Bravo C- Charlie D- Delta E-Echo
F-Foxtrot G-Golf H-Hotel I-India J-Juliet
K-Kilo L-Lima M-Mike N-November O-Oscar
P-Papa Q-Quebec R-Romeo S-Sierra T-Tango
U-Uniform V-Victor W-Whisky X-X-ray Y-Yankee
Z-Zulu

34
Q

With the aid of the diagram (Refer to Operate Communication Systems & Equipment TRK), list and briefly describe the common features of the portable radio.

A
  • On/Off
  • Volume Control
  • Channel Selector
  • Channel Display
  • Microphone
  • Speaker
  • Power Supply
  • Antenna
  • TX/RX Indicator
  • Transmit Timers
35
Q

As pump operator, what do the following gauges indicate and if they suddenly change, what would this indicate to you?

A

Compound gauges - Hydrant has failed. Blockage in the collector line. Major leak in the collector line.

Pressure gauges - Suction strainer blocked. Overrunning of supply. Collector valve open.

Delivery gauges - Flow rate may have been increased at the branch. Minor leak in the delivery line. Overrunning of supply

36
Q

You arrive at a structure fire. In siting the appliance, what considerations would affect your location and why?

A
  • Wind / smoke direction
  • Hazards (overhead power, vehicles, trees, trip, etc)
  • Proximity to fire
  • Pump panel side (near side to the fire)
  • Ground and surface
37
Q

As pump operator, pumping water from the appliance tank supply, there are several factors that you need to consider. State at least 3 factors.

A
  1. Know the branch capacity to ascertain working length of tank supply
  2. Avoid completely draining tank
  3. Keep crew advised of remaining water supply
  4. Identify supplementary source ASAP
38
Q

Identify the 4 main causes of pump damage, and describe how to avoid each occurring.

A
  1. Cavitation
  2. Corrosion
  3. Water hammer
  4. Overheating
39
Q

Identify the 4 properties of foam, and explain how each will assist you in extinguishing a fire.

A
  1. Expansion - dependent on type of concentrate and purpose, more air - more expansion
  2. Shear strength - smaller bubbles, higher strength, higher fire resistance.
  3. Viscosity - Cling
  4. Drain time - Time it takes to break down. Must be long enough to do its job.
40
Q

Gases can be heavier than air and lighter than air. Using this knowledge, explain how this will affect how you deal with a chlorine gas spill you have been turned out to.

A

Chlorine gas is heavier than air and will settle in low lying areas. Use a monitor to test those areas specifically and ventilate the space well.

41
Q

Name and give an example of each of the different classes of fire, and identify an appropriate extinguishing medium to combat each.

A

A Paper - Water
B Flammable liquid - Petrol - Foam
C Flammable gas - LPG - Isolate valve
D Flammable metal - Magnesium - Solid earth,
E Energized electrical equipment - Meter box - CO2
F Fats and oils - Deep fryer - Specific foam

42
Q

Identify what the acronym RECEOVES stands for?

A

Rescues
Exposures
Containment
Extinguishment
Overhaul
Ventilation
Environment
Salvage

43
Q

You have completed a primary search and rescue as instructed and are ready to begin ventilation of the structure. Identify the 5 precautions that must be in place before ventilation occurs;

A
  • Comms established
  • Ventilate under instruction of OIC
  • Charged hoses ready
  • Back up crew ready
  • Seat of fire located
44
Q

You have been instructed to carry out ventilation at a structure fire. Describe 4 recognised ways (methods/equipment/types) of completing this task?

A
  1. Vertical
  2. Horizontal
  3. Natural
  4. Mechanical
45
Q

Whilst working at a structure fire, what signs would you be constantly monitoring that could indicate an impending building collapse?

A
  • Cracked or falling arches over doors, windows, and other openings with masonry walls
  • Spalling of masonry
  • Falling cornices
  • Leaning or bulging walls
  • Holes appearing in walls caused by the expansion of steel beams
  • Sagging floors, Ceilings, roofs and/or beams
  • Gaps appearing around the edge of floors and wall joints
  • Displaced or distorted steel beams or columns supporting beams
  • Displaced or distorted roof trussing
46
Q

As a firefighter you are exposed to many hazards at a structure fire. Identify at least 6 specific potential hazards, and describe how each of these hazards can be avoided.

A
  1. Heat
  2. Smoke
  3. Electrical
  4. Flashover
  5. Irrespirable atmosphere
  6. Structural collapse
47
Q

Explain in detail the 2 technical reasons why water is used as a firefighting medium.

A
  1. High thermal capacity
  2. High latent heat capacity - meaning it takes more energy to increase the temperature of water compared to any other substance
48
Q

Identify and describe the 3 basic types of fires at a bushfire.

A
  1. Ground - Fires burning below the ground’s surface eg, peat fire. Slow burn and can go unnoticed
  2. Surface - Fires burning on the surface of the ground, eg ground debris like sticks, grass
  3. Crown - Burns in the crown of trees ahead of and above the surface fires
49
Q

You are conducting an internal direct attack at a large factory fire and notice the fire is spreading to other parts of the building even though the flames are confined to the immediate area. What would explain why this is happening?

A

Fire is spread from one point to another by transfer of heat. The ways in which it is transferred is through conduction, convection, radiation and direct burning.

  • Conduction - of heat through a steel girdle
  • Convection - currents convey hot gases upwards which then can also mushroom down from top to bottom
  • Radiation - Transfer of heat energy in all directions from a fire to nearby objects
50
Q

Identify the 2 distinct regions that will develop in a compartment fire and describe both in detail.

A
  1. Over pressure region - In the upper part of the compartment where the buoyant fire gases accumulate. Will have a slight positive pressure.
  2. Under pressure region - the lower part of the compartment. Will have a slight negative pressure.
51
Q

Arriving at a structure fire, several signs may be present to assist in “reading the fire”. Identify at least 4 and describe what they would indicate.

A
  1. Air Track - Changes in airtrack can indicate changing conditions such as
    - ventilation - an opening to compartment has been open or closed
    - fire growth - the fire is increasing/decreasing in intensity.
  2. Flames in smoke - “Dancing angels in overhead gas layer within compartment
  3. Pulsating smoke - drawn back through an opening and puffed out - possible backdraught
  4. Whistling noises - Usually caused by air being drawn in and forced out of small openings of a compartment containing a ventilation controlled fire
52
Q

As per SOP 2.1.2 Mobilising, your SO is required to given an initial SITREP using the acronym HAULER at a factory fire you have responded to. Provide examples of information you would supply to them to assist them in this SITREP to ComCen.

A

Height, Area, Use, Lines of hoses, Exposures/Evacuations, Resources being used, Staging Area

53
Q

You are ground controller at a bushfire and due to interference from another incident, you have been asked to go simplex/talkaround to maintain communications with air attack. Explain how you would do this using the yellow TAIT 8260 radio.

A
  • Select channel we require
  • Press menu
  • Select radio settings left corner of the screen
  • Select function
  • Select talkaround
  • Select on
  • Press back to menu screen
  • Talk around symbol should be in top
54
Q

On arrival at a potential clandestine drug lab, you can expect to encounter many hazards. Identify 5 recognised groups of hazards that you would be looking out for.

A
  • Improvised lab facilities
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Fire Hazards
  • Productions hazards
  • Weapons or security devices
55
Q

You have been instructed to conduct a direct attack on a bushfire. What should you be mindful of to maintain safety using this strategy?

A

LACES

  • Don’t be in a position where you are affected by radiant heat, smoke.
  • Be aware of heat stress.
  • Only direct if less than 2m.
56
Q

Working in a LT at a large bushfire you have just been informed of a red flag warning advising of a sudden wind change. The flank you are working on is about to become the head of the fire. As you prepare to evacuate, you become bogged. What 5 important actions should you now undertake?

A
  1. Transmit emergency message
  2. Request ariel assistance - water bombers if available
  3. Wear full PPC including flashhood and gloves
  4. Close all doors, windows
  5. Idle vehicle, change air con to recycle, pull down curtains, wrap yourself in a fire blanket.

FDP Year 4 & 5 Questions (5 decks)

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