Ground Cover Fire Fighting for Structural Firefighters Flashcards
1
Q
What is the backbone of the fire suppression effort?
A
Fire crews.
2
Q
The Terra Torch maybe installed in the back of a pickup truck, trailer, boat or heavy equipment and is effective in?
A
All fuels especially brush and moist fuels due to its longer residence time.
3
Q
What kind of tactics should be used when fire is more than 100 feet from power lines?
A
Normal tactics.
4
Q
Indirect attack is generally considered more dangerous than direct attack because?
A
More fire entrapments and fatalities occur during indirect attacks.
5
Q
A Type 3 wildland engine has a minimum pump capacity of?
A
150gpm.
6
Q
The most common hand cutting tools for wildland firefighting are?
A
Axes, Pulaskis, Brush Hooks, Sandviks.
7
Q
FFs will improve their chance of survival if their deployed shelter?
A
Will not be exposed to direct flame.
8
Q
If you must leave in a hurry abandon the hose and take only the ____.
A
Fittings.
9
Q
On actively burning ground fires where long hose lays are needed at least ____ attack hose must be used to minimize friction loss and deliver maximum volume.
A
1 1/2”.
10
Q
What is the definition of a swamper?
A
Worker who helps clear away brush, limbs and small trees.
11
Q
Factors affecting ground cover fuels?
A
Fuel size (lighter fuels burn faster)
Compactness (tightly compacted fuels burn slower)
Continuity (closely spaced fuels spread faster)
Volume (amount of fuel present)
Fuel moisture content (less moisture ignites more easily)
12
Q
Can two handcrews work effectively in tandem the same way as two engines?
A
Although progress may be slower they are no less effective.
13
Q
When the two layers of the fire shelter are sown together the ____ between them provides additional insulation.
A
Air gap.
14
Q
When constructing firelines crew members typically walk and work ___ apart for safety.
A
10 feet.
15
Q
Class A fire hydrant cap color?
A
Green.
16
Q
Hand crews serve as the ____ of ground cover fire forces.
A
Infantry.
17
Q
A backpack pump is used as a form of?
A
Portable fire extinguisher that carries plain water or foam.
18
Q
What are the three basic types of ground cover fires based on the type and location of the fuel?
A
Ground fires, surface fires, crown fires.
19
Q
Regardless of the distance between a fire front and the control line all unburned fuel between these two must be?
A
Removed. Usually by backfiring or burning out.
20
Q
What type of attack may be needed to protect structures?
A
Frontal attack.
21
Q
What causes booster lines to be ineffective against medium and high intensity fires?
A
Relatively high friction loss means they may not be able to flow the required quantity of water.
22
Q
A Type 4 wildland engine has a minimum pump capacity of?
A
50gpm.
23
Q
What are the 3 C’s?
A
Communication, coordination and cooperation.
24
Q
What is the outer layer of the fire shelter made of?
A
Woven silica laminated to aluminum foil.
25
Stay at least ____ in front and ____ behind heavy equipment.
100 feet and 50 feet.
26
Structural engines can be very effective on large roadside fires by?
Being the anchor point for progressive hose lays.
27
When two engines attack in tandem the following occurs?
First engine moves along the fireline at a relatively fast pace knocking down a majority of intensity knowing the second engine will be securing the fireline behind it.
28
What is the purpose of an anchor point?
To prevent a fire from burning around the end of the control line and outflanking suppression crews.
29
The NCWG Type 2 & 3 tractor plows are classified as?
Medium capacity tractor plow.
30
What are the most common inversions in the ground cover fire environment?
Nighttime and subsidence.
31
Wise water use is critical to?
Structural defense.
32
Fusees are most effective in?
Light/dry fuels.
33
____ take a charged hose line into the cab.
Do not.
34
Intense fires burning father than ____ from a structure do not transfer enough radiant heat to ignite the structure.
100 feet.
35
A water tender used as a refilling point for smaller ground cover apparatus operating remotely from a water supply source also qualifies as?
Nurse tender operations.
36
What is the range of the Terra Torch?
Approximately 100 feet depending on pump pressure and terrain.
37
What kind of cutting strokes should you perform with hand tools?
Short, sharp cutting strokes.
38
A Type 5/Type 7 wildland engine has a minimum pump capacity of?
Small 10gpm pump.
39
The NWCG Type 1 tractor plow is classified as?
Heavy and largest capacity tractor plow.
40
How long will a typical fusee burn?
15-30 minutes.
41
Temperature difference factors?
Wind moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
42
Definition of aspect?
The compass direction a slope faces.
43
If an unresolved safety hazard exists or an unsafe act was committed you should also?
Document the turn down by submitting either a SAFENET (ground hazard) or SAFECOM (aviation hazard) form.
44
What type of hand tools should have smooth, well maintained handles with sharp cutting edges?
Axes
Pulaskis
McLeods
Brush hooks
45
Ground cover fire apparatus also have the ability to ____ while the vehicle is moving.
Pump water aka pump and roll.
46
If possible always try to leave one engine to patrol the burned area and assist with?
Mop up and security.
47
A Type 1 crew is expected to complete ____ of line in brush per hour.
6 chains or 396 feet.
48
How are the parts of a ground cover fire named?
For their unique characteristics and locations.
49
Definition of burning out?
Setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel located between the edge of the fire and the control line.
50
All wheel/4 wheel drive vehicles have superior climbing abilities with their high center of gravity which makes them more susceptible to?
Rollover.
51
Ground fires typically burn faster on?
Southern exposures.
52
A Type 3 wildland engine has how much 1" hose line?
500 feet.
53
What does SEAT stand for?
Single engine air tanker.
54
Definition of flame length?
Distance between the flame tip and the midpoint of the flame depth at the base of the flame. An indicator of fire intensity.
55
What are the three primary methods used to get water out of water tenders?
Pump the water through the fire pump.
Use a pressurized dump through a quick dump discharge.
Unload the water by gravity through a gated dump valve.
56
Width of fireline in sparse surface fuels such as duff or light grass?
May only need to be a foot or two wide.
57
What causes subsidence inversions?
Large scale sinking of air associated with high pressure systems.
58
Indirect attack is used when?
Intensity of fire makes direct attack unsafe. Fire develops long fingers. Not enough time to develop a control line at the fire's edge.
59
The home ignition zone includes the home and extends a distance of ____ to ____ around the outside perimeter of the house.
100 to 200 feet.
60
The steeper the slope?
The faster the fire spreads.
61
What kind of fuels react quite rapidly by precipitation since they gain or lose moisture within one hour?
Fine fuels.
62
Two most common strategies for dealing with residents?
Shelter in place and evacuation.
63
In heavier fuels what members with hand tools lead the crew?
Chainsaws, axes or brush hooks lead followed by Pulaskis, Rouge Hoes, McLeods, combi tools and shovels.
64
The pneumatic torch assembly is comprised of?
Torch assembly, fuel tank and compressed air cylinder mounted to backpack or ATV.
65
Most modern water systems now use at least ____ diameter pipes for water mains.
8 inch.
66
What should be abandoned within 100 feet of transmission lines?
Direct attack.
67
A Type 3 wildland engine has a GVWR generally greater than?
26,000 pounds.
68
Temperature factors?
Affects fuels as result of long term drying.
69
To protect all sides of the structure single jacket forestry hose provides the ____ needed.
Mobility.
70
Definition of flanks of a fire?
Parts of a fire's perimeter that are roughly parallel to the main direction of spread.
71
In some agencies structural engines assigned to interface areas commonly carry?
Ground cover hose packs and hand tools.
72
A Type 6 wildland engine has a GVWR of?
Generally less than 26,000 pounds.
73
The PSD dispenser has a lower operating cost than a?
Helitorch.
74
When is a direct attack normally used?
On relatively small fires with flame lengths not more than 4 feet and where heat/smoke don't keep FFs from working at the fire's edge.
75
Definition of a fire whirl?
Spinning vortex column of ascending hot air and gases rising from a fire and carrying aloft smoke, debris and flame. Range in size from one foot to over 500 feet in diameter. Large fire whirls have the intensity of a small tornado.
76
Class A fire hydrant flow rating?
1,000-1,499gpm.
77
Definition of fire edge?
Boundary of the burned or burning material at any given time.
78
To be effective safety zones should have a radius equal to at least?
Four times the flame length.
79
Definition of mobile attack?
Suppressing fire along a fire edge by driving mobile apparatus along the perimeter and applying fire streams to knock down the fire. Also called pump and roll.
80
Structural engines where not designed for and should never be deployed?
In an off road capacity.
81
Wind definition.
Wind is the horizontal movement of air relative to the surface of the earth. Most critical weather element affecting wildland fire behavior by increasing fires oxygen supply and fuel drying.
82
Definition of hotspotting?
Checking the spread of fire at points of more rapid spread or special threat.
83
The U.S. Forestry Service has identified several common fire behavior characteristics that have resulted in FF fatalities or near misses called the?
Common Denominators of Fire Behavior on Tragedy Fires.
84
Constructing a control line is generally not as taxing on the crews because?
They are working away from the heat and smoke at the fire's edge.
85
A Type 6 wildland engine has a minimum crew of?
2.
86
Where were hotshot crews started?
In southern California in the late 1940s on the Cleveland and Angeles National Forests.
87
When does size up start?
It starts before a call comes in from dispatch and continues throughout the incident.
88
Definition of inversion layer?
The layer through which the departure from the usual increase or decrease with altitude of the value of an atmospheric property. The lowest altitude at which the departure is found is called the base of the inversion.
89
How often should fire hydrants be tested to ensure they are operating and all parts are in good working order?
At least once a year.
90
A Type 6 wildland engine has how much 1 1/2" hose?
300 feet.
91
A Type 2 crew is expected to complete ____ of line in short grass per hour.
18 chains or 1,188 feet.
92
Aerial fuels?
Suspended and upright fuels, brush over 6'. Physically separated from the ground.
93
If a fire is too intense for a safe and effective frontal attack what is the best alternative?
Flank attack.
94
Definition of origin?
Point of original ignition of fire.
95
Tractor plows may be ___ or ___.
Tracked or rubber tired vehicles.
96
Definition of flanking fire suppression?
Attacking a fire by working along the flanks from an anchor point either simultaneously or endeavoring to connect two lines at the head.
97
What has a very strong influence on local winds?
Terrain.
98
Greatest upslope flow is generally?
Mid afternoon with speeds between 3 and 8mpg. Can be gusty.
99
_____ and _____ also contribute to the intensity of fire spread.
Weather and topography.
100
What is an additional to attract the heavy equipment operator's attention?
In addition to hand signals one blast on a police whistle.
101
The three types of water tenders have water tanks capacity ranging from ___ to ___.
1,000-5,000 gallons.
102
What must all control lines have?
An anchor point.
103
Where can a Type 3 fire engine be found?
In a mountainous or rural community.
104
All ground cover firefighting apparatus should meet what NFPA requirements?
NFPA 1906 standard for wildland fire apparatus.
105
What do sharp tools reduce the need for with FFs?
Reduce the need for FFs to raise sharp hand tools above their heads.
106
Who has the authority to require people to evacuate their homes?
Law enforcement.
107
Most firelines vary in width from ___ to ____.
A foot to a few yards.
108
What is atmospheric stability?
The degree to which vertical motion in the atmosphere is enhanced or suppressed.
109
The Stubby Flares can cause what?
Can damage the fired end of the flare and cause more wear and tear on the launcher than #6 loads.
110
In situations where the fuel through which the line is to be cut is primarily dry leaf litter and duff, some agencies use what to construct a fireline?
Leaf blowers.
111
A Helitorch is comprised of?
Torch assembly, propane, tank, pumps, valves, wiring harness and ignition tip.
112
What is the foundation for decision making the ground cover fire environment?
Situational awareness.
113
The NCWG Types 4, 5, & 6 tractor plows are classified as?
Light tractor plows with smaller capacity.
114
A Type 6 wildland engine has a minimum pump capacity of?
30gpm.
115
Definition of a lookout?
Person or location to detect and report fires from a vantage point.
116
Definition of smoldering?
Fire burning without visible flame and barely spreading.
117
It is recommended to install a hoseline tee with a valved male branch every ___.
200 feet of hose.
118
In North America what exposures receive more of the sun's direct rays and heat?
Full southern exposures.
119
Class AA fire hydrant cap color?
Light blue.
120
The three types of water tenders have pumps ranging from ___ to ___.
50-300gpm.
121
During the 48 hours it typically takes to mobilize an Incident Management team who often serves as IC and other overhead positions?
Smokejumpers.
122
A Type 4 wildland engine has a minimum crew of?
2.
123
FFs should also look around when working on the fireline to maintain ____ between themselves and other crew members.
10 feet.
124
According to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) use what kind of flagging for escape routes?
Fluorescent pink with the words ESCAPE ROUTE in black with black dots.
125
Definition of a running fire?
Behavior of a fire spreading rapidly with a well defined head usually associated with influences of wind and/or slope.
126
Definition of a crown fire?
Fire that advances from top to top of trees or shrubs. Driven by intensity of surface fire, slope, spacing of crowns and wind.
127
What are the Standard FF Orders?
1. Keep informed on the weather.
2. Know what the fire is doing.
3. Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior.
4. ID escape and safety routes.
5. Post lookouts.
6. Be alert, keep calm, think clearly and act decisively.
7. Maintain prompt communication.
8. Give clear instructions and make sure they are understood.
9. Maintain control of your forces at all times.
10. Fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first.
128
What is a fire crew comprised of?
18-20 crew members.
Crew boss.
3 squad bosses.
129
Extreme caution is necessary in driving/operating a vehicle that may weigh as much as?
60,000 pounds.
130
An unstable atmosphere is defined as?
An atmosphere that encourages upward motion.
131
A stable atmosphere is defined as?
An atmosphere that resists upward motion.
132
Definition of slopover?
A fire edge that crosses a control line or natural barrier.
133
A good rule to follow is for the landing zone to be ____ the size of the rotor diameter.
Two times.
134
There may be as much as a ___ difference between fuels in an open field and fuels under a canopy/
60 degree.
135
Flame length of 4-8 feet can be directly attacked with?
Mechanical assistance from engines and heavy equipment.
136
Definition of shelter in place?
Remaining in a structure or vehicle when a fire moves through.
137
Definition of heel?
Rear portion of wildland fire also called the rear.
138
The pneumatic torch uses a mixture of diesel and gas to dispense fuel ___ to ___ and is effective in all fuel types.
8 to 20 feet.
139
Definition of the green?
Area of unburned fuel.
140
How many crew does each dozer have?
Two.
141
A Type 3 wildland engine holds how many gallons in tank?
500 gallons.
142
Where is backfiring done?
Downwind side of a large fire to take advantage of the natural indraft of the main body of fire.
143
When is mobile attack primarily used?
On grass fires in a fast moving direct attack with water or foam.
144
On steep slopes fireline width should be?
At least two times the fuel height.
145
What is the primary advantage of a direct attack?
FFs are close to or working in the black which may be used as a safety zone.
146
A Type 1 crew is expected to complete ____ of line in short grass per hour.
30 chains or 1,980 feet.
147
Where is the PSD most effective?
In dry, light, continuous fuels and aquatic areas like marshes or swamps.
148
A Type 6 wildland engine has a tank capacity of?
150-400 gallons.
149
If the roof is more than 1/4 involved in windy conditions the structure?
Cannot be saved.
150
Fire swatters are sometimes called?
Fire flails or flappers.
151
All vehicles must have?
A service brake, emergency brake, and parking brake system.
152
How do you extended the hose lay?
Shut down the nozzle, clamp the hose, remove the nozzle and attach additional length of hose.
153
Most tractor plows are ____ and more maneuverable than dozers.
Smaller.
154
What are the 18 Watchout Situations?
1. Fire not scouted and sized up.
2. In country not seen in daylight.
3. Safety zones/escape routes not ID.
4. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.
5. Uninformed on strategies, tactics and hazards.
6. Instructions/assignments not clear.
7. No communication link.
8. Constructing a line w/o an anchor point.
9. Building a fireline downhil with fire below.
10. Attempting frontal assault on fire.
11. Unburned fuel between you and fire.
12. Can't see or in contact with anyone who can see fire.
13. On hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below.
14. Weather is getting hotter and drier.
15. Wind increasing/changing direction.
16. Getting frequent spot fires across line.
17. Terrain and fuels make escape difficult.
18. Taking a nap near the fireline.
155
Definition of parallel attack?
Constructed a fireline parallel to the wildland fire's edge.
156
It is better to flee ____ too soon than ____ too late.
5 minutes and 5 seconds.
157
Specifics on locations that will accommodate aircraft size, type or performance are found in?
PMS 506: NWCG Interagency Single Engine Airtanker Operations Guide.
158
A Type 4 wildland engine has how much 1" hose line?
300 feet.
159
Fusees burn phosphorous at what temp?
1,400 degrees F
160
Definition of a booster line?
Non collapsible rubber covered, rubber lined hose wound on a reel and mounted on an engine or water tender. Most commonly found in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" diameters. Used for mop up and extinguishing low intensity fires.
161
The propane torch can be handled or mounted?
In the back of a pickup truck or trailer.
162
Where should mobile attacks be made?
From the black for safety.
163
Where is water for community use supplied?
Natural freshwater sources such as lakes and ponds.
164
Reserve at least ____ gallons of water for engine/crew protection.
100.
165
Definition of a control line?
Inclusive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire.
166
One of the most effective and efficient uses of structural fire engines is for?
Protection of structures exposed to an approaching ground cover fire.
167
The Power Flame Thrower/Terra Torch is comprised of?
Fuel tank, torch assembly, pump, electric propane igniter, and wand.
168
Definition of spot fire/spotting?
Fires starting outside the perimeter of main fire typically caused by flying sparks or embers.
169
What is the definition of a frontal attack?
Confronts the head of a fire or fingers without an anchor point and can be very dangerous.
170
Regardless of hos a crew is organized they most often work along the line is what is called?
Typical tool order.
171
Definition of flank attack?
Attacking a fire by working along the flanks from an anchor point.
172
Definition of torching?
Burning of the foliage of a single tree or small group of trees from the bottom up.
173
Definition of fireline?
Part of a control line that is scraped or dug to the mineral soil. Wildland equivalent of the structural fireground.
174
Definition of a fire shelter?
Aluminized cloth tent that offers protection in a fire entrapment situation by reflecting radiant heat and providing a volume of breathable air.
175
What is the purpose of the Type 5/Type 7 wildland engine?
Multipurpose unit used for patrol, mop up or initial attack.
176
Flame length of less than 4 feet is susceptible to?
Direct attack operations.
177
What is probably the greatest challenge for operating in this environment?
Establishing a control and accountability system that works when the IC will have limited if any visual confirmation of where his or her crews are working.
178
Smokejumpers parachute in to approximately ____ wildfires per year in the western US and Alaska.
400.
179
Caps and bonnets of individual public hydrants are usually painted a contrasting color to indicate?
Flow in gpm to be expected from that hydrant.
180
Class B fire hydrant flow rating?
500-999gpm.
181
Operation of the PSD (Plastic Sphere Dispenser) requires?
A qualified Plastic Sphere Dispenser Operator (PSDO).
182
Definition of a direct attack?
Any treatment applied directly to burning fuel.
183
Safe and efficient line construction by hand crews depends on having?
The right tools for the job and using those tools properly.
184
Barriers to fire include many things both ____ and ____.
Natural and man made.
185
What are the types of local winds?
Slope, upslope, downslope and valley winds.
186
What factors affect structural triage decisions?
1. Structure.
2. Fuel.
3. Fire behavior.
4. Resources.
5. FF safety.
187
Definition of flame height?
Average maximum vertical extension of flames at the leading edge of the fire front.
188
What are scraping hand tools used for?
Fireline construction and mop up operations.
189
Firebrands may ignite new fires as far as ____ or more ahead of the main fire.
A mile.
190
What is a turn down?
Also called a refusal of risk where an individual FF or crew leader has decided that they can't carry out an assignment as give and is unable to negotiate an alternative solution.
191
Definition of the black?
Area burned by wildland fire.
192
What is one of the most common firing devices in use?
Drip torch.
193
What is the NFPA for recommended practice for fire flow testing and marking of hydrants?
NFPA 291.
194
A Type 5/Type 7 wildland engine has a tank gallon capacity of?
50-200 gallons.
195
A Type 3 wildland engine has a minimum crew of?
3.
196
Relative humidity can range from?
1% (very dry) to 100% (very moist).
197
What is the NFPA standard on protective clothing and equipment for wildland firefighting?
NFPA 1977.
198
Never drive up and down slopes exceeding ____ or across slopes exceeding ____.
40% and 20%.
199
How do upslope winds develop?
As air in valleys, draws and hillsides. Becomes warmer than the air at the top of the slope and begins to rise.
200
Escape routes should be timed considering the ____ on the team.
Slowest person.
201
Firing devices are tools that?
Allow you to fight fire with fire.
202
What is the minimum work boot requirement for wildland firefighting?
8" high laced boots with Vibram type melt resistant soles.
203
Definition of general winds?
Large scale, upper level winds caused by high and low pressure systems. Can influence ground cover fire behavior.
204
Definition of a pincer attack?
Direct attack around a fire in opposite directions by two or more attack units.
205
Definition of a hand crew?
Number of individuals who have been organized and trained and are supervised principally for operational assignments on an incident.
206
Precipitation factors?
Largely determines moisture content.
207
Definition of convection?
Transfer of heat in an upward vertical motion which can dry and ignite fuels above and adjacent to the fire. Most common visual indicator is a smoke column which consists of hot air, gases, embers and debris.
208
How can you provide positive pressure to help prevent smoke from intruding inside the cab?
Partially discharge space SCBA cylinders.
209
What are the three basic fire ground applications for water tenders?
Water shuttle ops.
Nurse tender ops.
Fire attack/exposure protection.
210
Wyoming State Statue 35-9-116 states in part:
In the event of a hazard of immediate life threatening severity the state fire marshal or the fire chief may order the evacuation of a building or area and may implement emergency measures to protect life and property and remove the hazard.
211
Booster lines are very ____ and highly _____.
Durable and maneuverable.
212
For structural protection in fine fuels with low intensity fires ___ or ___ hoselines can provide a mobile and reliable choice.
3/4" or 1".
213
What is the fuel torch mixture?
3:1 ratio of diesel to gas.
214
Always maintain a lookout, usually the ____ with the engine.
Pump operator.
215
For flame lengths of greater than 8 feet it may require?
Indirect or defensive attack strategies.
216
What is the inner layer of the fire shelter made of?
Fiberglass laminated to aluminum foil.
217
Definition of a hotshot crew?
Type 1 intensively trained fire crew used primarily in hand line construction.
218
Tractor plows pull a plow that is typically ____ wide and cuts a more ____ swath than the blade on most dozers.
6 feet and more narrow.
219
What distance should you maintain from transmission towers?
35 feet.
220
What is the most effective air direct attack firefighting resource available?
Fixed wing aircraft.
221
Surface fire characteristics?
Most common type of ground cover fire. Low lying grass, shrubs and other vegetation.
222
Features of a box canyon?
React similar to a fire in a wood burning stove or fireplace. Upslope drafts create rapid fire spread up the canyon which is also referred to as the chimney effect.
223
Definition of inversion?
Atmospheric inversion. Increase in temperature with increasing height.
224
Definition of a patrol?
To detect, prevent and suppress fires along the length of the control line.
225
Engines should be staffed with at least how many personnel?
3 including a driver/operator, a nozzle man and one additional FF.
226
How long will flares burn?
8 seconds in dry, light and continuous ground fuels.
227
According to NFPA 1977 all equipment used for wildland firefighting must?
Be labeled.
228
Do not leave the coupling where they might be run over. Drape the ends of the lines over?
Fence, mailbox, etc.
229
Class C fire hydrant flow rating?
500gpm or less.
230
Approximately how many smokejumpers are qualified to serve as IC and other overhead positions?
250.
231
The foundation for all fire management activities is through?
Risk management.
232
Relative humidity factors?
Affects dead fuels that gain moisture from surrounding air.
233
Get at least ____ hours of off duty time between shifts.
8 hours.
234
What is the SMART acronym for ground cover firefighting?
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time sensitive
235
The fire swatter is a long handled tool with a rubber or neoprene flap shaped in a square with each side ____ to ____ in length.
16 to 24 inches.
236
A Type 5/Type 7 wildland engine has a minimum crew of?
2.
237
Scattered location of structures in the interface can limit what tactics?
Direct attack or burn outs.
238
Definition of precipitation?
Liquid or solid water particles that originate in the atmosphere until they become large enough to fall to the earth's surface.
239
Propane torches are effective in all fuels and most use propane vapor as fuel although some are designed to use?
Liquid propane.
240
What is the one lick method of handcrew fireline construction?
Progressive line construction where the crew is in a staggered line. Each member takes one stroke (lick) with the tool before moving on one step to repeat the action.
241
____ is a unique nonfire hazard that requires special precautions.
Lightning.
242
What are the three most common types of mechanized equipment used in ground cover firefighting?
Dozers, tractor plows and road graders.
243
What does all resource typing deal with?
Minimums.
244
The most common types of scraping tools used in ground cover firefighting are?
Shovels, McLeods, Fire rakes-hoes, Combination tools, Wire brooms.
245
Definition of size up?
Ongoing process of observation and evaluation of existing factors used to develop objectives, strategy, and tactics for fire suppression.
246
When operating an apparatus on hill terrain don't forget to use the ____ to slow down on steep descents.
Transmission.
247
A Type 4 wildland engine has how much 1 1/2" hose line?
300 feet.
248
Who has the authority to initiate a burnout?
The crew boss (supervisor in charge of 16 to 21 FFs) with approval.
249
Where does a drip torch work well?
In almost all fuel types.
250
A Type 3 dozer is called a ____ dozer and has a minimum HP of ____.
Light dozer 50HP minimum.
251
Where is the tactical water tender best utilized?
In the wildland urban interface where large volumes of water and limited resources make it an excellent asset.
252
Definition of radiation?
Transfer of heat in straight lines through a gas or vacuum other than by heating of the intervening space.
253
A Type 5/Type 7 wildland engine has how much 1" hose line?
200 feet.
254
Type ___ dozers are larger and more capable than Type ___ dozers.
1. 2 and 3.
255
How do you protect yourself from lightning strikes?
Drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hands on your thighs.
256
FireQuick is a specialized pistol developed to shoot either ____ or ____ flares.
HotShot or Stubby Flares.
257
Definition of indirect attack?
Controlling the fire by locating the control line along natural firebreaks some distance from the approaching fire and burning out the intervening fuels.
258
Surface fuels?
Needles, twigs, grass and brush up to 6' tall.
259
A Type 1 dozer is called a ____ dozer and has a minimum HP of ____.
Heavy dozer 200HP minimum.
260
The Helitorch requires?
Specialized personnel to operate it.
261
Definition of hard line?
Booster line.
262
What is the NFPA standard for wildland firefighting professional qualifications?
NFPA 1051.
263
Definition of a backfire?
Fire set along the inner edge of a control line to consume fuel in the path of a wildland fire and/or change the direction of force of the fire's convection column.
264
Begin treating the structure ___ to ___ before the expected front begins.
10 to 15 minutes.
265
Ground crew members should follow standard FAA hand signals as outline in?
FAA AC 91-32B, Safety in and Around Helicopters.
266
What are considered intermediate fuels during structural triage?
Any combustibles located near the structure.
267
Drivers/operators should not exceed more than ____ hours of behind the wheel driving.
10 hours.
268
___ relative humidity is an indicator of high fire danger.
Low.
269
Definition of relative humidity?
Amount of moisture in the air. Usually expressed as a percent.
270
Definition of backfiring?
Tactic associated with indirect attack. Intentionally setting fire to fuels inside the control line to slow, knock down or contain a rapidly spreading fire.
271
Ground fire characteristics?
Burn in layer of dead, organic matter called hummus that covers the soil in forested areas.
Slow moving smoldering fires.
Can go undetected for months before they enter the flaming stage.
Difficult to extinguish due to the composition of fuel.
272
What is a guideline for determining fireline width?
Figure for at least 1 1/2 times the height of fuels or 2 1/2 times the height of flames.
273
There are ___ types of winds?
2. General and local.
274
In timber increase your safe working distance around heavy equipment to?
2 1/2 times the canopy height.
275
Most hose packs contain?
Two 100 foot lengths of 1 1/2" hose with lightweight couplings and one hoseline with a valved male branch.
276
What does the LCES acronym stand for?
Lookouts- know where the fire is
Communications- know who is operating around you
Escape routes- know more than one way out of where you are working
Safety zones- know how to quickly get to an area of refuge
277
What are the 3 main influences on ground cover fire behavior?
Fuel, weather and topography. With weather being the most significant.
278
Who should operate chainsaws?
Only trained and experienced personnel wearing eye pro, hearing protection, gloves and protective chaps.
279
A Type 3 wildland engine has how much 1 1/2" hose line?
500 feet.
280
A progressively hose lay consists of?
Double shutoff wye valves inserted in the main line at intervals so that lateral lines can be run to permit continuous application of water during the extension of the lay.
281
Structural triage categories?
Needs little or no attention for now.
Needs protection, savable.
Cannot be saved.
282
What hand tools used for smothering, raking and scraping may need to be used in light fuels?
Swatters, Council Rakes and McLeods.
283
Speed of downslope winds?
2 to 5 mph.
284
What is it important to save time and conserve FF energy when constructed a fireline with handcrews only?
Making the line only as wide as necessary.
285
Items such as ___ and ___ left in the yard can provide more fuel to the fire.
Old cars and trailers.
286
Quick dump piping may be round or square and is generally at least ___ in diameter.
8 inches.
287
A Type 6 wildland engine has how much 1" hose?
300 feet.
288
Definition of head of a fire?
Most rapidly spreading portion of a fire's perimeter.
289
For hit and run tactics do not become tied down to lengthy supply and attack lines. If possible limit the hoselines to ____ or less.
200 feet.
290
A Type 1 crew is expected to complete ____ of line in brush per hour.
4 chains or 264 feet.
291
Where are control lines constructed in steep terrain?
Along ridgelines.
292
Typical slope wind pattern?
During the day upslope and downslope during the night.
293
Who is personally responsible for your safety?
You are.
294
Definition of an Anchor Point?
Point from which the fireline is begun. Can be natural or man made barrier. Typical anchor points include: roads, lakes, ponds, streams, rock slides and cliffs.
295
In an indirect attack the distance from the control line to the fire's edge depends on the following?
Fire intensity and rate of spread.
Type and volume of fuel.
Topography.
Wind.
Natural barriers.
296
What are the two most common loads for the FireQuick pistol?
#6 purple-violet box, HotShot flares, Winchester Industrial loads, 22 caliber.
#7 gray box, Stubby flares, Winchester Industrial loads, 22 caliber.
297
For communicating with the flight crew what is used as a last resort and in rare situations?
Hand signals.
298
Starting fireline construction from a(n) ____ is critical to FF safety.
Anchor point.
299
Definition of a safety zone?
Area cleared of flammable materials.
300
Definition of tandem attack?
Direct attack made by engines, mechanized equipment, handcrews or aircraft working together along the fire perimeter to achieve greater effectiveness.
301
Definition of creeping?
Fire burning with a low flame spreading slowly.
302
Barrel color of all fire hydrants in wildland book?
Chrome yellow.
303
According to the USDA Forest Service, what is the hand crew's main responsibility?
Constructing a fireline.
304
Down-valley wind speeds typically range between?
5 and 10 mph.
305
The barrels of all public hydrants are usually painted?
A highly visible color.
306
Crown fire characteristics?
Wind driven, high intensity fires in the tree tops of forested areas. Sometimes caused by ground or surface fires when fire spreads upwards through ladder fuels such as small trees, fallen timber and vines.
307
Class AA fire hydrant flow rating?
1500gpm or greater.
308
Ground cover firefighting often requires what kind of vehicle?
Rugged, highly maneuverable vehicle that can go where large structural type apparatus cannot go.
309
North and east facing slopes have more shade which causes?
Heavier fuels, lower temps, higher humidity and higher fuel moistures.
310
What are the two types of portable water tanks?
Square metal framed and round self supporting.
311
Temperature and relative humidity have an ____ relationship.
Inverse.
312
Dozers are pirmarily used for?
Construction of firelines.
313
Nighttime inversions are easy to identify because they?
Trap smoke and gases resulting in poor visibilities in valleys or drainages.
314
A common method of fireline construction by handcrews known as _____ assigns each member a few feet of the line and after completing that portion moving on to another portion of the line.
Leapfrogging.
315
What are the most essential elements of successful ground cover firefighting?
Competent and confident leadership.
316
What is the propane torch comprised of?
Torch assembly, propane cylinder, hose, and regulator or flame adjustment valve.
317
Road graders are also called?
Maintainers.
318
What is a progressive hose lay limited by?
Friction loss in the hose and the amount of water available to the engine.
319
Topography refers to?
The earth's surface features.
320
A Type 4 wildland engine has a GVWR of?
Greater than 26,000 pounds.
321
How much vegetation clearing around LPG storage tanks?
30 foot.
322
Deploy two lines, one around each side of the structure or a pair of adjacent structures. The lines must be long enough to?
Meet behind the structures.
323
How are firelines constructed?
By using hand tools or mechanized equipment such as dozers, graders and tractor plows to remove surface and subsurface fuels down to the mineral soil.
324
All pressure ratings for hydrants in the wildland book?
20 psi.
325
A Type 2 dozer is called a ____ dozer and has a minimum HP of ____.
Medium dozer 100HP minimum.
326
What size is the Type 4 wildland engine tank?
750 gallons or more.
327
All fire departments should have ____ designed to fight the types of fires they confront most frequently.
Fire apparatus.
328
Helitorch capabilities?
Ignites fuel with higher fuel temperatures but will not burn wet fuels. Can ignite large area in short amount of time.
329
Definition of fingers?
Long, narrow extensions of fire projecting from the main body.
330
Up-valley wind speeds range from?
Between 10 and 15mph.
331
Class B fire hydrant cap color?
Orange.
332
Wire brooms are used for?
Leaf litter, grass, grain and moss fires.
333
The Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) is comprised of?
Glycol (antifreeze) injection unit that is mounted internally in a helicopter with an external chute.
334
Keep in mind that Type ____ and Type ____ engines may not have the pump capacity or water supply for extensive hose lengths.
Type 6 and 7.
335
What do most line of duty deaths result from during ground cover fires?
Heart failure.
336
Smaller helicopters carry water in buckets that hold between ____ and ____ gallons of water?
100 to 400 gallons.
337
What is the typical tool order in medium fuels?
Chainsaws, brush hooks or Sandvigs.
Pulaskis or Rouge Hoes.
Shovels or McLeods.
338
What is the 30/30 rule?
When the interval between ground flash and the thunder it produces is less than 30 seconds, FFs should take precautions against being struck continued for 30 minutes after the thundercloud passes.
339
Definition of a perimeter?
Entire outer edge of boundary of a fire.
340
The agent most often used to extinguish ground cover fires is?
Water.
341
____ is exempt from the Vibram sole requirements.
Alaska.
342
Very Pistol/FireQuick are specialized pistols adapted to shoot flares up to?
375 feet.
343
When do down-valley winds occur?
After midnight.
344
Definition of conduction?
Heat transfer through a material from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.
345
Definition of local winds?
Induced by small scale, local differences in air temp and pressure.
346
All Forest Service helicopter operations follow which guidelines?
FAA and interagency standards, policies and safety procedures.
347
Where is the blade mounted on road graders?
Just forward of the rear wheels.
348
A Type 5/Type 7 wildland engine is on a ____ vehicle chassis?
Standard duty.
349
When do downslope winds generally occur?
After midnight. Can alter fire behavior from inactive to active in a matter of minutes.
350
Definition of escape route?
Preplanned and understood route firefighters take to move to a safety zone or other low risk area. Should be clearly marked/flagged.
351
A staging area is location set up at an incident where resources can be placed while awaiting tactical assignment on a ___ available basis.
3 minute.
352
Wind factors?
Fans flames for greater intensity. Large fires create their own winds.
353
Definition of evacuation?
Organized, phased and supervised withdrawal, dispersal or removal of civilians from potentially dangerous areas.
354
According to the NWCG there are how many types of tractor plows used in ground cover firefighting operations?
Six.
355
Definition of hose lay?
Arrangement of connected lengths of fire hose and accessories on the ground.
356
Relative humidity levels below 25% are an indicator of?
Extreme fire behavior.
357
Firefighters may encounter how many types of inversions?
4. Nighttime (often called radiation), subsidence, frontal and marine.
358
How should hand tools be carried?
At the balance point, carried at the side, close to the body and parallel to the ground with blade guards covering the sharp edges.
359
Definition of structural triage?
Process of inspecting and classifying structures according to their defensibility based on their situation, construction and the immediately adjacent fuels.
360
Specifications for all structural gear are now contained entirely in NFPA?
NFPA 1971.
361
Type 3 and 4 engines are most commonly referred to as ___ or ___ engines because of their lightweight chassis, maneuverability, off road capability and smaller diameter hose.
Brush or wildland engines.
362
In short grasses and light fuels a ___ to ___ fireline should halt the advance of the fire.
12 to 36 inch.
363
Definition of rate of spread?
Relative activity of a fire in extending its horizontal dimensions. Usually expressed in chains or acres per hour.
364
FFs should give what verbal warning when they need to pass close to each other on the line?
"Tool coming through!"
365
Definition of an island?
Unburned area within fire perimeter.
366
What two elements of the fire triangle are always present where ground cover fire is found?
Fuel and oxygen.
367
Type 5, Type 6 and Type 7 engines have at least some fire fighting capability and in many areas are referred to as?
Patrols.
368
When do up-valley winds occur?
Mid to late afternoon.
369
A habit that all FFs should develop is to continually check their environment by?
Look up, look down, look all around.
370
How do ground cover firefighting protocols differ from offensive and defensive modes during structural firefighting?
Offensive and defensive modes are often combined when fighting ground cover fires.
371
How long is a chain in length?
66 feet.
