Wildfire

Question 1

What are the three (3) main factors that influence wildfire behaviour?

Answer 1

• Fuel
• Weather
• Topography

Question 2

What are three (3) examples of fine fuels:

Answer 2

• Pine needles
• Leaves
• Grass

Question 3

What are the four (4) key elements of weather?

Answer 3

• Air temperature
• Relative humidity
• Wind
• Atmospheric stability

Question 4

What are the four (4) ways that wind influences a wildfire?

Answer 4

• Increasing oxygen supply to fire (fires rate of spread)
• Bending flames towards new fuels (fires direction of spread)
• Bending the convection column through new fuels (forests)
• Transporting ember material ahead of the fire (spotting)

Question 5

What is one (1) way in which a cold front may influence fire behaviour?

Answer 5

• Developing thunderstorms may carry embers that create spotting ahead if the fire front

Question 6

What affect do katabatic winds have on the down slope spread of fire overnight?

Answer 6

Significantly increases down slope spread of fire, however can be useful in overnight back burning operations

Question 7

What are four (4) elements of topography that affect fire behaviour?

Answer 7

• Slope
• Aspect
• Interaction between terrain and wind
• Elevation

Question 8

List the personal protective equipment that firefighters must wear when attending wildfires:

Answer 8

• Wildfire helmet and goggles
• P2 mask
• Wildfire jacket and gloves
• Cargo pants
• General purpose boots

Question 9

As you approach a wildfire and you can see dark brown smoke, what could it mean?

Answer 9

Dry and highly flammable fuel with little moisture.

Question 10

What does the acronym LACES stand for?

Answer 10

Lookout

Awareness

Communication

Escape routes

Safety zones

Question 11

What are the risks associated with the hazard of dangerous trees?

Answer 11

• Falling trees or limbs injuring Firefighters
• Trees or limbs falling across roadways, control lines or power lines blocking escape and/or access routes.
• Falling trees or limbs damaging appliances or equipment, which could hinder crews from escaping if the fire behaviour changes in an area.

Question 12

What must you do if you receive a Red Flag warning on the fireground?

Answer 12

• Immediately acknowledge that you have received the warning
• Notify any personnel under your command
• Obtain an acknowledgment from personnel under your command.

Question 13

What are three (3) ways a structure may become set alight when there is a bushfire in the area?

Answer 13

• Direct flame
• Radiant heat
• Ember attack