Chapter 16

Traditionally, how large is the collapse zone? Select one: a.1½ times the height of the structure b.1½ times the width of the structure c.2½ times the width of the structure d.2½ times the height of the structure Feedback

1½ times the height of the structure

What is a concern about lath and plaster during a fire? Select one: a.Conceals hidden fires and adds fuel to the fire b.Releases toxic gases when heated c.Shows signs of spalling when exposed to fire d.Stretches when heated

Conceals hidden fires and adds fuel to the fire

How do a building's contents affect fire growth and structural collapse? Select one: a.Contents can retain water and increase the stress on structural members. b.Contents help distribute the weight in the building evenly, which adds structural stability. c.Contents burn more slowly than structural members, so it takes longer for the fire to grow. d.Contents create barriers that help block fire spread.

Contents can retain water and increase the stress on structural members.

In which stage of fire development does structural collapse become likely due to the weakened state of structural members and buildup of water? Select one: a.Incipient b.Fully developed c.Growth d.Decay

Decay

What is an indicator of structural collapse? Select one: a.Distorted structural members b.Fire in the incipient stage c.Smoke movement through windows d.Absence of reinforcing tie rods

Distorted structural members

When should firefighters begin considering the potential that a building will collapse? Select one: a.Once the fire reaches the fully involved stage b.Immediately upon arrival at the incident c.Once the fire reaches the growth stage d.During preincident surveys and size-up

During preincident surveys and size-up

Which type of building material is used to protect other materials because its moisture content gives it excellent heat resistance? Select one: a.Gypsum wallboard b.Reinforced concrete c.Reinforced steel d.Lath and plaster Feedback

Gypsum wallboard

Which statement describes how glass will react under fire conditions? Select one: a.Glass generally is not affected by fire conditions, but may be broken during forcible entry. b.It will break or melt, causing the surrounding walls to weaken. c.Heated glass may crack when water is applied. d.Glass can add a significant amount of fuel to the fire.

Heated glass may crack when water is applied.

Why are buildings under construction more susceptible to fire spread? Select one: a.Structurally unsound construction b.High fuel loads c.Presence of Type I construction materials d.Sprinklers and FDCs are not yet operational

Sprinklers and FDCs are not yet operational

How does the size of a wooden structural member affect how it reacts to fire? Select one: a.Engineered wood products burn slower than natural wood because they have a lower moisture content. b.Heavy timbers lose structural stability quickly when exposed to direct flame. c.Heavy timbers remain strong even after exposure to direct flame. d.Size has no effect on how easily a piece of wood will ignite.

Heavy timbers remain strong even after exposure to direct flame.

How does reinforced concrete react to exposure to fire? Select one: a.It elongates and pushes building walls outward. b.It performs well, but can lose strength through spalling. c.It contracts and forces building walls inward. d.It takes longer to fail after exposure to fire.

It performs well, but can lose strength through spalling.

How can HVAC systems affect tactical ventilation? Select one: a.Help extinguish the fire by changing the pressure in the structure b.Provide fresh air to ventilation crews c.Cool the air in the fire room to weaken the fire's intensity d.Move products of combustion to unaffected areas Feedback

Move products of combustion to unaffected areas

When should a collapse zone be established at a structure fire? Select one: a.After mutual aid is requested b.As soon as interior operations begin c.Before cordoning off the hot, warm, and cold zones d.Once a defensive strategy is adopted

Once a defensive strategy is adopted

Which type of building material can produce toxic gases and rapidly deteriorate under fire conditions? Select one: a.Steel b.Lath and plaster c.Glass d.Oriented strand board (OSB)

Oriented strand board (OSB)

Which building material can potentially be harmful to firefighters because it contains a glue called urea formaldehyde that gives off a hazardous gas when it is heated? Select one: a.Mineral wool b.Cellulose c.Particle board d.Plywood

Particle board

What should take place immediately after the collapse zone is cleared? Select one: a.Personnel return to the staging area b.After-action report c.Personnel accountability report d.Size-up

Personnel accountability report

Which factor is likely to affect the speed with which a steel structural member fails under fire conditions? Select one: a.Size b.Exposure to foam extinguishing agents c.Where the steel is located in the structure d.Age

Size

Which type of collapse is common for a Type V construction building? Select one: a.Balloon collapse b.Walls collapsing inward c.Collapse of a single compartment d.Walls collapsing in one piece or crumbling Feedback

Walls collapsing inward

How does heat affect masonry? Select one: a.Stones and concrete may experience spalling when they are heated. b.Bricks will crumble after minimal exposure to heat and flame. c.Stones and concrete will crumble after exposure to direct flame. d.Bricks may experience spalling when they are heated. Feedback

Stones and concrete may experience spalling when they are heated.

Why can abandoned buildings pose great danger of fire and collapse? Select one: a.The exterior may be made of lightweight components. b.The interior may be gutted and altered. c.The exterior may be covered with flammable materials. d.The interior may be compartmentalized.

The interior may be gutted and altered.

Which statement accurately describes how building materials and configuration affect fire behavior in a structure? Select one: a.Buildings with a high level of compartmentation are more susceptible to rapid fire spread. b.Buildings with lightweight engineered components are less likely to collapse unexpectedly. c.Fires in structures with a low fuel load have a lower tolerance to fire and will burn hotter than other fires. d.The longer the fire has burned, the more likely it is that structural integrity has been compromised.

The longer the fire has burned, the more likely it is that structural integrity has been compromised.

How can water from fire suppression affect a building's structural stability? Select one: a.Water has minimal effect on a structure's stability. b.Water adds weight, but does not add stress to the structure. c.Water weight added from suppression can cause floors to collapse. d.Water has a positive impact on stability since it reduces the structure's fuel load. Feedback

Water weight added from suppression can cause floors to collapse.

Which type of building material is affected by size and moisture content during fire conditions? Select one: a.Glass b.Wood c.Masonry d.Concrete

Wood

When establishing collapse zones,: Select one: a.apparatus must not be positioned in the collapse zone. b.interior crews should be allowed to finish tasks before exiting the structure. c.the size of the collapse zone depends on the width of the building. d.the IC should wait to cordon the zones off until an offensive strategy has been adopted.

apparatus must not be positioned in the collapse zone.

When heated, steel structural members tend to: Select one: a.elongate and push walls outward. b.spall. c.contract and cause walls to fall inward. d.crumble.

elongate and push walls outward.

Overhaul operations may affect a structure's stability when: Select one: a.ventilation fans are used to clear smoke from the area. b.salvage covers are placed to protect furnishings. c.firefighters accidentally cut through load bearing components. d.furniture and other movable fixtures are removed from the structure.

firefighters accidentally cut through load bearing components.

Cast iron may crack or shatter when it is: Select one: a.used as a decorative structural element. b.in contact with direct flames. c.rapidly cooled with water. d.heated indirectly.

rapidly cooled with water.

Once it is determined that collapse is imminent,: Select one: a.the primary search must be completed, and then the building should be evacuated. b.the collapse zone should be cleared as soon as possible. c.the interior crews should remain working until they recover all victims. d.everyone who is not directly related in suppression or rescue must leave the collapse zone.

the collapse zone should be cleared as soon as possible.

Little or no water runoff from the interior of the structure can be an indicator that: Select one: a.fire suppression was effective. b.fire suppression was not effective. c.the structure is retaining water and at risk of collapse. d.the structure is stable, because the fire has been put out.

the structure is retaining water and at risk of collapse.