CFPS CFPS - Certified Fire Protection Specialist Fire Investigation Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which NFPA standard is the primary guide for the origin and cause investigation of fires and explosions in the United States?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 921

Answer

NFPA 13

Answer

NFPA 1033

Answer

NFPA 72

Question 2

According to NFPA 921, the scientific method as applied to fire investigation requires that a hypothesis be:

Accepted Answer

Testable and either supported or eliminated by available data

Answer

Based solely on witness testimony

Answer

Submitted to the fire marshal within 48 hours

Answer

Based only on physical burn patterns

Question 3

In fire investigation, the 'area of origin' is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The general geographic location where the fire began

Answer

The room where the most damage occurred

Answer

The point of first ignition

Answer

The area where suppression forces first attacked the fire

Question 4

A 'V-pattern' observed on a wall at a fire scene most commonly indicates:

Accepted Answer

A plume-generated burn pattern pointing toward the area of fire origin

Answer

The path of fire fighting water streams

Answer

Suppression system discharge marks

Answer

Electrical arcing damage at a panel

Question 5

The four elements required to complete a 'fire triangle' are heat, fuel, and:

Accepted Answer

Oxygen and a chain reaction (fire tetrahedron)

Answer

Pressure and ignition

Answer

Smoke and char

Answer

An accelerant and ignition source

Question 6

Which term describes a fire cause determination that all accidental and natural causes have been eliminated, leaving only intentional human act as the explanation?

Accepted Answer

Incendiary

Answer

Undetermined

Answer

Accidental

Answer

Natural