FCTC Firefighter Math Applications Questions and Answers Flashcards

A fire department's budget is $2,400,000 per year. If personnel costs represent 75% of the budget, how much is spent on personnel annually?

Answer: $1,800,000

$2,400,000 × 0.75 = $1,800,000 allocated to personnel costs.

A 2½-inch hose carries water at 200 GPM. If two identical lines are operating simultaneously, what is the total combined flow rate?

Answer: 400 GPM

200 GPM × 2 hose lines = 400 GPM total combined flow.

A fire travels at an average rate spreading 0.5 acres per minute in dry conditions. How many acres will burn in 20 minutes if not contained?

Answer: 10 acres

0.5 acres/min × 20 minutes = 10 acres burned.

A firefighter's SCBA air cylinder lasts 30 minutes under normal exertion. If heavy exertion reduces the air supply by 40%, how long will the cylinder last during heavy exertion?

Answer: 18 minutes

Heavy exertion reduces duration by 40%, so 30 × 0.60 = 18 minutes.

A hydrant delivers water at 1,000 GPM. A pumper is drawing from this hydrant and flowing three 2½-inch lines at 250 GPM each. What is the residual flow remaining at the hydrant?

Answer: 250 GPM

Three lines × 250 GPM = 750 GPM used; 1,000 − 750 = 250 GPM residual.

A hazmat container holds 55 gallons of chemical. A leak is releasing the chemical at 2.5 gallons per minute. How many minutes before the container is empty?

Answer: 22 minutes

55 gallons ÷ 2.5 GPM = 22 minutes until the container is empty.

A fire station responds to an average of 12 calls per day. Approximately how many calls does the station handle in a 30-day month?

Answer: 360 calls

12 calls/day × 30 days = 360 calls per month.