Fire Behavior and Suppression Flashcards

What term describes the rapid spread of fire across the unburned gases collected at the ceiling of a compartment?

Answer: Rollover

Rollover (flameover) is the ignition and rapid spread of flame through the unburned gases accumulated at the ceiling.

Which class of fire involves energized electrical equipment?

Answer: Class C

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment and require a non-conductive extinguishing agent.

What is the primary extinguishing mechanism of water on a Class A fire?

Answer: Cooling and heat absorption

Water primarily extinguishes Class A fires by absorbing heat and cooling the fuel below its ignition temperature.

A firefighter notices smoke puffing in and out of a closed door with no visible flame. This sign most likely indicates risk of:

Answer: Backdraft

Pulsing or breathing smoke around openings signals an oxygen-starved compartment at risk of backdraft.

Which method of heat transfer moves heat through direct physical contact between materials?

Answer: Conduction

Conduction transfers heat through direct contact between materials, such as along a metal beam.

What does the acronym in the fire tetrahedron add beyond the classic fire triangle?

Answer: Chemical chain reaction

The fire tetrahedron adds the chemical chain reaction to fuel, heat, and oxygen.

Which extinguishing agent works best on a Class D combustible metal fire?

Answer: Dry powder agent

Dry powder agents are designed for combustible metals; water can react violently with burning metals.