IFSTA 7 - Chapter 15 - Overhaul, Property Conservation, and Scene Preservation

Which tool is commonly used to open ceilings during overhaul?

Select one:

a.Pitchfork

b.Pike pole

c.Flathead axe

d.Bale hook

b. Pike pole

In order for investigators to determine the cause of the fire, firefighters should take note of:

Select one:

a.building construction classification.

b.nearby exposures that remain undamaged.

c.abnormal fire behavior when water is applied.

d.wind direction and speed.

c. abnormal fire behavior when water is applied.

Which is an indicator that a fire was NOT accidental?

Select one:

a.Presence of hazardous materials

b.Structural collapse

c.A broken gas line

d.Trailers

d.Trailers

When establishing scene security at a structure fire, the perimeter should:

Select one:

a.extend to twice the length of the structure.

b.be secured by firefighters, then patrolled by law enforcement.

c.be created once fire suppression and ventilation are complete.

d.extend beyond the farthest piece of evidence.

d. extend beyond the farthest piece of evidence.

Which is an indicator of a possible hidden fire?

Select one:

a.Area is closest to the exit door

b.Loss of structural integrity

c.Water pooling on the floor

d.Smoke coming through cracks in a wall

d. Smoke coming through cracks in a wall

Which method of protecting building contents keeps items secure and reduces interference with fire suppression and ventilation activities?

Select one:

a.Carry items outside the building and cover them

b.Group and cover items in the room where they are found

c.Move items to an uninvolved area of the structure

d.Use a small hoseline to spray the area around the items

b. Group and cover items in the room where they are found

Which is a duty of a Fire Fighter I?

Select one:

a.Determining which fire evidence will be admissible in court

b.Investigating individuals who may have started the fire

c.Identifying the exact cause of the fire

d.Protecting the incident scene and preserving evidence

d. Protecting the incident scene and preserving evidence

The area of origin in a fire is identified by the IC or the:

Select one:

a.fire investigator.

b.Fire Fighter II.

c.Incident Safety Officer.

d.Fire Fighter I.

a. fire investigator.

Where does overhaul typically begin?

Select one:

a.At the front entrance of the building

b.Area of most severe fire involvement

c.On the top floor of the building

d.Area of least severe fire involvement

b. Area of most severe fire involvement

Which piece of salvage equipment is designed to carry debris and provide a water basin for immersing small burning objects?

Select one:

a.Scupper

b.Catchall

c.Salvage cover

d.Carryall

d. Carryall

Before removing SCBA during overhaul, firefighters must:

Select one:

a.monitor the atmosphere for the presence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.

b.report to the rehabilitation station.

c.report air cylinder levels to the IC.

d.use a thermal imager to verify that all fires are extinguished.

a. monitor the atmosphere for the presence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.

Covering openings in a building that were created during suppression activities:

Select one:

a.can negatively influence the fire investigation.

b.is not the job of the fire department.

c.is primarily a duty of fire officers, not a Fire Fighter I.

d.will help prevent damage from weather and trespassers.

d. will help prevent damage from weather and trespassers.

What is the purpose of salvage operations?

Select one:

a.Reduce the chance of spontaneous reignition after a fire

b.Search for and extinguish hidden fires

c.Reduce potential for water and smoke damage after a fire

d.Determine the exact point of origin of the fire

c. Reduce potential for water and smoke damage after a fire

Which activity is included in overhaul operations?

Select one:

a.Transitional fire attack

b.Rescuing victims

c.Testifying in an arson trial

d.Searching for hidden fires

d. Searching for hidden fires

Since the chain of custody must be maintained for all fire evidence, all debris:

Select one:

a.can be moved right away as long as it is protected and labeled.

b.must be moved to a single location outside the structure.

c.should remain in place until the order is given to move it.

d.must immediately be taken to the office of the fire investigator.

c. should remain in place until the order is given to move it.

Once the area of origin of a fire has been determined, the next step in the process is to:

Select one:

a.contact the fire investigator.

b.determine the cause of the fire.

c.set up perimeter boundaries.

d.establish the evidentiary chain of custody.

b. determine the cause of the fire.

Unusual glass or metal fragments at a fire scene may indicate:

Select one:

a.potential structural collapse.

b.that the fire was accidental.

c.that an accelerant liquid was used.

d.the presence of an incendiary device.

d. the presence of an incendiary device.

Which tools are used to open walls and floors during overhaul?

Select one:

a.Pike poles

b.Bale hooks

c.Axes

d.Plaster hooks

c. Axes

Which statement describes inspection of salvage covers?

Select one:

a.Salvage covers must be sent back to the manufacturer periodically for inspection.

b.Salvage covers should be inspected for damage after they are dry.

c.Salvage covers do not require inspection since they are disposable.

d.Salvage covers must be cleaned using a special solution and then dried completely before they can be inspected.

b. Salvage covers should be inspected for damage after they are dry.

A recommended procedure regarding decontamination is to:

Select one:

a.bag contaminated equipment for travel back to the station.

b.decontaminate equipment at least once per shift.

c.leave contaminated equipment at the scene for disposal.

d.place contaminated equipment in the cab of the apparatus for travel back to the station.

a .bag contaminated equipment for travel back to the station.

Overhaul operations include:

Select one:

a.performing equipment inspections.

b.searching for and rescuing victims.

c.setting up scene security devices.

d.searching for hidden fires.

d. searching for hidden fires.

Rippled wallpaper and peeling paint are possible indicators of:

Select one:

a.a fire hidden behind a wall.

b.immediate threat of flashover.

c.arson.

d.impending structural collapse.

a. fire hidden behind a wall.

The purpose of salvage operations is to:

Select one:

a.reduce further damage to the building and its contents from water, smoke, and heat.

b.locate and extinguish fires hidden in concealed void spaces.

c.remove harmful contaminants and toxic gases from the atmosphere.

d.determine how and why the fire started.

a. reduce further damage to the building and its contents from water, smoke, and heat.

During salvage operations, a dewatering device would be used to:

Select one:

a.remove water from rugs and furniture.

b.stop water that is flowing from an activated sprinkler.

c.remove water from a basement.

d.reduce the amount of water discharged by the hoseline.

c. remove water from a basement.

When using a thermal imager to look for hidden fires, the thermal imager may not provide quality images:

Select one:

a.when room temperatures reach 100°F (38°C).

b.of spaces concealed behind walls.

c.when a fire is in the incipient stage.

d.of items behind reflective metal or glass.

d. of items behind reflective metal or glass.

In order to remain safe during overhaul, firefighters should always wear SCBA when necessary and:

Select one:

a.carry a thermal imager and a power saw.

b.carry as few tools as possible in order to reduce exhaustion.

c.have a charged hoseline on standby.

d.work in teams of four or more.

c. have a charged hoseline on standby.

Whose responsibility is it to protect fire cause evidence?

Select one:

a.All fire department personnel on scene

b.Specialized law enforcement personnel

c.Fire Fighter I

d.Fire Inspector

a. All fire department personnel on scene

Which condition should be noted because it may be a potential sign of arson?

Select one:

a.There is a car blocking access to the fire hydrant.

b.The fire occurs in the middle of the night.

c.It is cold outside, and the furnace is operating.

d.There are many bystanders at the scene.

a. There is a car blocking access to the fire hydrant.

How should furniture be grouped during salvage?

Select one:

a.Items should be carried outside and placed in a secure, out of the way location.

b.Stack all items at the same height so that the salvage cover is evenly spread

c.A high piece of furniture should support the salvage cover in a way that allows water to run off and not collect in pools.

d.Items should be carried outside and stacked in an easily accessible location.

c. A high piece of furniture should support the salvage cover in a way that allows water to run off and not collect in pools.

Firefighters should take note of _____, because it may indicate that the fire was intentionally set.

Select one:

a.locked doors

b.wind direction

c.plastic containers

d.temperature

c. plastic containers

For a fire scene to be secure, it needs to have:

Select one:

a.perimeter markings at least every ten feet.

b.a recognizable perimeter with someone assigned to maintain the perimeter.

c.a specialized team of law enforcement personnel assigned to protect it.

d.perimeters that are marked differently for each varying level of access.

b. a recognizable perimeter with someone assigned to maintain the perimeter.

Spalled concrete is an indicator of:

Select one:

a.arson.

b.an accidental fire.

c.the need for additional engine companies.

d.possible loss of structural integrity.

d. possible loss of structural integrity.

The structural integrity of a building is most affected by the intensity of the fire and:

Select one:

a.the amount of water used for extinguishment.

b.the ambient weather conditions.

c.the number of personnel operating on upper floors of the building.

d.whether an accelerant was used to start the fire.

a. the amount of water used for extinguishment.

Protecting property requires firefighters to:

Select one:

a.begin loss control after the fire has been extinguished.

b.use good loss control techniques throughout the incident.

c.stop fire suppression efforts until the area has been secured.

d.prioritize property conservation over incident stabilization and life safety.

b. use good loss control techniques throughout the incident.

Which is an example of a security measure that can be put in place to protect evidence at the fire scene before suppression even begins?

Select one:

a.Restricting access to unauthorized personnel and bystanders

b.Deploying salvage covers over openings of unaffected locations

c.Collecting and bagging up smaller pieces of potential evidence

d.Placing a lockable trailer on site for evidence collection

a. Restricting access to unauthorized personnel and bystanders

The general location where the fire began is known as the:

Select one:

a.origin point.

b.area of cause.

c.focus point.

d.area of origin.

d. area of origin.

Salvage covers are designed to protect:

Select one:

a.firefighters from contaminants.

b.unaffected furniture and areas of the building.

c.tools and equipment that are not in use.

d.the building from trespassers.

b. unaffected furniture and areas of the building.

When opening a ceiling to check for fire extension,:

Select one:

a.at least four firefighters are needed to perform the duty effectively.

b.work directly below the area being pulled in order to be the most efficient.

c.it will be necessary to use power tools rather than hand tools.

d.do not stand directly below the area being opened.

d. do not stand directly below the area being opened.

Which hazard are firefighters likely to encounter during overhaul?

Select one:

a.Severe burns

b.Toxic gases

c.Spalling

d.Flashover

b. Toxic gases

When establishing a perimeter, firefighters must remember that:

Select one:

a.it is more important to focus on fire suppression than it is to put up scene boundaries.

b.the perimeter should start small and then be enlarged as needed.

c.the perimeter cannot be established until uniformed law enforcement personnel are on scene.

d.it is easier to start with a larger perimeter and downsize it later than to start small and enlarge it later.

d. it is easier to start with a larger perimeter and downsize it later than to start small and enlarge it later.

When fire suppression and salvage are performed simultaneously, opening and closing doors to carry building contents outside:

Select one:

a.should have no effect on fire growth.

b.wastes time and effort, so doors should be propped open.

c.may interfere with the flow path.

d.should be done after conclusion of all other salvage operations.

c. may interfere with the flow path.

Which is true when preserving the fire scene?

Select one:

a.Control of evidence must be maintained as part of the chain of custody.

b.Evidence should be moved to a central location as quickly as possible to facilitate efficient investigation.

c.A Fire Fighter I is qualified to preserve evidence and to determine the cause of the fire in arson incidents.

d.Once the fire has been extinguished, firefighters must leave the scene so that fire investigators can preserve evidence.

a. Control of evidence must be maintained as part of the chain of custody.

Why is gross decontamination after overhaul important?

Select one:

a.Failure to perform decontamination may void PPE warranties.

b.Dirty PPE makes firefighters appear unprofessional to the public.

c.Contaminants on PPE can alter the fit of the garments.

d.Contaminated PPE can lead to carcinogens being absorbed through the skin.

d. Contaminated PPE can lead to carcinogens being absorbed through the skin.

Which safety measure should be in place during overhaul?

Select one:

a.Law enforcement personnel providing security protection

b.A hazardous materials response team standing by

c.Hearing protection to prevent hearing loss

d.Gloves to protect from cuts and thermal burns

d. Gloves to protect from cuts and thermal burns

Rolled salvage covers:

Select one:

a.can easily be spread by one person.

b.can become damaged more easily than folded covers.

c.require more than one person to spread.

d.are much more difficult to spread than folded covers.

a. can easily be spread by one person.

When a large smoldering item, such as a mattress, is encountered during overhaul, it is often most effective to extinguish it by:

Select one:

a.using Class B foam.

b.applying water to it using a straight stream.

c.taking it outside the structure to extinguish.

d.leaving it in place and covering it to smother the oxygen.

c. taking it outside the structure to extinguish.

Which statement describes the protection of evidence at a fire scene?

Select one:

a.The only type of evidence that firefighters must keep in place are items that indicate signs of arson.

b.Charred documents should be removed from containers where they are found and bagged as evidence.

c.Evidence like footprints and tire marks are too difficult to collect and protect, so they can be ignored.

d.Evidence must not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary for extinguishment of the fire.

d. Evidence must not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary for extinguishment of the fire.

If you handle, move, or gather evidence, you:

Select one:

a.must immediately take it to the fire investigator.

b.will be responsible for filling out evidence reports about it.

c.become part of the chain of custody.

d.may be found guilty of a crime.

c. become part of the chain of custody.

Where should the perimeter be around an incident involving an explosion?

Select one:

a.1.5 feet (450 mm) past the farthest piece of evidence

b.1.5 times the distance from the farthest piece of debris

c.2.5 times the size of the structure affected by the blast

d.2.5 feet (750 mm) past the structure affected by the blast

b. 1.5 times the distance from the farthest piece of debris

In order to protect the structure from damage due to weather and trespassers, firefighters should:

Select one:

a.contract with a third-party company to protect the structure.

b.cover door and window openings with plywood or plastic sheeting.

c.advise the owner that it is his or her responsibility to secure the premises.

d.replace all doors and windows after overhaul is complete.

b. cover door and window openings with plywood or plastic sheeting.

For what purpose are wooden wedges designed to be used during salvage operations?

Select one:

a.Stop the flow of water from an activated sprinkler

b.Force entry through doors

c.Stop the flow of water from a damaged hoseline

d.Stop water runoff

a. Stop the flow of water from an activated sprinkler

What are chutes designed to do?

Select one:

a.Act as a basin for storing water runoff

b.Drain water runoff out a window or door

c.Cover doors and windows after openings have been made

d.Carry salvage tools from the apparatus to the structure

b. Drain water runoff out a window or door

The balloon throw is used when:

Select one:

a.covering items outside on a windy day.

b.covering items in a small space.

c.one firefighter is deploying a large salvage cover.

d.two firefighters are deploying a large salvage cover.

d. two firefighters are deploying a large salvage cover.

During overhaul, prying tools can be used to:

Select one:

a.move loosely piled materials.

b.carry debris or smoldering materials.

c.remove baseboards and window frames.

d.install temporary window coverings.

c. remove baseboards and window frames.

Which type of salvage cover is lightweight and practical for indoor or outdoor use, but is prone to melting when used to cover hot objects?

Select one:

a.Cotton duck

b.Vinyl

c.Canvas

d.Metal

b. Vinyl

When do salvage operations take place?

Select one:

a.After extinguishment, but before the fire investigation

b.Throughout the duration of the incident

c.Only after the fire has been extinguished

d.After the fire investigation has been finished

b. Throughout the duration of the incident

Which is a sign that an accelerant may have been used to start the fire?

Select one:

a.Fire that reaches the decay stage quickly

b.High heat intensity

c.Lack of personal possessions in the structure

d.Lack of fire patterns on the floor

b. High heat intensity

What challenge may firefighters face when performing salvage in a commercial occupancy?

Select one:

a.The rooms are likely to be small and hard to maneuver.

b.It can be difficult to cover large displays and stocks.

c.Property owners are often on site and can be a distraction.

d.Valuable merchandise may be damaged by covering it.

b. It can be difficult to cover large displays and stocks.

What is the most obvious indicator that a location is the area of origin?

Select one:

a.It is the location with the least amount of damage

b.The location is furthest from the exit

c.It is the highest point adjacent to the damage

d.The location has the most damage

d. The location has the most damage