BFP Entrance Exam BFP Knowledge — Fire Prevention & Firefighting FundamentalsFlash Cards

What are the four elements of the fire tetrahedron and why is this model important?

The fire tetrahedron consists of: 1) **Fuel** (combustible material), 2) **Heat** (sufficient temperature for ignition), 3) **Oxygen** (typically from air at 21%), and 4) **Chemical chain reaction** (sustained molecular reaction). This model is crucial because removing ANY ONE element will extinguish the fire. This principle drives all firefighting tactics - we either remove fuel, reduce heat, limit oxygen, or break the chemical chain reaction.

Describe the four stages of fire development and their characteristics.

**1. Incipient Stage:** Initial ignition with limited fuel involvement, easily extinguished if caught early. **2. Growth Stage:** Heat builds rapidly, flames spread, smoke increases, temperature rises quickly. **3. Fully Developed Stage:** Maximum heat release rate, all available fuel involved, highest danger to firefighters, risk of structural collapse. **4. Decay Stage:** Fuel exhausted, heat decreases, but risk of backdraft if oxygen is suddenly reintroduced.

What are the three modes of heat transfer and provide examples of each?

**1. Conduction:** Heat moves through solids - example: metal beams transferring heat from one room to another. **2. Convection:** Hot gases rise - example: fire spreading upward through stairwells and ventilation shafts. **3. Radiation:** Heat emitted as electromagnetic waves - example: windows transmitting heat to nearby buildings. Understanding which mode dominates helps firefighters predict fire spread and choose appropriate tactics.

List all five fire classes and their corresponding fuel types.

**Class A:** Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth, rubber). **Class B:** Flammable liquids and gases (gasoline, oil, propane). **Class C:** Energized electrical equipment. **Class D:** Combustible metals (magnesium, sodium). **Class K:** Cooking oils and fats (modern designation). Remember: NEVER use water on Class B, C, or D fires as it can spread the fire or cause electrocution.

What does the PASS acronym stand for in fire extinguisher operation?

**P**ull the pin. **A**im at the base of the fire (not the flames). **S**queeze the handle. **S**weep side to side. This technique ensures effective extinguisher use by targeting the fuel source rather than just the visible flames, maximizing suppression effectiveness.

What are the top three causes of fires in the Philippines?

1. **Faulty electrical wiring** (top cause), 2. **Unattended cooking** (second), 3. **Lit cigarettes** (third). Other significant causes include open flames (candles, lamps), children playing with matches, lightning, pyrotechnics, and arson. Understanding these causes helps in developing targeted prevention strategies.

Compare backdraft and flashover - what are their differences and dangers?

**Backdraft:** Occurs when an oxygen-starved fire suddenly receives air and reignites violently. Signs include pressurized smoke, yellow-brown smoke, and little visible flame. **Flashover:** Sudden simultaneous ignition of all combustibles in a room when temperature reaches about 500°C. Signs include rollover flames on ceiling. Both are extremely dangerous - backdraft can blow out windows and doors, while flashover creates unsurvivable conditions instantly.

What are the essential components of structural firefighting PPE?

**Complete structural PPE includes:** Helmet with face shield, Hood (Nomex), Bunker coat and pants (turnout gear), Gloves, Boots, Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and Personal alarm device (PASS) that sounds when firefighter is motionless. All components must be worn together for maximum protection against heat, smoke, and toxic gases.

Which fire extinguisher types are suitable for each fire class?

**Water:** Class A only. **Foam:** Class A and B. **CO₂:** Class B and C. **Dry chemical (ABC powder):** Class A, B, and C. **Wet chemical:** Class K (kitchen fires). **Class D special powder:** Class D only. Using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous - never use water-based extinguishers on electrical or liquid fuel fires.

What is the difference between direct, indirect, and combination fire attack methods?

**Direct Attack:** Apply water directly onto the fire - most effective for accessible fires with adequate water supply. **Indirect Attack:** Apply water onto superheated surfaces to create steam, which displaces oxygen and cools the area - used when direct access is impossible. **Combination Attack:** Uses both methods simultaneously - water on fire and surrounding surfaces for maximum effectiveness.

What are the key principles of fire prevention in buildings?

**1. Eliminate ignition sources:** Control cigarettes, maintain electrical systems, supervise cooking, use hot work permits. **2. Control fuel:** Reduce flammable storage, proper waste disposal, maintain housekeeping. **3. Provide warning:** Install smoke detectors, fire alarms, educate occupants. **4. Suppress quickly:** Fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, trained personnel. **5. Plan evacuation:** Mark exits, conduct drills, emergency lighting.

What are the different types of ventilation used in firefighting?

**Vertical Ventilation:** Opening the roof to release heat and smoke upward - most effective for structure fires. **Horizontal Ventilation:** Opening doors and windows to create cross-ventilation. **Positive Pressure Ventilation:** Using fans to force clean air in and push smoke out. **Critical note:** Premature ventilation can intensify fire and cause backdraft - timing is crucial.

What is the primary purpose of fire investigation and what are its main components?

**Purpose:** Determine origin (where fire started) and cause (what ignited it) to prevent similar fires and identify criminal activity. **Components:** 1) **Origin determination** - physical evidence analysis, 2) **Cause classification** - accidental, natural, incendiary (arson), or undetermined, 3) **Documentation** - photos, samples, witness statements, 4) **Coordination** with PNP for suspected arson cases.

What are the main types of fire apparatus and their primary functions?

**Engine (Pumper):** Carries water and pump for hose operations. **Ladder Truck:** Provides aerial access for rescue and ventilation, carries forcible entry tools. **Rescue Truck:** Specialized rescue tools, heavy equipment for extrication, medical supplies. **Tanker:** Large water supply for areas without hydrants. **Brush Truck:** Smaller, maneuverable units for grass and forest fires.

What are the essential home fire safety measures every Filipino family should implement?

**Install smoke detectors** on every floor. **Have ABC powder fire extinguisher** accessible. **Plan two escape routes** from every room. **Hold family fire drills** regularly. **Don't overload electrical outlets.** **Keep flammables away from heat sources.** **Never leave cooking unattended.** **Know how to call BFP** (911 or local emergency number).

Describe the size-up process and why it's critical for firefighter safety.

**Size-up** is the initial assessment of fire conditions upon arrival. It includes: building construction, fire location and extent, occupancy hazards, water supply availability, weather conditions, and resource needs. Critical for safety because it determines tactics, resource allocation, and identifies immediate dangers. Poor size-up leads to inappropriate tactics and firefighter injuries or deaths.

What special considerations apply to high-rise fire operations?

**Elevator use:** Only in firefighter-controlled mode, never use during active fire. **Staging area:** Establish below fire floor for equipment and personnel management. **Crew rotation:** Manage fatigue due to extended operations and stair climbing. **Stairwell management:** Keep one stairwell clear for evacuation. **Water supply:** May require pumping to upper floors.

What are the most common errors that lead to firefighter injuries?

**Inadequate size-up:** Going in without proper assessment. **Freelancing:** Operating outside command structure. **Poor accountability:** Losing track of personnel locations. **Skipping PPE:** Not wearing complete protective equipment. **Premature ventilation:** Creating dangerous conditions. **Working alone:** Violating two-in/two-out rule. **Ignoring fatigue:** Pushing beyond safe physical limits. **Missing building warning signs:** Ignoring structural compromise indicators.

What are the key water supply sources and methods used in firefighting?

**Hydrants:** Primary source in urban areas, provides pressurized water. **Static sources:** Pools, ponds, tanks for areas without hydrants. **Tankers:** Mobile water supply for rural areas. **Drafting:** Pumping water from open sources like rivers. **Relay pumping:** Chain of engines moving water from distant source to fire scene.

What is the role of fire prevention public education and when is Fire Prevention Month observed?

**Role:** Reduce fire incidents through education rather than just responding to them. **Activities include:** School visits teaching children fire safety, community drills for neighborhood preparedness, business workshops for owners/managers, and media campaigns. **Fire Prevention Month** is observed every **March** in the Philippines, focusing on public awareness and education campaigns.