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TCFP INTERMEDIATE STRUCTURAL FIRE
PROTECTION EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary goal of ventilation during a structure fire? A. Reduce smoke for visibility B. Control fire spread and improve tenability C. Cool down structural components D. Remove toxic gases from outside Improved ventilation controls fire behavior, limits spread, and creates safer conditions for occupants and firefighters.
- What is a characteristic of Type II construction? A. Fully combustible materials B. Wood frame components C. Non-combustible materials with no fire resistance D. Heavy timber structures
Type II construction uses non-combustible materials but lacks fire-resistance rating on structural components.
- Which phase of fire is characterized by the greatest amount of thermal energy release? A. Incipient B. Decay C. Fully developed D. Smoldering The fully developed phase is when the fire consumes all available fuel and oxygen, releasing maximum heat.
- What is the term for rapid fire development due to the introduction of oxygen? A. Roll-over B. Backdraft C. Flashover D. Ventilation-limited fire Backdraft is a sudden explosion caused by introducing oxygen to a smoldering fire in a confined space.
- A combination attack in fire suppression involves: A. Fog and straight stream alternation B. Direct and indirect attack methods C. Use of Class B foam D. Solid stream only
A. Ventilate the structure B. Perform overhaul C. Standby for firefighter rescue D. Protect exposures Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC) are assigned solely to rescue firefighters in distress. 10.When should overhaul operations begin? A. Before extinguishment B. After fire control and extinguishment C. During the initial attack D. After ventilating the structure Overhaul begins once the fire is controlled to ensure hidden fires are found and extinguished. 11.Which NFPA standard covers Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications? A. NFPA 101 B. NFPA 1001 C. NFPA 1500 D. NFPA 72 NFPA 1001 outlines the professional qualifications required for Firefighter I and II certification. 12.The key element of a direct fire attack is:
A. Water fog from outside B. Applying water directly to the base of the fire C. Ventilating prior to entry D. Cooling hot gases A direct attack targets the burning materials at their base to rapidly reduce heat and extinguish flames. 13.When operating on a roof, firefighters should sound the roof with: A. A chainsaw B. A pike pole or axe C. A Halligan bar D. A fire hose Sounding with a pike pole or axe checks for structural integrity before walking on roof surfaces. 14.Which of the following reduces the potential for flashover? A. Positive pressure ventilation B. Cooling the upper gas layer with water fog C. Use of solid stream D. Closing interior doors Cooling the upper hot gas layer limits thermal buildup, decreasing the risk of flashover. 15.A fog stream nozzle is most effective for: A. High-rise standpipe use B. Heat absorption and gas cooling
Two firefighters enter together and two remain outside to monitor or initiate rescue if needed. 19.Which ventilation method uses natural convection and wind? A. Mechanical ventilation B. Horizontal ventilation C. Hydraulic ventilation D. Negative-pressure ventilation Horizontal ventilation relies on wind currents and thermal buoyancy for smoke removal. 20.A fire stream is defined as: A. Foam application from a master stream B. Water or foam after it leaves the nozzle until it reaches its target C. Water projected into a smoke-filled area D. Water applied to the seat of the fire only A fire stream includes water or foam from the nozzle to the point of contact with fire or surfaces. 21.What is the purpose of overhaul operations? A. Begin salvage operations B. Ventilate upper floors C. Ensure complete extinguishment and prevent rekindle D. Relieve backup units Overhaul prevents rekindling by finding hidden fires after the main body is extinguished.
22.What’s the best way to ventilate a basement fire? A. Open roof vents B. Break rear windows C. Use horizontal ventilation and exterior access when possible D. Open first-floor front door Basement fires are best ventilated through ground-level openings to limit vertical fire spread. 23.A fire involving paper and wood is classified as: A. Class B B. Class D C. Class A D. Class C Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. 24.What is the proper nozzle pattern for cooling the hot gas layer? A. Straight stream B. Fog pattern C. Solid bore stream D. Smooth bore on wide angle A fog pattern maximizes surface area for effective heat absorption in upper gas layers. 25.What effect does a thermal layer have in a fire environment? A. Creates wind-driven fire B. Cools down gases
EOSTI (low-air alarm) alerts the wearer when air supply is low, typically at 25% remaining. 29.What technique helps locate hidden fires in walls? A. Direct stream application B. Thermal imaging camera (TIC) C. Use of straight stream D. Overhaul with pike pole only TICs detect heat signatures behind walls or materials without immediate structural damage. 30.What is the best way to control utilities at a structure fire? A. Call the gas company B. Shut off power and gas at main service panels C. Disconnect electrical cords D. Use a master stream on panels Utilities should be shut off at the source to prevent shock, explosion, or rekindle. 31.Which situation indicates a ventilation-limited fire? A. Open windows with rapid flames B. Heavy smoke with low visible flames C. Fire visible from exterior D. White smoke and high pressure Ventilation-limited fires lack oxygen, resulting in heavy smoke and low flame visibility. 32.What kind of nozzle is preferred for direct attack?
A. Adjustable fog nozzle B. Solid stream nozzle C. Piercing nozzle D. Broken stream nozzle Solid streams reach deep into the seat of fire with high penetration and less steam production. 33.What is the collapse zone for a building wall 30 feet high? A. 15 feet B. 45 feet C. 30 feet D. 60 feet Collapse zone equals 1.5 times the wall height: 30 ft × 1.5 = 45 ft. 34.Which structure type has the greatest risk of collapse during a fire? A. Type I B. Type II C. Type IV D. Type V Type V (wood frame) is highly combustible and structurally vulnerable during fire. 35.What is a key factor for fire spread in balloon-frame construction? A. Heavy timber components B. Fire-retardant coating
A. Class A foam B. Water C. CO₂ extinguisher D. Wet chemical CO₂ does not conduct electricity and is effective in smothering electrical fires. 40.A coordinated attack involves: A. One unit operating inside B. Search and ventilation without water C. Ventilation and fire attack timed together D. Multiple handlines only Coordinated attack synchronizes ventilation with interior suppression to avoid worsening fire conditions. 41.When is it unsafe to conduct vertical ventilation? A. During overhaul B. Early stages of a room-and-contents fire C. When structural integrity is compromised D. Before size-up Roof integrity must be confirmed to avoid firefighter injury or collapse during vertical ventilation. 42.Which tactic minimizes water damage during interior operations? A. Use master streams B. Apply water through windows
C. Shut off nozzle when fire is knocked down D. Use foam on all fires Limiting water application after extinguishment reduces unnecessary water damage. 43.Firefighters should exit a hazardous area before SCBA reaches: A. 10% B. 5% C. 25% D. Empty NFPA and OSHA recommend exiting before the air cylinder drops below 25% capacity. 44.What is an early sign of flashover? A. Rapid steam production B. High heat, rollover, and dark smoke accumulation C. Collapse of the ceiling D. Loud explosion Flashover signs include rollover (flames in gas layer), intense heat, and darkening smoke. 45.A straight stream nozzle pattern is best used for: A. Cooling hot gases B. Direct fire suppression and reach C. Ventilation D. Overhaul
49.What increases the risk of flashover? A. Fast water application B. Immediate ventilation C. Delayed suppression in a sealed compartment D. Cool air infiltration Fire in an enclosed space with heat buildup and no ventilation accelerates flashover potential. 50.What does "softening the target" refer to? A. Pressurizing entry point B. Applying foam to exposures C. Applying water from the exterior before entry D. Laddering windows "Softening the target" means knocking down visible fire from outside to make entry safer. 51.A defensive fire attack is used when: A. Life is at risk B. Conditions are unsafe for interior operations C. Rapid entry is possible D. Salvage is underway Defensive strategy protects exposures and limits spread when interior attack is unsafe. 52.What is a sign of fire behind a wall?
A. Cool surfaces B. Loud popping C. Bubbling paint and discoloration D. Clean air Heat behind walls causes paint bubbling, warping, and smoke staining. 53.Which is a potential hazard of positive pressure ventilation? A. Over-cooling the structure B. Forcing fire into unburned areas C. Creating negative pressure D. Water hammer Improper PPV can push fire and heat into uninvolved areas if not coordinated with attack crews. 54.Who assumes command at a fire scene initially? A. Fire marshal B. Safety officer C. First arriving officer or firefighter D. Chief on-call The first unit on scene establishes command until relieved by a higher-ranking officer. 55.The term “freelancing” in firefighting refers to: A. Volunteer response B. Command-level decision-making
