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TCFP Wildland Firefighter Basic Exam – Practice
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025
- What is the primary purpose of a fireline in wildland firefighting? A. To rescue civilians B. To control and contain the fire perimeter C. To deploy aerial operations D. To conduct controlled burns
The fireline acts as a barrier to stop or slow the spread of a
wildfire by removing vegetation and fuel.
- Which weather factor most directly affects wildland fire behavior? A. Cloud cover B. Wind C. Humidity D. Precipitation
Wind can dramatically increase fire spread and intensity by
supplying oxygen and pushing flames into new fuels.
- The three components of the fire triangle are: A. Water, oxygen, fuel B. Heat, oxygen, fuel C. Wind, fuel, fire
D. Heat, carbon dioxide, ignition
Heat, oxygen, and fuel are necessary for combustion;
removing any one stops the fire.
- What is the term for fire that burns in the canopy of trees? A. Ground fire B. Crown fire C. Surface fire D. Ladder fire
Crown fires burn through treetops and are difficult to
control due to their speed and intensity.
- What is the safest place for a firefighter to be in case of entrapment? A. Under a tree B. Behind a large rock C. In a designated safety zone D. Inside the fireline
Safety zones provide protection without the need for fire
shelters; they are pre-identified safe areas.
- What is the main purpose of a fire shelter? A. For cooking food B. To sleep in C. To protect from radiant and convective heat during entrapment D. To carry equipment
LCES is a standard safety protocol ensuring firefighter
safety on the fireground.
10.The term "anchor point" refers to: A. Where the fire started B. The firefighter base camp C. A safe starting point for building firelines D. The highest elevation on a fire
Anchor points help prevent fire from flanking firelines and
ensure control line integrity.
11.Which tool is commonly used for both scraping and digging? A. Chainsaw B. Pulaski C. Backpack pump D. Shelter
The Pulaski combines an axe and hoe, ideal for digging
firelines and removing fuels.
12.What is the effect of low relative humidity on wildland fires? A. Slows fire spread B. Increases fire intensity C. Creates fog D. Reduces oxygen
Low humidity dries fuels, making them more flammable
and intensifying fire behavior.
13.A "Red Flag Warning" indicates: A. An earthquake B. Critical fire weather conditions C. A hazardous chemical spill D. Lightning is present
Red Flag Warnings are issued when fire danger is extreme
due to weather conditions.
14.What is the primary fuel in grassland wildfires? A. Trees B. Fine fuels like grasses and shrubs C. Buildings D. Dead animals
Fine fuels ignite quickly and allow for fast-moving fires in
grasslands.
15."Mop-up" operations are performed: A. Before the fire starts B. After the main fire is controlled to ensure no re-ignition C. When establishing base camps D. During initial attack
Deploying the fire shelter is the best survival tactic when
escape is not possible.
19.The "10 Standard Firefighting Orders" are designed to: A. Assign shifts B. Report injuries C. Ensure firefighter safety and decision-making D. Schedule breaks
These orders guide safe firefighting practices under all
conditions.
20.The area where the fire originated is known as the: A. Head B. Point of origin C. Anchor D. Flank
The point of origin is key to investigation and
understanding fire spread.
21.The "green" refers to: A. Burned area B. Wetline C. Unburned fuels D. Fireline
The green is where fire may still spread, posing a threat.
22.The best position for a lookout is: A. Behind the crew B. In a location with a full view of fire behavior and escape routes C. Inside the smoke D. On the fireline
Lookouts need a vantage point to observe and
communicate hazards.
23.Fireline width depends on: A. Size of the crew B. Amount of gear C. Fire behavior and fuel type D. Vehicle size
Wider lines are needed for intense fires and dense fuels.
24.When using a chainsaw, one must wear: A. Flip flops B. Fire shelter C. Proper PPE including chaps, gloves, helmet, and eye protection D. Turnout gear
Chainsaw safety PPE prevents serious injuries.
25.What are fine fuels? A. Logs B. Light fuels such as grass, leaves, and small twigs C. Fire retardant
C. Fire shelter D. Helicopter
Direct application of water and scraping exposes and cools
embers.
30.Which of the following is a hazard during mop-up? A. Dust B. Snags and stump holes C. Grass D. Backpacks
Snags can fall and stump holes can trap or burn
firefighters.
31.Which radio channel is designated for tactical communications? A. Dispatch B. Tactical (Tac) channel C. Weather D. Base
Tactical channels allow coordination among crews on the
fireground.
32.What causes torching? A. Humidity B. A single tree or group of trees igniting suddenly C. Cold weather D. Wet ground
Torches are indicators of extreme fire behavior and crown
fire potential.
33.When are burnouts conducted? A. Before the season B. To widen the fireline by removing unburned fuel between the line and the main fire C. To cook food D. To test tools
Burnouts help eliminate potential fuel ahead of the fireline.
34.What is a wetline? A. A fireline dug in snow B. A line of water or retardant used as a fire barrier C. A hose line D. A weather condition
Wetlines temporarily suppress fire and can be converted to
control lines.
35.What does "black" refer to? A. Green vegetation B. Nighttime C. Burned area D. Watered zone
The black is used for safe travel and anchoring operations.
D. Sunlight
Rain adds moisture, making fuels harder to ignite.
40.What does "initial attack" mean? A. Final mop-up B. First response to a wildfire C. Prevention D. Briefing
Initial attack aims to suppress fires while still small.
41.Which slope has the fastest fire spread? A. Flat B. Downhill C. Steep uphill D. Concave
Steep uphill slopes preheat fuel rapidly.
42.What should you always check before using a fire shelter? A. If it’s expired B. For damage or tears C. If it has a name D. If it’s wet
Damaged shelters may not provide adequate protection.
43.Which of these fuels is most affected by weather? A. Logs B. Charcoal
C. Grass D. Large stumps
Fine fuels quickly gain or lose moisture.
44.How often should you drink water during wildland operations? A. Once an hour B. Frequently to prevent dehydration C. Every 6 hours D. Only when thirsty
Staying hydrated prevents heat-related illness.
45.What is the safest method of lighting a burnout? A. From the head B. From the anchor point toward the flank C. From the heel only D. Randomly
Burning from an anchor keeps the operation controlled.
46.When operating near aircraft, you must: A. Take pictures B. Follow instructions and maintain communication C. Fly a drone D. Approach the aircraft
Clear communication prevents accidents around aircraft.
47.What is the leading cause of death in wildland fires? A. Drowning
Lookouts are essential for maintaining LCES and situational
awareness.
51.What type of map is most commonly used in wildland firefighting? A. Street map B. Topographic map C. Satellite image D. Road atlas
Topographic maps show terrain features such as elevation,
ridges, and valleys, critical for planning fire operations.
52.What tool combines a cutting edge with a hoe and is used for building firelines? A. Rake B. McLeod C. Pulaski D. Shovel
The Pulaski is ideal for digging and cutting roots when
constructing firelines.
53.Which term describes fire spreading under the surface of the forest floor? A. Ground fire B. Surface fire C. Crown fire
D. Spot fire
Ground fires smolder in duff or organic soil layers, often
hard to detect and extinguish.
54.What is the best clothing material for wildland firefighting PPE? A. Polyester B. Nomex or flame-resistant cotton C. Nylon D. Rayon
Flame-resistant materials like Nomex protect against
radiant and convective heat.
55.What is the term for fire spread caused by rolling material downhill? A. Spotting B. Fire roll-out C. Creeping D. Jump fire
Fire roll-out occurs when burning material rolls downhill,
igniting fuel below.
56.What safety practice requires establishing a clear area with no fuels? A. Escape route B. Safety zone C. Lookout D. Anchor point
Fusees are used to ignite burnouts or backfires in
controlled operations.
60.What is the minimum required spacing between firefighters on the fireline? A. 2 feet B. 10 feet C. 20 feet D. No required spacing
A 10-foot spacing reduces the risk of injury from tools or
sudden fire movement.
61.When should an escape route be evaluated or changed? A. After the fire is contained B. Once per shift C. Continuously, based on fire behavior and movement D. Never
Escape routes must be dynamic to remain viable as fire
conditions change.
62.Which fuel type burns the fastest? A. Large logs B. Grasses and fine fuels C. Green shrubs D. Tree trunks
Fine fuels have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio and
ignite easily.
63.What causes convective heat transfer in wildland fires? A. Direct flame contact B. Radiation C. Rising hot air and gases D. Ground absorption
Convective heat rises and can preheat fuels above the fire,
contributing to crown fires.
64.What is the purpose of a drip torch? A. Water suppression B. Controlled ignition of fuels during burn operations C. Spotting hazard D. Fuel for engines
Drip torches mix diesel and gasoline to safely light fuels in
burnouts.
65.What tool is used to rake and scrape duff and leaf litter during mop-up? A. Chainsaw B. McLeod C. Shelter D. Ax
