(TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2024
Black color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Orange/Red
White color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Yellow/Green
Blue color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Blue
Red color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Purple
Green color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Black
Orange color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Black
Black color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
135 - 170
White color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
175 - 225
Blue color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
250 - 300
Red color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
325 - 375
Green color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
400 - 475
Orange color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
500 - 575
Orange colored sprinkler systems can have a temperature rating up to -
650
Blue hydrants have a gpm of -
1500+
Green hydrants have a gpm of -
1000 - 1500
Orange hydrants have a gpm of -
500 - 999
Red hydrants have a gpm of -
0 - 500
_________ is the most common building material used in North America and is the main component of
many structural assemblies
Wood
Lumber of smaller dimensions needs to be protected by ______ drywall or insulation to increase it's
resistance to fire
Gypsum
Wood with high moisture content is sometimes referred to as ______
Green wood
Masonry includes bricks, stones and _________
Concrete blocks
Brick and stone are generally used to create ______ ______, which are decorative covers for wood,
metal, and concrete-block load bearing walls
Veneer walls
Stones and concrete may lose small portions of their surface when heated, a condition called _______
Spalling
Metal building materials commonly used include ___ _____, steel, aluminum and copper
,(TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2024
Cast Iron
Metals are used to provide: (3 total)
- structural support
- decorative coverings
- fasteners
What are the two types of iron found in buildings in North America?
- cast iron
- wrought iron
Cast iron stands up well to fire and intense heat, but it may ______ or ______ when rapidly cooled with
water
Crack or shatter
______ is the primary material used for structural support in the construction of large buildings
Steel
Steel structural members ________ (_________) when heated which tends to push the walls oit
Lengthen (elongate)
From a firefighters perspective, awareness of the type of _______ used in a particular structure is vitsl
Steel members
Firefighters also need to determine how long steel exposures have been ____ ____ _____
Exposed to heat
Steel begins losing its strength at around _______ degress
570
Elongating steel can push out loadbearing walls and cause a collapse. But what will happen if the walls
can withstand the elongation?
The steel will fail and sag somewhere in the middle, causing collapse of uppers floors or the roof
Reinforced concrete is internally fortified with ___________ ______ (_____) or _______ ______
Reinforcement bars (rebar) or wire mesh
What is compressive strength?
The ability to withstand pressure on the surface
What is tensile strength?
The ability to withstand being pulled apart or stretched
Why is gypsum unique?
It has a high water content that absorbs a great deal of heat as the moisture evaporates
Interior laugh and plaster walls can be ____ ________ to penetrate with axes or hand tools
Very dificult
________ is typically used for insulation
Fiberglass
Most plastic will ______ and contribute to the fuel load
Melt
Why are composite or engineered materials frequently used to substitute for wood or steel framing found
in older buildings?
Because they are cost effective and fairly easy to manufacture
The structural failure of a building or any portion of it, resulting from a fire, snow, wind, water, or damage
from other forces, is referred to as __________
Structural collapse
Church steeples, water tanks, chimneys, and false facades that extend above the structure must be
viewed as a potential ________ __________even if the structure is not
Collapse hazard
Type I construction high-rise buildings are not likely to collapse, making the primary concern the hazard of
_______ _______ ______ ______ or curtain walls
Flying glass from windows
,(TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2024
If Type I structural collapse does occur, it will be _________ and not structure wide
Localized
When exposed the temperatures above ________, and protect still will expand and twist, pushing out
walls, and when cool, will slightly constrict
1000 degrees
Masonry construction can collapse in ___ _____ or _____
One piece or crumble
When masonry construction collapses, the debris can travel some distance and cause what?
The collapse of other structures or objects
Walls in type V construction may collapse ________ or _________
Inward or outward
You should plan for a collapse zone at any fire incident with what type of building construction?
Type V
What is a curtain collapse?
Materials fall straight down
Lightweight trusses and engineered floor systems can fail in _________
Minutes
Collapse of structures using _________ construction can occur early in the incident without warning
Lightweight
What type of buildings can pose an even greater danger of fire in collapse?
Abandoned buildings
What features will affect the length of time the structure will maintain integrity under heat exposure? (5
total)
- building size
- compartmentation
- construction type
- fuel load
- Materials
The______ __ ___ ____ can easily indicate the quantity of heat that the structure has been exposed to
and the potential for structural collapse
Stage of the fire
Why is collapse more likely in the decay stage and during post-suppression activities?
Due to the weakened state of structural members and the build up of water
How can the contents within the structure contribute to collapse? (3 total)
- generating higher temperatures
- adding dead weight
- increasing weight from water retention
What are two ways you can gain knowledge of the contents within a structure?
- preincident plans
- inspections
A ________ _________ must be established adjacent to any exposed exterior walls of the structure
Collapse zone
Traditionally, collapse zones have been estimated by multiplying the height of the structure by a factor of
______
1-1/2
Collapse zones should be established when: (3 total)
- indications that prolonged fire or heat has weakened the structure
- A defensive strategy has been adopted
, (TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2026
- Interior operations cannot be justified
The size of a collapse zone must take into consideration the following: (3 total)
- type of building construction
- other exposures
- safest location for apparatus and personnel
What 3 immediate action steps must be taken if firefighters suspect a collapse?
- begin exiting the building, and inform command and all others inside
- establish and clear the collapse zone
- roll call
When a collapse is suspected, what is the only exception to personnel working in the collapse zone?
To cautiously place unstaffed master stream devices and then immediately withdraw
What are the two primary types of dangerous conditions that may be posed by a particular building?
- conditions that contribute to the spread and intensity of the fire
- conditions that make the building susceptible to collapse
What is one danger HVAC systems pose during a structure fire?
Ducts can move heated air and products of combustion from involved compartments to other
compartments within the structure
Every U.S. gallon of water used to suppress fire adds ___ to ___ pounds of weight to floors that may
already be weakened
8 to 10
As an estimate, 250 gpm adds _______of water per minute to the structure
1 ton
Firefighters should ensure the structure is _____ and ______ to leave to the property owner
Secured and safe
Why should firefighters exercise caution during overhaul operations?
To prevent cutting load-bearing components
in areas where the gypsum has failed what could happen
the structural members behind it could/will be subjected to higher temps and could fail
floor assemblies create what
an individual platform that rests on the foundation
Indicators of Structural Instability and collapse
Cracks appearing in exterior walls with smoke or water appearing through the cracks.
Deteriorated mortar between the masonry
what could happen if masonry is exposed to too much heat
concrete blocks may crack but they usually retain most of their strength and basic structural stability heat
may also degrade the mortar between the bricks, blocks, and stone the mortar may also display signs of
weaking
Collapse Zone
Area beneath a wall in which the wall is likely to land if it loses structural integrity.
Curtain wall
Nonload-bearing exterior wall attached to the outside of a building with a rigid steel frame. Usually the
front exterior wall of a building intended to provide a certain appearance.
Drywall
System of interior wall finish using sheets of gypsum board and taped joints.
fiberglass
Composite structural material of plastic and fiberglass that is used in casting for children and elderly for
light weight properties
Green wood
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2024
Black color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Orange/Red
White color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Yellow/Green
Blue color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Blue
Red color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Purple
Green color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Black
Orange color coded sprinklers have what color bulb?
Black
Black color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
135 - 170
White color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
175 - 225
Blue color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
250 - 300
Red color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
325 - 375
Green color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
400 - 475
Orange color coded sprinkler systems have a temperature rating of -
500 - 575
Orange colored sprinkler systems can have a temperature rating up to -
650
Blue hydrants have a gpm of -
1500+
Green hydrants have a gpm of -
1000 - 1500
Orange hydrants have a gpm of -
500 - 999
Red hydrants have a gpm of -
0 - 500
_________ is the most common building material used in North America and is the main component of
many structural assemblies
Wood
Lumber of smaller dimensions needs to be protected by ______ drywall or insulation to increase it's
resistance to fire
Gypsum
Wood with high moisture content is sometimes referred to as ______
Green wood
Masonry includes bricks, stones and _________
Concrete blocks
Brick and stone are generally used to create ______ ______, which are decorative covers for wood,
metal, and concrete-block load bearing walls
Veneer walls
Stones and concrete may lose small portions of their surface when heated, a condition called _______
Spalling
Metal building materials commonly used include ___ _____, steel, aluminum and copper
,(TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2024
Cast Iron
Metals are used to provide: (3 total)
- structural support
- decorative coverings
- fasteners
What are the two types of iron found in buildings in North America?
- cast iron
- wrought iron
Cast iron stands up well to fire and intense heat, but it may ______ or ______ when rapidly cooled with
water
Crack or shatter
______ is the primary material used for structural support in the construction of large buildings
Steel
Steel structural members ________ (_________) when heated which tends to push the walls oit
Lengthen (elongate)
From a firefighters perspective, awareness of the type of _______ used in a particular structure is vitsl
Steel members
Firefighters also need to determine how long steel exposures have been ____ ____ _____
Exposed to heat
Steel begins losing its strength at around _______ degress
570
Elongating steel can push out loadbearing walls and cause a collapse. But what will happen if the walls
can withstand the elongation?
The steel will fail and sag somewhere in the middle, causing collapse of uppers floors or the roof
Reinforced concrete is internally fortified with ___________ ______ (_____) or _______ ______
Reinforcement bars (rebar) or wire mesh
What is compressive strength?
The ability to withstand pressure on the surface
What is tensile strength?
The ability to withstand being pulled apart or stretched
Why is gypsum unique?
It has a high water content that absorbs a great deal of heat as the moisture evaporates
Interior laugh and plaster walls can be ____ ________ to penetrate with axes or hand tools
Very dificult
________ is typically used for insulation
Fiberglass
Most plastic will ______ and contribute to the fuel load
Melt
Why are composite or engineered materials frequently used to substitute for wood or steel framing found
in older buildings?
Because they are cost effective and fairly easy to manufacture
The structural failure of a building or any portion of it, resulting from a fire, snow, wind, water, or damage
from other forces, is referred to as __________
Structural collapse
Church steeples, water tanks, chimneys, and false facades that extend above the structure must be
viewed as a potential ________ __________even if the structure is not
Collapse hazard
Type I construction high-rise buildings are not likely to collapse, making the primary concern the hazard of
_______ _______ ______ ______ or curtain walls
Flying glass from windows
,(TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2024
If Type I structural collapse does occur, it will be _________ and not structure wide
Localized
When exposed the temperatures above ________, and protect still will expand and twist, pushing out
walls, and when cool, will slightly constrict
1000 degrees
Masonry construction can collapse in ___ _____ or _____
One piece or crumble
When masonry construction collapses, the debris can travel some distance and cause what?
The collapse of other structures or objects
Walls in type V construction may collapse ________ or _________
Inward or outward
You should plan for a collapse zone at any fire incident with what type of building construction?
Type V
What is a curtain collapse?
Materials fall straight down
Lightweight trusses and engineered floor systems can fail in _________
Minutes
Collapse of structures using _________ construction can occur early in the incident without warning
Lightweight
What type of buildings can pose an even greater danger of fire in collapse?
Abandoned buildings
What features will affect the length of time the structure will maintain integrity under heat exposure? (5
total)
- building size
- compartmentation
- construction type
- fuel load
- Materials
The______ __ ___ ____ can easily indicate the quantity of heat that the structure has been exposed to
and the potential for structural collapse
Stage of the fire
Why is collapse more likely in the decay stage and during post-suppression activities?
Due to the weakened state of structural members and the build up of water
How can the contents within the structure contribute to collapse? (3 total)
- generating higher temperatures
- adding dead weight
- increasing weight from water retention
What are two ways you can gain knowledge of the contents within a structure?
- preincident plans
- inspections
A ________ _________ must be established adjacent to any exposed exterior walls of the structure
Collapse zone
Traditionally, collapse zones have been estimated by multiplying the height of the structure by a factor of
______
1-1/2
Collapse zones should be established when: (3 total)
- indications that prolonged fire or heat has weakened the structure
- A defensive strategy has been adopted
, (TCFP) Texas Commission on Fire
Protection FireFighter Exam 2 Questions
and Answers 2026
- Interior operations cannot be justified
The size of a collapse zone must take into consideration the following: (3 total)
- type of building construction
- other exposures
- safest location for apparatus and personnel
What 3 immediate action steps must be taken if firefighters suspect a collapse?
- begin exiting the building, and inform command and all others inside
- establish and clear the collapse zone
- roll call
When a collapse is suspected, what is the only exception to personnel working in the collapse zone?
To cautiously place unstaffed master stream devices and then immediately withdraw
What are the two primary types of dangerous conditions that may be posed by a particular building?
- conditions that contribute to the spread and intensity of the fire
- conditions that make the building susceptible to collapse
What is one danger HVAC systems pose during a structure fire?
Ducts can move heated air and products of combustion from involved compartments to other
compartments within the structure
Every U.S. gallon of water used to suppress fire adds ___ to ___ pounds of weight to floors that may
already be weakened
8 to 10
As an estimate, 250 gpm adds _______of water per minute to the structure
1 ton
Firefighters should ensure the structure is _____ and ______ to leave to the property owner
Secured and safe
Why should firefighters exercise caution during overhaul operations?
To prevent cutting load-bearing components
in areas where the gypsum has failed what could happen
the structural members behind it could/will be subjected to higher temps and could fail
floor assemblies create what
an individual platform that rests on the foundation
Indicators of Structural Instability and collapse
Cracks appearing in exterior walls with smoke or water appearing through the cracks.
Deteriorated mortar between the masonry
what could happen if masonry is exposed to too much heat
concrete blocks may crack but they usually retain most of their strength and basic structural stability heat
may also degrade the mortar between the bricks, blocks, and stone the mortar may also display signs of
weaking
Collapse Zone
Area beneath a wall in which the wall is likely to land if it loses structural integrity.
Curtain wall
Nonload-bearing exterior wall attached to the outside of a building with a rigid steel frame. Usually the
front exterior wall of a building intended to provide a certain appearance.
Drywall
System of interior wall finish using sheets of gypsum board and taped joints.
fiberglass
Composite structural material of plastic and fiberglass that is used in casting for children and elderly for
light weight properties
Green wood
