LAFD TRAINING BULLETIN 145 -
COMBUSTIBLE METALS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS
2026 EDITION
What are some examples of combustible metals? - ANS Magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
tantalum, lithium, aluminum, and sodium.
Why are combustible metals increasingly used in industry? - ANS To reduce weight and
increase fuel economy in vehicles and aircraft.
What can happen if water is applied to a combustible metal fire? - ANS It can cause a
spontaneous explosion that hurls molten metal into the air.
What are the extreme temperatures produced by combustible metal fires? -
ANS Temperatures range from 5,000 to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
What class of fire do combustible metal fires belong to? - ANS Class 'D' fire.
What happens to water when it is superheated in a combustible metal fire? - ANS Water
dissociates into hydrogen and oxygen, which can fuel the fire.
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, What are alkali metals and why are they dangerous? - ANS Alkali metals (Lithium, Sodium,
Potassium) are water-reactive and can cause extreme reactions when exposed to water.
How should alkali metals be stored? - ANS They should be stored immersed in mineral oil or
kerosene.
What are some examples of alkali earth metals and transitional metals? - ANS Alkali earth
metals include magnesium; transitional metals include titanium and zirconium.
What is critical for firefighters when dealing with combustible metal fires? - ANS Recognition,
communication, teamwork, and proper tactical adjustments.
What is the risk associated with small combustible metal particles? - ANS They pose a greater
hazard due to their larger surface area, which can lead to explosions.
What indicators can help identify the presence of combustible metals during pre-incident
inspections? - ANS NFPA placards, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and building
inventories.
What role does situational awareness play in firefighter safety regarding combustible metals? -
ANS It helps incident commanders safely mitigate combustible metal fires.
What should firefighters be aware of when responding to incidents involving mobile property? -
ANS Transportation placarding and shipping manifests can indicate the presence of
combustible metals.
What are some examples of products made from combustible metals? - ANS Automobile
parts, electronics, aerospace components, sporting goods, and medical supplies.
What is a significant danger of using conventional firefighting tactics on combustible metal
fires? - ANS Conventional tactics like water application can exacerbate the fire and lead to
violent reactions.
@COPYRIGHT 2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 2
COMBUSTIBLE METALS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS
2026 EDITION
What are some examples of combustible metals? - ANS Magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
tantalum, lithium, aluminum, and sodium.
Why are combustible metals increasingly used in industry? - ANS To reduce weight and
increase fuel economy in vehicles and aircraft.
What can happen if water is applied to a combustible metal fire? - ANS It can cause a
spontaneous explosion that hurls molten metal into the air.
What are the extreme temperatures produced by combustible metal fires? -
ANS Temperatures range from 5,000 to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
What class of fire do combustible metal fires belong to? - ANS Class 'D' fire.
What happens to water when it is superheated in a combustible metal fire? - ANS Water
dissociates into hydrogen and oxygen, which can fuel the fire.
@COPYRIGHT 2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 1
, What are alkali metals and why are they dangerous? - ANS Alkali metals (Lithium, Sodium,
Potassium) are water-reactive and can cause extreme reactions when exposed to water.
How should alkali metals be stored? - ANS They should be stored immersed in mineral oil or
kerosene.
What are some examples of alkali earth metals and transitional metals? - ANS Alkali earth
metals include magnesium; transitional metals include titanium and zirconium.
What is critical for firefighters when dealing with combustible metal fires? - ANS Recognition,
communication, teamwork, and proper tactical adjustments.
What is the risk associated with small combustible metal particles? - ANS They pose a greater
hazard due to their larger surface area, which can lead to explosions.
What indicators can help identify the presence of combustible metals during pre-incident
inspections? - ANS NFPA placards, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and building
inventories.
What role does situational awareness play in firefighter safety regarding combustible metals? -
ANS It helps incident commanders safely mitigate combustible metal fires.
What should firefighters be aware of when responding to incidents involving mobile property? -
ANS Transportation placarding and shipping manifests can indicate the presence of
combustible metals.
What are some examples of products made from combustible metals? - ANS Automobile
parts, electronics, aerospace components, sporting goods, and medical supplies.
What is a significant danger of using conventional firefighting tactics on combustible metal
fires? - ANS Conventional tactics like water application can exacerbate the fire and lead to
violent reactions.
@COPYRIGHT 2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED 2
