Firefighting Equipment and Terminology Quiz

Answer: False

In the community of firefighting personnel, the terms fire truck and fire engine refers to two different types of fire apparatus.

A fire engine is a fire suppression vehicle that has a water pump and is typically designed to carry fire hose and a limited supply of water.
A fire truck is designed primarily to carry ladders, forcible entry tools, extrication and rescue tools, and ventilation equipment.

Answer: A fire truck.

The fire truck is the vehicle designed primarily to carry ladders and tools. Rescue equipment would also be stored in this vehicle.

Answer: Rescue extrication tool

The Hurst tool is often referred to by the trademark name 'Jaws of Life', This hydraulic powered tool is used by emergency personnel for the extrication of persons who may be trapped in vehicles, or require rescue from small places. This tool is used to cut and spread metal.

Answer: A firefighting fixed wing aircraft.

The term 'super scooper' specifically refers to the Canadian CL-415 Bombardier Aircraft, a fixed wing, propeller driven, twin-engine aircraft designed specifically for firefighting.

The aircraft can carry up to 3,170 gallons (12,000 liters) of water, and is capable of performing precision water drops over fire areas. To replenish its water supply, the aircraft, a giant sea plane, can either land on water, or skim over a water source (lake, river, etc.) and scoop water, filling its tanks in less than 30 seconds. Using a "scoop and drop" method, this aircraft is capable of dropping 28,000 gallons of water per hour, on a blaze. This massive aircraft is three stories tall, 65 feet long, and has a wingspan of 94 feet. The Super Scooper is not commonly used in the United States due to the lack of suitable water sources. In Southern California, the County of Los Angeles annually leases two CL-415 aircraft from the Province of Quebec during the fire season.

Answer: To stand by for rescue of firefighters inside structures.

A fire department FAST team (Firefighter Assist and Search Team) is comprised of firefighters assigned to stand by for the specific purpose of the rescue of firefighters who may become trapped inside of a burning structure. These firefighters often have specialized training for their job assignment.

At the scene of a fire, FAST team members cannot be used for firefighting duties unless a new crew is assigned to take their place. In some fire departments, the FAST team is referred to as the RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew)

Answer: A pressurized fire hose ready for use.

A charged hose is a hose ready for immediate use. After a hose has been attached to a water source (hydrant or engine) and pressurized, it is them available for use in direct firefighting.

Answer: A fire vehicle that can serve as both an engine and a truck.

The "quint" truck is a firefighting vehicle designed to do the job of both an engine and a truck. The term quint, meaning 'five', refers to the fact that the vehicle can perform five of the major functions of fire apparatus. The Quint truck has the capability of 1) carrying water hoses, 2) carrying water tanks, 3) being able to pump water, 4) carries both ground and aerial ladders, and 5) carries an assortment of firefighting and rescue equipment.

Answer: A long truck with a telescoping ladder.

The tiller truck is a long ladder truck with a metal ladder that can expand (similar to a telescope) to reach up to 100 feet (ten stories). The tiller truck has two drivers, and two steering wheels. The driver in the rear of the truck perched in a movable compartment atop to long ladder, controls the rear wheels of the truck, allowing the vehicle to more easily negotiate around corners.

Answer: An emergency warning device worn by firefighters.

The pass device is worn by all firefighters, and is designed to locate firefighters in trouble. The device if often attached to each firefighters personal self contain breathing apparatus (SCBA). The device senses if the firefighter has remained motionless for a short period of time.

It may also sense if a firefighter has been exposed to a rapid rise in temperature, as may occur when a burning building collapses. A piercing alarm is sounded under any of the conditions for which the device is designed to detect.

Answer: A style of building.

The taxpayer is the fire service name for a small structure that has a business on the lower floor and a residence on the second level. This would also include a second floor residence that has been converted into an office.
Taxpayers are often located in the older downtown sections of cities.