**APPENDIX D**

**FINAL EXAM**

**AND**

**FINAL EXAM ANSWER KEY**

**Name\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Score\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**S-290 Final Exam**

**All multiple choice questions have one answer, unless stated
otherwise**.

1.  List three methods of mass transport of firebrands on wildland
    fires.

2.  Describe how convection influences transport of firebrands.

3.  The primary factors that affect rate of spread are:

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a.  Wind speed, barriers, and steepness of slope.

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a.  Changes in fuel type, wind speed, and steepness of slope.

b.  Fire whirls, barriers, and wind speed.

c.  None of the above.

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4.  A fire burning in grass fuel, on level ground, and influenced by a
    20 mph wind, could most likely exhibit which type of fire behavior?

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a.  Smoldering

b.  Creeping

c.  Running

d.  Torching

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5.  List three methods used in the field to determine slope percent.

6.  Slope affects fuel availability to burn because:

    a.  Fuels are preheated upslope through radiation and convection.

    b.  Rolling firebrands ignite new fuels below.

    c.  Drier sites are more prevalent on steeper slopes.

    d.  A and B.

7.  Select the correct statement regarding the shape of the country and
    its effect on wildland fire behavior.

    a\. The shape of the country seldom modifies the weather or the
    curing time of fuels.

    b\. The shape of the country has a minor effect on windspeed and
    direction and does not affect the curing time of fuels.

    c\. The shape of the country can influence the curing of fuels as
    well as the intensity and spread of wildland fires.

    d\. The shape of the country is an effective barrier to fire spread.

8.  Select the statement that best describes the effect of slope on
    fuels.

    a\. A fire starting at the base of a slope has more fuel available
    for spread.

    b\. Fuel beds on the upper third of the slope are always denser and
    more continuous.

    c\. Fuel beds on south and southwest aspects usually are drier.

    d\. Slope has no effect on fuel availability.

    e\. A and C.

9.  On what aspect would the lowest relative humidity be normally found?

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a.  East

b.  Southeast

c.  North

d.  Southwest

    Use the map below for questions 10-13.

    ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="5.207638888888889in"
    height="6.242361111111111in"}

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10. The feature labeled as "A" is
    a\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

11. The feature labeled as "B" is
    a\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

12. The feature labeled as "C" is
    a\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

13. The feature labeled as "D" is
    a\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

14. What is the contour interval of this map:

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a.  20 feet

b.  40 feet

c.  50 feet

d.  100 feet

e.  200 feet

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15. The four fuel factors that affect the ignition of wildland fires
    are:

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a.  Size and shape of fuel, topography, wind, and fuel temperature.

b.  Fuel temperature, fuel moisture, wind, and intensity.

c.  Size and shape of fuels, compactness or arrangement of fuels, fuel
    moisture, and fuel temperature.

d.  Compactness or arrangement of fuels, topography, intensity, fuel
    moisture.

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16. Describe a difference between a Fuel Group and Fuel Model.

17. List in order the three main fuel types from slowest typical ROS to
    fastest typical ROS. ([make 1 pt from 3)]{.mark}

18. Give a specific example of a significant change in wind.

19. [The difference in time between the maximum solar angle at noon and
    the maximum afternoon temperature is referred to as:]{.mark}

> []{.mark}

a.  [A solar eclipse]{.mark}

b.  [A temperature lag]{.mark}

c.  [Daylight Savings Time]{.mark}

d.  [Summer solstice]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

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20. Branches above the fire are receiving heat by:

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a.  Conduction and radiation

b.  Convection and conduction

c.  Radiation and convection

d.  None of the above

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21. Air in low pressure

    a.  rises

    b.  sinks

22. The ability of our atmosphere to store terrestrial heat energy
    depends largely on the presence of

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a.  oxygen

b.  nitrogen

c.  ozone

d.  water vapor

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23. Relative humidity is:

    a\. An accurate indicator of atmospheric moisture.

    b\. A ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the amount of
    water vapor the air could hold when saturated at the same
    temperature.

    c\. Is inversely related to air temperature.

    d\. Measured using an aneroid barometer.

    e\. B and C.

24. At 1500 the dry bulb temperature is 85 °F and the relative humidity
    is 28%. At 1700 the dry bulb temperature increases to 91°F. What is
    the relative humidity at 1700? (assume a constant dew point)

    a\. 23%

    b\. 18%

    c\. 21%

    d\. 33%

25. A continental polar air mass is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ than a maritime tropical air mass.

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a.  warmer, drier

b.  colder, drier

c.  warmer, wetter

d.  colder, wetter

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26. Dew point temperature is:

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a.  Identical to the wet bulb temperature when the air is saturated.

b.  The temperature to which air must be cooled to reach saturation.

c.  An accurate measure of atmospheric moisture.

d.  A[ll of the above.]{.mark}

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27. In an unstable atmosphere:

    a\. Smoke will continue to rise as long as it remains warmer than
    the surrounding atmosphere.

    b\. Air parcels both rise and sink.

    c\. Air parcels neither rise nor sink, but rather move horizontally.

    d\. A and B.

    e\. None of the above.

28. What are the four lifting processes that can produce thunderstorms?

    a\. Subsidence, convection, frontal, radiational

    b\. Frontal, jet stream, orographic, thermal

    c\. Thermal, orographic, radiation, subsidence

    d\. Subsidence, orographic, frontal, jet stream

29. A smoke column that drifts apart after limited rise indicates:

> a\. A stable atmosphere.
>
> b\. An unstable atmosphere.
>
> c\. Unsaturated atmosphere.
>
> d\. The passage of a cold front.

e\. None of the above

30. A large smoke plume spreads out in all directions at 10,000 feet
    above the ground. This may be caused by:

> a\. high relative humidity aloft.
>
> b\. very unstable air above the plume.
>
> c\. the air aloft being colder than air near the ground.
>
> d\. a subsidence inversion.
>
> e\. B and C.

31. What is the temperature lapse rate of a [rising]{.underline}
    saturated air parcel?

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a.  -3.5˚F per 1000 feet

b.  3.0˚F per 1000 feet

c.  -5.5˚F per 1000 feet

d.  -3.0˚F per 1000 feet

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32. W[ater vapor and dry air are called :]{.mark}

> []{.mark}

a.  [Stratospheric air molecules]{.mark}

b.  [Ideal gases]{.mark}

c.  [Hothouse gases]{.mark}

d.  None of the above

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33. According to the Equation of State for an Ideal Gas, an air parcel
    will:

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a.  Rise, expand, and cool as long as it remains less dense than the
    surrounding atmosphere.

b.  Rise, compress, and warm as long as it remains denser than the
    surrounding atmosphere.

c.  Sink, compress, and warm as long as it remains denser than the
    surrounding atmosphere.

d.  A and C.

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34. A sudden increase in temperature and wind speed, and a sudden
    decrease in relative humidity often occurs:

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a.  With the formation of a radiation inversion

b.  With the lowering of a subsidence inversion over flat terrain

c.  When a nighttime or radiation inversion breaks

d.  When a frontal inversion breaks

e.  None of the above.

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35. Within an inversion layer:

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a.  Temperature decreases with an increase in altitude.

b.  Temperature increases with an increase in altitude.

c.  Winds are normally light or calm.

d.  Winds are normally gusty and erratic.

e.  A and D.

f.  B and C

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36. The thermal belt:

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a.  Will not vary in elevation because of cloud cover at night.

b.  Remains at the same elevation on a valley wall throughout the year.

c.  Tends to form higher up a valley wall during the winter and lower
    down in the summer.

d.  Forms where the top of the nighttime inversion makes frequent
    contact with the valley wall.

e.  C and D.

f.  None of the above.

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37. When stable air is forced over a mountain range, and then descends
    the leeward slopes as dry, warmed air, it is called:

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a.  A slope wind

b.  A low-level jet

c.  A foehn wind

d.  A cold front wind

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38. Upslope winds are typically weakest on what aspect?

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a.  North

b.  South

c.  East

d.  West

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39. Which of the following topographic variations in wind speed would
    you expect on a sunny summer afternoon?

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a.  Highest wind speeds on base of slope.

b.  Highest wind speeds on upper windward slopes.

c.  Lowest wind speeds on downwind slopes.

d.  A and C.

e.  B and C.

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40. General winds are:

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a.  Small scale winds found at the lower levels of the atmosphere.

b.  Diurnal mountain winds that flow upslope during the day and
    downslope at night.

c.  Large-scale winds caused by the pressure gradients associated with
    highs and lows.

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41. Wind direction:

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a.  Is the direction the wind is blowing towards.

b.  Is the direction the wind is blowing from.

c.  Refers to both the horizontal and vertical movement of air.

d.  B and C

Refer to the following diagram to answer questions 41-43.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="4.879166666666666in" height="4.0125in"}

42. What is the wind direction at point A?

> a\. Southwest
>
> b\. Northwest
>
> c\. Southeast
>
> d\. South

43. What is the wind direction at point B?

> a\. Southwest
>
> b\. Northwest
>
> c\. Southeast
>
> d\. South

44. What is the wind direction at point C?

> a\. Southwest
>
> b\. Northwest
>
> c\. Southeast
>
> d\. South

45. [East, Mono, Santa Ana, and Chinook are all examples of:]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

a.  [Hurricanes]{.mark}

b.  [Slope winds]{.mark}

c.  [Whirlwinds]{.mark}

d.  [Foehn winds]{.mark}

> []{.mark}

46. Local winds are:

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a.  Found at lower levels of the atmosphere that are produced by small
    scale differences in air temperature and pressure.

b.  Found at the jet stream level.

c.  Large scale winds caused by a high pressure system.

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47. The weaker the pressure gradient:

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a.  The slower the wind speed.

b.  The faster the wind speed.

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48. When a cold front or thunderstorm is expected in the vicinity of a
    fire, what is the most important weather change the safety weather
    watch can observe?

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a.  Strong shifting winds.

b.  Rising relative humidities.

c.  An increase in cloud cover.

d.  Any sudden change in temperature.

e.  The onset of rain.

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49. Air flows \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_around low pressure systems and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_around high pressure systems.

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a.  clockwise, counter clockwise

b.  counter clockwise, clockwise

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50. Incident Meteorologists:

> a\. Are responsible for producing and issuing fire behavior forecasts.
>
> b\. Issue detailed specific forecasts written only for the immediate
> area of the incident.
>
> c\. Work closely with the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBA).
>
> d\. B and C.

51. Seven-Day Significant Fire Potential, Monthly Fire Weather/Fire
    Danger Outlooks, and Seasonal Assessments are all products produced
    by what organization(s)?

    a\. National Weather Service

    b\. Predictive Services

    c\. Fire Behavior Committee

    d\. A and B

52. Why is the difference in temperature between day and night normally
    greater in dry climates than in humid climates?

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a.  Because the specific heat capacity of the air is greater in dry
    climates.

b.  Because there is less water vapor in the atmosphere to absorb
    terrestrial heat energy.

c.  Because winds tend to be stronger in dry climates.

d.  All of the above.

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53. What weather processes should be closely monitored in the vicinity
    of a fire?1p

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a.  Thunderstorms

b.  Critical clouds

c.  Indications of an approaching cold front

d.  Indications of a stable or unstable atmosphere

e.  All of the above

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54. If the wet bulb is not read at its lowest point on a psychrometer:

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a.  The calculated relative humidity will be too low.

b.  The dry bulb will read too low.

c.  The dew point will read too low.

d.  The calculated relative humidity will be too high.

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55. Using the IRPG, determine the relative humidity at 7,500 feet
    elevation for a dry bulb temperature of 88 ˚F and a wet bulb
    temperature of 59 ˚F.

    a\. 20° F

    b\. 41° F

    c\. 19° F

    d\. 12° F

56. [When providing hourly or half hourly weather observations over the
    radio to firefighters on the line, it is best to give the change
    relative to the previous report.]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

a.  [True]{.mark}

b.  [False]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

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57. Define fuel moisture content.

58. Inputs used to determine fine dead fuel moisture content are:

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a.  Time of day, day of week, month of year, dry bulb temperature,
    relative humidity, site location.

b.  Time of day, month of year, dry bulb temperature, relative humidity,
    aspect, percent slope, shading of surface fuels, site location.

c.  Fuel model, aspect, percent shading, site location, relative
    humidity.

d.  Dew point, aspect, time of day, time of month, wet bulb temperature.

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59. Define moisture of extinction.

60. [Of the three methods for obtaining live fuel moistures, the
    following produces the most accurate results:]{.mark}

> []{.mark}

[a. Collecting samples, weighing them, drying them and then weighing
them again.]{.mark}

[b. Calculating them based on RH, temperature, time of day, degree of
shading and slope.]{.mark}

[c. Using the live fuel moisture nomogram.]{.mark}

[d. Live fuel moistures can only be estimated based on the time of year
and cannot calculated accurately.]{.mark}

61. List the timelag categories and provide the size (inches diameter)
    for each:

> Timelag Size Range
>
> [Category]{.underline} [(diameter inches)]{.underline}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

62. Which of the timelag categories from your answer to the previous
    question is most useful in looking at the start and spread of
    wildland fire?

63. Which answer best describes the relationships among relative
    humidity, wind, and moisture content of fine and large fuels?

> a\. As relative humidity increases, fuel moisture decreases.
>
> b\. Wind has no effect on fuel moisture, only temperature and relative
> humidity do.
>
> c\. In general, under the affect of foehn winds conditions, fuel
> moistures will decrease.
>
> d\. Wind accelerates the rate at which fuels gain or lose moisture.
>
> e\. C and D.

**For questions [64 and 65,]{.mark} use the tables in the appendix-B to
determine the fine dead fuel moisture for the following conditions:**

64. It is July 5 at 1400 hours. Fuels are shaded on a south aspect, 25%
    slope. Weather observations taken 200 feet upslope from the fireline
    are: dry bulb temperature 81° F, relative humidity 14%. The fine
    dead fuel moisture is:

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a.  1%

b.  2%

c.  3%

d.  4%

e.  5%

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65. [It is October 3 at 1500 hours. Fuels are fuel model 6 on a west
    aspect, 35% slope. Weather observations at your location are: dry
    bulb temperature 75° F, relative humidity 14%, and 20% cloud cover.
    The fine dead fuel moisture 1500 feet above you is:]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

a.  [1%]{.mark}

b.  [2%]{.mark}

c.  [3%]{.mark}

d.  [5%]{.mark}

e.  [7%]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

66. [Which one of the following changes would be expected to produce the
    greatest change in ROS?]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

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a.  [A 20% decrease in relative humidity on a grass fire]{.mark}

b.  [A change from a dense stand to an open stand on a litter
    fire]{.mark}

c.  [A slope reversal with a 6 mph wind blowing at one slope]{.mark}

d.  [A movement of the fire from slope base to top in the crown
    foliage]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

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67. Which [one or more]{.underline} of the following statements are
    correct regarding wind driven and plume dominated fires.

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a.  The flanks and heal of a plume dominated fire are generally safe.

b.  Wind driven fires are easier to predict the direction of spread.

c.  Plume dominated fires have similar hazards to thunderstorms.

d.  In plume dominated fire, the convective column dictates the fire
    activity.

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68. The three stages of crown fire development include:

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a.  Independent, wind driven, and plume dominated

b.  Passive, active, and independent

c.  Dependent, codependent, and independent

d.  Surface, aerial, and independent

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69. List three fire [situations]{.underline} that often result in large,
    sudden changes in fire behavior.

70. [List the four common denominators of fire behavior on tragedy
    wildland fires.]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

71. Extreme fire behavior results from an interaction or alignment of
    what four environmental elements:

72. The three contributing elements to spot fires are:

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a.  Firebrand source, transportation, and receiving fuels

b.  Ladder fuels, crown fires, and strong winds

c.  Ember production, convective lifting, and wind field

d.  Probability of production, wind field, and probability of ignition

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73. Determine the probability of ignition based on the following:

> Dry bulb temperature: 92°
>
> Fine dead fuel moisture: 3%
>
> Sky weather: 20% cumulus clouds
>
> Fuels: grass
>
> Probability of ignition = [\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

74. [Determine the probability of ignition based on the
    following:]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

> [Dry bulb temperature: 79°]{.mark}
>
> [Fine dead fuel moisture: 7%]{.mark}
>
> [Sky weather: sunny and clear]{.mark}
>
> [Fuels: dense timber]{.mark}
>
> []{.mark}
>
> [Probability of ignition = [\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}]{.mark}

75. Critical or extreme wildland fire behavior is often associated with:

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a.  Thunderstorms

b.  Strong and gusty winds with a cold front

c.  Foehn winds

d.  An unstable atmosphere

e.  All of the above.

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76. List two things that a lookout can monitor to help anticipate a
    crown fire run.

77. Noticeable strong indrafts and a well defined convection column are
    a good indication of:

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a.  High Intensity fire

b.  Low intensity fire

c.  A fire that quickly burns out and is safe to direct attack

d.  A fire with little or no spotting potential

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78. How is ROS -ratio related to known fireline fatalities?

79. [What are the two dominant drivers of large sudden changes in fire
    behavior?]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

80. The general ridgetop wind is 16 mph. You are going to a fire that is
    located midslope with the wind blowing up slope. What is the wind
    speed on the fire? Use Fig A from FLAME field guide.

81. You are on a grass fire. The 20 ft wind is 20 mph. What is the
    midflame wind speed? Use Fig B from FLAME field guide.

82. You are on a fire with a 60% slope and the wind is blowing 12 mph.
    What is the effective wind speed? Use Fig C from FLAME field guide.
    []{.mark}

83. [List the three stages of the FLAME application.]{.mark}

    []{.mark}

    []{.mark}

> []{.mark}

84. From FLAME, a fire in Grass will burn \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ times
    faster than a fire in Crowns.

85. List the four flame lengths [with]{.underline} the appropriate
    control strategy.

86. You've been asked to scout a fire perimeter along Division X of the
    14,000 acre Finley Fire under the following conditions: it is August
    15 at 0900 hrs; the fuel is timber litter on flat ground on a west
    aspect; the temperature is 71^°^ F, the RH is 34%; eye level winds
    are light at approximately 2 mph; flame lengths are about 2' -- 3';
    and the rate of spread is roughly 2 feet/minute. Which of the
    following tactics would be most appropriate given these conditions
    at the given time?

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a.  Indirect attack using a two dozer blade width line (approximately
    12') and burn out.

b.  Direct attack with a 1' -- 2' line to mineral soil.

c.  Indirect attack with a 4' hand line and burnout only areas greater
    than ½ acre.

d.  Direct attack with a 3' -- 5' wide line to mineral soil.

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87. By 1530, the temperature has increased to 87^°^, the RH has
    decreased to 12%, and winds increased to 8-10 mph. The resulting
    fire behavior is 6' flame lengths and frequent torching. The rate of
    spread has increased 10-fold. Which of the following tactics would
    be most appropriate given these conditions?

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a.  Indirect attack with using a two dozer blade width line
    (approximately 12') and burn out.

b.  Direct attack with a 1' -- 2' line to mineral soil.

c.  Indirect attack with a 4' hand line and burnout only areas greater
    than ½ acre.

d.  Direct attack with a 3' -- 5' wide line to mineral soil.

**S-290 Final Exam Answer Key**

1.  List three methods of mass transport of firebrands on wildland
    fires.

    Convection, Wind, Gravity

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88. Which of the following factors of the fire environment require
    documentation?

    a\. Dry bulb temperature, dew point, fuel loading, site location and
    20' wind speed and direction.

    b\. Dry bulb, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, shading,
    fine fuel moisture, probability of ignition, fuel model, flame
    length and rate of spread.

    c\. Cloud types, moisture of extinction, wet bulb temperature, solar
    radiation and absolute humidity.

    d\. Flame height, live fuel moisture, minimum and maximum
    temperatures, cover type and percent crown closure, and fireline
    elevation.

89. In an unstable atmosphere:

    a\. Smoke will continue to rise as long as it remains warmer than
    the surrounding atmosphere.

    b\. Air parcels both rise and sink.

    c\. Air parcels neither rise nor sink, but rather move horizontally.

    d\. A and B.

    e\. None of the above.

90. Describe how convection influences transport of firebrands.

**Rising heat produced from fires can lift firebrands with-in the
column.**

> **These firebrands can then be deposited ahead of the fire as they
> fall out of the column.**

91. Which one of the following statements is true concerning the
    relationship between fire behavior and fireline tactics and
    strategy:

    a\. Flame lengths of four feet or less can always be attacked
    direct.

    b\. The width of the fireline should be 1.5x the flame length or
    height of the fuels.

    c\. The width of a fireline doesn't need to vary relative to its
    position on a slope.

    d\. It is best to conduct burnout operations during the peak burn
    period.

92. The primary factors that affect rate of spread are:

    a\. Wind speed, barriers, and steepness of slope.

    b\. Changes in fuel type, wind speed, and steepness of slope.

    c\. Fire whirls, barriers, and wind speed.

    d\. None of the above.

93. The difference in time between the maximum solar angle at noon and
    the maximum afternoon temperature is referred to as:

    a\. A solar eclipse

    b\. A temperature lag

    c\. Daylight Savings Time

    d\. Summer solstice

94. Which of the following changes would be expected to produce the
    largest change in ROS?

    a\. A 20% decrease in relative humidity on a grass fire

    b\. A change from a dense stand to an open stand on a litter fire

    c\. A slope reversal with a 6 mph wind blowing at one slope

    d\. A movement of the fire from slope base to top in the crown
    foliage

95. The four fuel factors that affect the ignition of wildland fires are

    a\. Size and shape of fuel, topography, wind, fuel temperature.

    b\. Fuel temperature, fuel moisture, wind, and intensity.

    c\. Size and shape of fuels, compactness or arrangement of fuels,
    fuel moisture, and fuel temperature.

    d\. Compactness or arrangement of fuels, topography, intensity, fuel
    moisture.

96. Define fuel moisture content.

> **The amount of water in fuel expressed as a percent of the oven-dry
> weight of that fuel.**

97. The Fire Weather Planning Forecasts, Spot Forecasts, Red Flag
    Warnings, and Smoke Management Forecasts are products issued by:

    a\. The National Weather Service

    b\. The Weather Channel

    c\. Land Management Predictive Services

98. Which [one or more]{.underline} of the following statements are
    correct regarding wind driven and plume dominated fires.

    a\. The flanks and heal of a plume dominated fire are generally
    safe.

    b\. Wind driven fires are easier to predict the direction of spread.

    c\. Plume dominated fires have similar hazards to thunderstorms.

    d\. In plume dominated fire, the convective column dictates the fire
    activity.

99. List three methods used in the field to determine slope percent.

> **Clinometer or Abney**
>
> **Measurement -- Using stick propped into slope and % slope formula**
>
> **Slope Meter Estimate**

100. Upslope winds typically weakest on what aspect?

     a\. North

     b\. South

     c\. East

     d\. West

101. The three stages of crown fire development include:

     a\. Independent, wind driven, and plume dominated

     b\. Passive, active, and independent

     c\. Dependent, codependent, and independent

     d\. Surface, aerial, and independent

102. Slope affects fuel availability to burn because:

     a\. Fuels are preheated upslope through radiation and convection.

     b\. Rolling firebrands ignite new fuels below.

     c\. Drier sites are more prevalent on steeper slopes.

     d\. A and B.

103. Describe the difference between Fuel Group and Fuel Model.

> **Fuel models are sub categories of Fuel Groups.**
>
> **Developed as input to the fire spread model.**
>
> **Fuel models are more specific with fuel characteristics.**

104. Which of the following topographic variations in wind speed would
     you expect on a sunny summer afternoon?

     a\. highest wind speeds on base of slope

     b\. highest wind speeds on upper windward slopes

     c\. lowest wind speeds on downwind slopes

     d\. A and C.

     e\. B and C.

105. Inputs used to determine fine dead fuel moisture content are:

     a\. Time of day, day of week, month of year, dry bulb temperature,
     relative humidity, site location.

     b\. Time of day, month of year, dry bulb temperature, relative
     humidity, aspect, percent slope, shading of surface fuels.

     c\. Fuel model, aspect, percent shading, site location, relative
     humidity.

     d\. Dew point, aspect, time of day, time of month, wet bulb
     temperature.

106. General winds are:

     a\. Small scale winds found at the lower levels of the atmosphere.

     b\. Diurnal mountain winds that flow upslope during the day and
     downslope at night.

     c\. Large-scale winds caused by the pressure gradients associated
     with highs and lows.

107. If the wet bulb is not read at its lowest point on a psychrometer:

     a\. The calculated relative humidity will be too low.

     b\. The dry bulb will read too low.

     c\. The dew point will read too low.

     d\. The calculated relative humidity will be too high.

108. List three fire behavior situations that often result in large,
     sudden changes in fire behavior.

> **Onset of strong wind (examples: gust fronts, cold fronts, surfacing
> winds).**
>
> **Transition between litter and crown; movement into different fuel
> type.**
>
> **Slope reversal.**

109. Branches above the fire are receiving heat by:

     a\. Conduction and radiation

     b\. Convection and conduction

     c\. Radiation and convection

     d\. All of the above

110. Relative humidity is:

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```
a.  An accurate indicator of atmospheric moisture.

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d.  A ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to the amount of
    water vapor the air could hold when saturated at the same
    temperature.

e.  Is inversely related to air temperature.

f.  Measured using an aneroid barometer.

g.  A and C.

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```
111. Define moisture of extinction.

> **The fuel moisture content at which a fire will not spread or spreads
> only sporadically.**

112. Select the correct statement regarding the shape of the country and
     its effect on wildland fire behavior.

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```
a.  The shape of the country seldom modifies the weather or the curing
    time of fuels.

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```
h.  The shape of the country has a minor effect on windspeed and
    direction and does not affect the curing time of fuels.

i.  The shape of the country can influence the curing of fuels as well
    as the intensity and spread of wildland fires.

j.  The shape of the country is an effective barrier to fire spread.

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```
113. Select the statement that best describes the effect of slope on
     fuels.

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```
a.  A fire starting at the base of a slope has more fuel available for
    spread.

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```
k.  Fuel beds on the upper third of the slope are always denser and more
    continuous.

l.  Fuel beds on south and southwest aspects usually are drier.

m.  Slope has no effect on fuel availability.

n.  A and C.

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```
114. Of the three methods for obtaining live fuel moistures, the
     following produces the most accurate results:

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```
a.  Collecting samples, weighing them, drying them and then weighing
    them again.

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```
o.  Calculating them based on RH, temperature, time of day, degree of
    shading and slope.

p.  Using the live fuel moisture nomogram.

q.  Live fuel moistures can only be estimated based on the time of year
    and cannot calculated accurately.

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115. List in order the three main fuel types from slowest typical ROS to
     fastest typical ROS.

     **[Litter]{.underline} [Crown]{.underline} [Grass ]{.underline}**

     Slowest
     \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--
     Fastest

116. 7-Day Significant Fire Potential, Monthly Fire Weather/Fire Danger
     Outlooks, and Seasonal Assessments are all products produced by
     what organization?

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```
a.  National Weather Service

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r.  Land Management Predictive Services

s.  Fire Behavior Committee

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```
117. What are the four lifting processes that can produce thunderstorms?

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```
a.  subsidence, convection, frontal, radiational

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```
t.  frontal, jet stream, orographic, thermal

u.  thermal, orographic, radiation, subsidence

v.  subsidence, orographic, frontal, jet stream

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```
118. List five items that should be contained in a shift briefing.

> **Weather, fire behavior, safety zone information, safety concerns,
> communication channels/radio frequencies**

119. Using the attached psychrometric table, determine the relative
     humidity at 7,500 feet elevation for a dry bulb temperature of 88
     ˚F and a wet bulb temperature of 59 ˚F.

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```
a.  20%

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w.  41%

x.  19%

y.  12˚F

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```
120. At 1500 the dry bulb temperature is 85 °F and the relative humidity
     is 28%. At 1700 the dry bulb temperature increases to 91°F. What is
     the relative humidity at 1700? (assume a constant dewpoint)

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```
a.  23%

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```
z.  18%

a.  21%

b.  33%

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```
121. List two things that a lookout can monitor to help anticipate a
     crown fire run.

     **Relative humidity, torching and/or short crown runs**

122. List the four common denominators of fire behavior on tragedy
     wildland fires:

> **1. On relatively small fires or deceptively quiet areas of large
> fires.**
>
> **2. In relatively light fuels, such as grass, herbs and light
> brush.**
>
> **3. When there is an unexpected wind shift in wind direction or
> speed.**
>
> **4. When fire responds to topographic conditions and runs uphill.**

123. Incident Meteorologists:

> a\. Are responsible for producing and issuing fire behavior forecasts.
>
> b\. Issue detailed specific forecasts written only for the immediate
> area of the incident.
>
> c\. Work closely with the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBA).
>
> **d. B and C.**

124. List the timelag categories and provide the size (inches diameter)
     for each:

> [Timelag Category]{.underline} [Size Range (diameter
> inches)]{.underline}
>
> **1 hour 0 to ¼ inch**
>
> **10 hour ¼ to 1 inch**
>
> **100 hour 1 to 3 inches**
>
> **1000 3 to 8 inches**

125. Which of the timelag categories from your answer to the previous
     question is most useful in looking at the start and spread of
     wildland fire?

     **1 hour**

126. Which one of the following statements is true concerning the
     relationship between fire behavior and fireline tactics and
     strategy:

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a.  Flame lengths of four feet or less can always be attacked direct.

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c.  The width of the fireline should be 1.5x the flame length or height
    of the fuels.

d.  The width of a fireline doesn't need to vary relative to its
    position on a slope.

e.  It is best to conduct burnout operations during the peak burn
    period.

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127. A smoke column that drifts apart after limited rise indicates

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a.  A stable atmosphere.

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f.  An unstable atmosphere.

g.  Unsaturated atmosphere.

h.  The passage of a cold front.

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```
128. Which statement(s) best describes the relationships among relative
     humidity, wind, and moisture content of fine and large fuels?

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```
a.  As relative humidity increases, fuel moisture decreases.

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```
i.  Wind has no effect fuel moisture, only temperature and relative
    humidity do.

j.  In general, under the affect of foehn winds conditions, fuel
    moistures will decrease.

k.  Wind accelerates the rate at which fuels gain or lose moisture.

l.  C and D.

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```
129. A large smoke plume spreads out in all directions at 10,000 feet
     above the ground. This is often an indication:

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```
a.  Of high relative humidity aloft.

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```
m.  Of very unstable air above the plume.

n.  That air aloft is colder than air near the ground.

o.  Of a subsidence inversion.

p.  B and C.

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```
130. Extreme fire behavior results from an interaction or alignment of
     what four environmental elements?

> **1. Available fuels**
>
> **2. Low fuel moisture**
>
> **3. Winds**
>
> **4. Unstable atmosphere**

Refer to the following diagram to answer questions 45 - 47.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="4.879166666666666in" height="4.0125in"}

131. What is the wind direction at point A?

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a.  Southwest

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q.  Northwest

r.  Southeast

s.  South

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132. What is the wind direction at point B?

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```
a.  Southwest

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```
t.  Northwest

u.  Southeast

v.  South

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```
133. What is the wind direction at point C?

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```
a.  Southwest

    Northwest

    Southeast

    South

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```
134. It is July 5 at 1400 hours. Fuels are shaded on a south aspect, 25%
     slope. Weather observations taken 200 feet upslope from the
     fireline are: dry bulb temperature 81° F and relative humidity 14%.
     The fine dead fuel moisture is:

> a\. 1%
>
> b\. 2%
>
> c\. 3%
>
> d\. 4%
>
> **e. 5%**

135. It is October 3 at 1500 hours. Fuels are fuel model 6 on a west
     aspect, 35% slope. Weather observations at your location are: dry
     bulb temperature 75° F, relative humidity 14%, and 20% cloud cover.
     The fine dead fuel moisture 1500 feet above you is:

> a\. 1%
>
> b\. 2%
>
> **c. 3%**
>
> d\. 5%
>
> e\. 7%

136. Wind direction:

> a\. Is the direction the wind is blowing toward.
>
> **b. Is the direction the wind is blowing from.**
>
> c\. Refers to both the horizontal and vertical movement of air
>
> d\. B and C.

137. A continental polar airmass is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ than a maritime tropical airmass.

> a\. warmer, drier
>
> **b. colder, drier**
>
> c\. warmer, wetter
>
> d\. colder, wetter

138. East, Mono, Santa Ana, and Chinook are all examples of:

> a\. Hurricanes
>
> b\. Slope winds
>
> c\. Whirlwinds
>
> **d. Foehn winds**

139. The three contributing elements to spot fires are:

> **a. Firebrand source, transportation, and receiving fuels**
>
> b\. Ladder fuels, crown fires, and strong winds
>
> c\. Ember production, convective lifting, and wind field
>
> d\. Probability of production, wind field, and probability of ignition

140. Local winds are:

> **a. Found at lower levels of the atmosphere that are produced by
> small scale differences in air temperature and pressure.**
>
> b\. Found at the jet stream level.
>
> c\. Large scale winds caused by a high pressure system.

141. The weaker the pressure gradient:

> **a. The slower the wind speed.**
>
> b\. The faster the wind speed.

142. Determine the probability of ignition based on the following:

> Dry bulb temperature: 92°
>
> Fine dead fuel moisture: 3%
>
> Sky weather: 20% cumulus clouds
>
> Fuels: grass
>
> Probability of ignition = **[90%]{.underline}**

143. Determine the probability of ignition based on the following:

> Dry bulb temperature: 79°
>
> Fine dead fuel moisture: 7%
>
> Sky weather: sunny and clear
>
> Fuels: dense timber
>
> Probability of ignition = **[50%]{.underline}**

144. What are the two dominant drivers of large sudden changes in fire
     behavior?

> **Changes in fuels and wind**

145. On what aspect would the lowest relative humidity be normally
     found?

> a\. East
>
> b\. Southeast
>
> c\. North
>
> **d. Southwest**

146. Noticeable strong indrafts and a well defined convection column are
     a good indication of:

> **a. High Intensity fire.**
>
> b\. Low intensity fire.
>
> c\. A fire that quickly burns out and is safe to direct attack.
>
> d\. A fire with little or no spotting potential.

147. Describe three "natural yardsticks" that can be used to gauge the
     fire's movement.

> **A slope, fence posts, poles, intersections, progress across a
> field**

148. How is ROS-ratio related to known fireline fatalities?

> **Large, sudden increases in ROS are a common factor in fatalities; or
> can say ROS-ratios 60X and more have been associated with
> fatalities.**

149. What is the temperature lapse rate of a [rising]{.underline}
     saturated air parcel?

> a\. -3.5˚F per 1000 feet
>
> b\. 3.0˚F per 1000 feet
>
> c\. -5.5˚F per 1000 feet
>
> **d. -3.0˚F per 1000 feet**

150. Air in low pressure

> **a. rises**
>
> b\. sinks

151. Choose the statement below that best describes the differences
     between basic firing operations:

> a\. A burnout concerns only those firing operations in excess of ½
> acres.
>
> b\. A backfire is a tactical operation where the firing operation is
> done into the wind so that you have a backing fire.
>
> c\. A burnout operation is conducted at the head of the fire and where
> convection of the main fire draws the burnout fire away from the
> control line.
>
> **d. A backfire is a fire set inside a control line in the path of a
> forest fire to stop, slow or change the direction of the fire.**

152. Dewpoint temperature is:

> a\. Identical to the wet bulb temperature when the air is saturated.
>
> **b. The temperature to which air must be cooled to reach
> saturation.**
>
> c\. An accurate measure of atmospheric moisture.
>
> d\. All of the above.

153. General winds are:

> a\. Small scale winds found at the lower levels of the atmosphere.
>
> b\. Diurnal mountain winds that flow upslope during the day and
> downslope at night.
>
> **c. Large-scale winds caused by the pressure gradients associated
> with highs and lows.**

154. A fire burning in grass fuel, on level ground, and influenced by a
     20 mph wind, could most likely exhibit which type of fire behavior?

> a\. Smoldering
>
> b\. Creeping
>
> **c. Running**
>
> d\. Torching

155. Give a specific example of a significant change in fuel type and a
     specific example of a significant change in wind.

     **Fuel type: litter to crown, litter to grass, or crown to grass**

     **Wind: fronts, surfacing winds, up-canyon/slope to
     down-canyon/slope**

156. Why is the difference in temperature between day and night normally
     greater in dry climates than in humid climates?

> a\. Because the specific heat capacity of the air is greater in dry
> climates.
>
> **b. Because there is less water vapor in the atmosphere to absorb
> terrestrial heat energy.**
>
> c\. Because winds tend to be stronger in dry climates.
>
> d\. All of the above.

157. List the flame lengths with the appropriate control strategy:

> **0 -- 4' Can generally be attacked at the head or flanks by persons
> using hand tools.**
>
> **4 -- 8' Fires too intense for direct attack at the head by persons
> using hand tools. Equipment such as dozers, engines and retardant
> aircraft can be effective.**
>
> **8 -- 11' Control efforts at the head will probably be ineffective.
> Aircraft with retardant will be the only option.**
>
> **\> 8' Control efforts at the head ineffective.**

158. Water vapor and dry air are called:

> a\. Stratospheric air molecules
>
> **b. Ideal gases**
>
> c\. Normal gases
>
> d\. Hothouse gases

159. You've been asked to scout a fire perimeter along Division X of the
     14,000 acre Finley Fire under the following conditions: it is
     August 15 at 0900 hrs; the fuel is timber litter on flat ground on
     a west aspect; the temperature is 71^°^ F, the RH is 34%; eye level
     winds are light at approximately 2 mph; flame lengths are about 2'
     -- 3'; and the rate of spread is roughly 2 feet/minute. Which of
     the following tactics would be most appropriate given these
     conditions?

> a\. Indirect attack with using a two dozer blade width line
> (approximately 12') and burn out.
>
> b\. Direct attack with a 1' -- 2' line to mineral soil.
>
> c\. Indirect attack with a 4' hand line and burnout only areas greater
> than ½ acre.
>
> **d. Direct attack with a 3' -- 5' wide line to mineral soil.**

160. By 1530, the temperature has increased to 87^°^, the RH has
     decreased to 12%, and winds increased to 8-10 mph. The resulting
     fire behavior is 6' flame lengths and frequent torching. The rate
     of spread has increased 10-fold. Which of the following tactics
     would be most appropriate given these conditions?

> **a. Indirect attack with using a two dozer blade width line
> (approximately 12') and burn out.**
>
> b\. Direct attack with a 1' -- 2' line to mineral soil.
>
> c\. Indirect attack with a 4' hand line and burnout only areas greater
> than ½ acre.
>
> d\. Direct attack with a 3' -- 5' wide line to mineral soil.

161. When providing hourly or half hourly weather observations over the
     radio to firefighters on the line, it is best to give the change
     relative to the previous report.

> **a. True**
>
> b\. False

162. The ability of our atmosphere to store terrestrial heat energy
     depends largely on the presence of:

> a\. oxygen
>
> b\. nitrogen
>
> c\. ozone
>
> **d. water vapor**
>
> e\. dry air

Use the map below for questions 77 -- 81.

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="5.207638888888889in"
height="6.242361111111111in"}

163. The feature labeled as "A" is a **[mountain peak or
     summit]{.underline}**

164. The feature labeled as "B" is a **[creek or river]{.underline}**

165. The feature labeled as "C" is a **[saddle]{.underline}**

166. The feature labeled as "D" is a **[index contour]{.underline}**

167. What is the contour interval of this map:

> a\. 20 feet
>
> b\. 40 feet
>
> **c. 50 feet**
>
> d\. 100 feet
>
> e\. 250 feet
>
> f\. 500 feet

168. According to the Equation of State for an Ideal Gas, an air parcel
     will:

> a\. Rise, expand, and cool as long as it remains less dense than the
> surrounding atmosphere.
>
> b\. Rise, compress, and warm as long as it remains denser than the
> surrounding atmosphere.
>
> c\. Sink, compress, and warm as long as it remains denser than the
> surrounding atmosphere.
>
> **d. A and C.**
>
> e\. B and C.

169. A sudden increase in temperature and wind speed, and a sudden
     decrease in relative humidity often occurs:

> a\. With the formation of a radiation inversion
>
> b\. With the lowering of a subsidence inversion over flat terrain
>
> **c. When a nighttime or radiation inversion breaks**
>
> d\. When a frontal inversion breaks
>
> e\. None of the above.

170. Within an inversion layer:

> a\. Temperature decreases with an increase in altitude
>
> b\. Temperature increases with an increase in altitude
>
> c\. Winds are normally light or calm
>
> d\. Winds are normally gusty and erratic
>
> e\. A and D.
>
> **f. B and C.**

171. The thermal belt:

> a\. Will vary in elevation because of cloud cover at night.
>
> b\. Remains at the same elevation on a valley wall throughout the
> year.
>
> c\. Tends to form higher up a valley wall during the winter and lower
> down in the summer.
>
> d\. Forms where the top of the nighttime inversion makes frequent
> contact with the valley wall.
>
> **e. C and D.**
>
> f\. All answers are correct.

172. Critical or extreme wildland fire behavior is often associated
     with:

> a\. thunderstorms
>
> b\. strong and gusty winds with a cold front
>
> c\. foehn winds
>
> d\. an unstable atmosphere
>
> **e. all of the above**

173. What weather processes should be closely monitored in the vicinity
     of a fire?

> a\. Thunderstorms
>
> b\. Critical clouds
>
> c\. Indications of an approaching cold front
>
> d\. Indications of a stable or unstable atmosphere
>
> **e. All of the above**

174. When a cold front or thunderstorm is expected in the vicinity of a
     fire, what is the most important weather change the safety weather
     watch can observe?

> **a. Strong shifting winds.**
>
> b\. Rising relative humidities.
>
> c\. An increase in cloud cover.
>
> d\. Any sudden change in temperature.
>
> e\. The onset of rain.

175. Air flows \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_around low pressure systems and
     \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_around high pressure systems.

> a\. clockwise, counter clockwise
>
> **b. counter clockwise, clockwise**

176. When stable air is forced over a mountain range, and then descends
     the leeward slopes as dry, warmed air, it is called:

> a\. A slope wind
>
> b\. A low-level jet
>
> **c. A foehn wind**
>
> d\. A cold front wind