The basic methodology of the fire investigation should rely on the use of a ______________________ and attention to all relevant details.
a. systematic
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b. approximation approach
c. methodology approach
d. general approach
a. systematic approach
With few exceptions, the proper methodolgy for a fire or explosion investigation is to first _____________________ then investigate the cause, circumstances, conditions, or agencies that brought the ignition source, fuel, and oxidant together.
a. determine responsibility
b. determine and establish origin(s)
c. determine if it is a criminal action
d. all of the above
b. determine and establish origin(s)
The process of determining the origin, cause, development, and responsibility as well as the failure analysis of a fire or explosion is the definition of _________________________.
a. fire investigation
b. fire scene reconstruction
c. fire evaluation
d. fire analysis
d. fire analysis
The process of determining the origin, cause, and responsibility for a fire or explosion is ___________________________.
a. fire analysis
b. fire investigation
c. fire scene survey
d. fire evaluation
b. fire investigation
The _____________________ is the systematic pursite of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of a hypothesis.
a. scientific method
b. scientific examination
c. scientific survey
d. scientific theory
a. scientific method
____________________ are the visible or measurable physical effects that remain after a fire. These include thermal effects on materials, such as charring, oxidation, consumption of combustibles, smoke and soot deposits, distortion, melting, color changes, changes in character of materials, structural collapse, and other effects.
a. Fire arrows
b. Fire pointers
c. Fire patterns
d. Flammable patterns
c. Fire patterns
Distortion, breakage, deterioration, or other fault in an item, component, system, assembly, or structure that results in unsatisfactory performance of the function for which it was designed is called ________________.
a. broken
b. distorted
c. failure
d. faulty
c. failure
Vehicle fire inspections may present many other situations that pose safety hazards to the investigator. These can include:
a. fuel leaks
b. expelled lubricants
c. electrical energy stored in the battery
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
The burn or damage patterns remaining on the body panels and in the interior of the vehicle are primarily used to locate the ______________________.
a. origin of the fire
b. potential ignition sources
c. fuel loads
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
A wide variety of materials and substances may serve as the first materials ignited in motor vehicle fires. These include engine fuels; transmission,·power steering, and brake fluids; coolants; lubricants; and the vehicle interior materials or cargo. Once a fire is started, any of these materials may contribute as a secondary fuel, affecting the fire growth rate and the ultimate damage sustained.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Solid fuels are less common than liquids and gasses as the first materials ignited in motor vehicle fires. The exception would be scenarios where overloaded wiring or smoking materials are possible ignition sources or where the vehicle is subject to an exposure fire.
a. True
b. False
a. True
In most instances, the sources of ignition energy in motor vehicle fires are the same as those associated with structural fires, arcs, overloaded wiring, open flames, and smoking materials. There are, however, some unique sources that should be considered, such as the hot surfaces of the:
a. catalytic converter
b. turbocharger
c. manifold
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
When the engine is not running, the primary source of electrical energy in a motor vehicle is the _____________________.
a. alternator
b. distributor
c. battery
d. fuel pump
c. battery (can also be other components)
14. When the ignition is off and the vehicle is not running, vehicle circuits having a+ 12 volt potential will still supply current from ______________ to ______________.
a. battery to starter
b. battery to alternator
c. battery to ignition
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
When the ignition is off and the vehicle is not running, vehicle circuits will still supply current to _____________.
a. clock
b. lights
c. power door locks
d. all of the above
d. all of the above (clock is not listed)
Protection of electrical circuits in motor vehicles is provided by:
a. fuses
b. circuitbreakers
c. fusible links
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
Electrical problems in circuits protected by fuses cannot start a fire.
a. True
b. False
b. False
The most common open flame in a carburated vehicle fire is:
a. lighted match
b. pilot flames or operating burners
c. catalytic converter
d. a backfire through the carburator
d. a backfire through the carburetor (bad question)
There are two basic fuel systems used in gasoline powered motor vehicles:
a. vacuum/low pressure carbureted system
b. high pressure fuel injected system
c. both a & b
d. neither a or b
c. both a & b
The flash point of gasoline is approximately _____.
a. 100* F
b. 212* F
c. -45* F
d. 25* F
c. -45* F
Compared to gasoline, brake fluid is a higher flash point liquid.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Gasoline will normally not ignite on a hot surface but requires a(n) __________ for ignition.
a. arc
b. spark
c. open flame
d. any of the above
d. any of the above
In high-pressured fuel injected systems, the fuel is typically pumped from a storage tank under pressure of:
a. 10-15 PSI
b. 20-25 PSI
c. 35-70 PSI
d. 110-160 PSI
c. 35-70 PSI (answer sheet says C or D)
The fuel pump will run when the ignition key is in the _______ position.
a. accessory
b. off
c. run
d. all of the above
c. run
Leaks that develop on the supply side of the fuel lines system may present operational problems that should be noticed by the operator whereas on the return side of the system may ______________.
a. cause the engine to stall
b. go undetected by the operator
c. appear as warning lights
d. cause the engine to race
b. go undetected by the operator
In a vehicle equipped with a fuel injection system; if a fuel leak was to occur on the supply side, there is sufficient pressure to project a small fuel stream several feet in distance.
a. True
b. False
a. True
The pressure from the mechanical fuel pump to the carburetor system is typically in the rate of _____ PSI.
a. 3-5
b. 10-20
c. 32
d. 32-70
a. 3-5
When exposed to heat energy from a fire, the rate of vaporization of the gasoline in the fuel tank will increase significantly.
a. True
b. Fals
a. True
Sparks, as a possible source of ignition energy, especially for gasses, vapors or liquid vapors in a spray or mist form may reach temperatures as high as _____ in a vehicle traveling less than 5 mph.
a. 110* F
b. 560* F
c. 600* F
d. 1400* F
d. 1400* F
The major components of the emission control system are:
a. the exhaust gas re-circulation valve.
b. charcoal canister
c. variety of rubber vacuum hoses and sensors
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
The decoding of a vehicle identification number (VIN) will provide the investigator with information regarding:
a. manufacturer
b. engine type
c. year of manufacture
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 301 is intended specifically to reduce the fire hazard resulting from ____________.
a. transmission fluid
b. motor oil
c. brake fluids
d. motor fuel
d. motor fuel
The lamp filaments of broken bulbs area source of ignition energy since the filament has a temperature in the order of _______.
a. 36* F
b. 100* F
c. 1000* F
d. 2550 * F
d. 2550* F
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for vehicle interior materials flammability is ___________.
a. FMVSS 208
b. FMVSS 210
c. FMVSS 301
d. FMVSS 302
d. FMVSS 302
Modern upholstery, fabrics and materials in vehicles by their chemical nature are generally easy to ignite with a cigarette.
a. True
b. False
b. False
The urethane foam seating materials will not burn once ignited by a name and does not substantially intensify a vehicle fire.
a. True
b. False
b. False
Rapid-fire growth and extensive damage are proof of an incendiary fire.
a. True
b. False
b. False
The external temperatures of catalytic converters in automobiles can reach temperatures high enough to ignite ordinary combustibles under normal operating conditions and can become higher when ventilation and air circulation are restricted.
a. True
b. False
a. True
The vehicle identification number of a vehicle may be found on the ________________.
a. dash of the vehicle
b. Federal Theft Prevention Standard label
c. Federal Emissions Certification label
d. all of the above
a. dash of the vehicle
Documentation of the vehicle fire incident can be accomplished through ____________________.
a. photographs
b. written notes
c. diagrams
d. all of the above
d all of the above
_______________ are common sources of ignition for fires in vehicles.
a. Electrical arcs
b. Hot surfaces
c. Open flames
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
The area of greatest destruction is always the area of origin.
a. True
b. False
b. False
Which of the following can affect the flash point of lubricating oils?
a. contamination of the lubricating oil
b. the age (length of service) of the oil
c. the chemical composition
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
Evidence of a mechanical failure in an engine or transmission is proof of a motive for vehicle arson.
a. True
b. False
b. False
A dragging or improperly adjusted brake can overheat to the point a fire can occur.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Many modern vehicles use plastic materials in the engine compartments, increasing the fuel load.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Corrosion of electrical wiring and components can present a fire hazard.
a. True
b. False
a. True
The positions of the power door locks in a vehicle that has been involved in a fire can be reliably used to determine its pre-fire positions.
a. True
b. False
b. False
The surface temperature of engine components increase during the heat (hot) soak period, rendering it a more competent ignition source for fugitive engine fluids.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Electrical arcs may normally occur in which component?
a. Relays
b. Electrical motors
c. Alternators
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
Heat energy produced as a result or friction from a failed bearing may serve as a competent ignition source.
a. True
b. False
a. True
A lit cigarette can be a competent ignition source for ______________.
a. gasoline vapors.
b. diesel fuel vapors.
c. transmission fluid vapors.
d. paper debris
d. paper debris
A momentary electrical arc or spark can be considered as a competent ignition source for Diesel fuel at room temperatures.
a. True
b. False
b. False
Factors to be considered when investigating a motor vehicle fire include:
a. prevailing winds.
b. vehicle orientation.
c. air temperature.
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
Vapors of ignitable liquids are heavier than air at 72 F.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Any liquid or the liquid phase of any material that is capable of fueling a fire, including a flammable liquid, combustible liquid, or any other material that can be liquefied and burned is the definition for _______________________.
a. accelerants
b. melted thermoplastics
c. ignitable liquid
d. ignitable vapors
c. ignitable liquid
When investigating a vehicle fire, information regarding safety recalls can be obtained from the _________________________.
a. National Highway Traffic Safely Administration (NHTSA).
b. National Safety Council.
c. National Transportation Safety Board.
d. All of the above.
a. National Highway Traffic Safely Administration (NHTSA).
Properly tightened steel fuel line connections may loosen significantly merely from the heat of a vehicle fire.
a. True
b. False
a. True
In order to comply with FMVSS Standard 302 burning rate of the tested material must be less than
a. 2 inches per minute.
b. 4 inches per minute.
c. 6 inches per minute.
d. 14 inches perminute.
b. 4 inches per minute.
FMVSS 302 requires compliance for
a. present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
b. present in the passenger, engine and trunk of the vehicle.
c. all materials within .5 inches of the air space of the passenger compartment.
d. all materials in the vehicle.
c. all materials within .5 inches of the air space of the passenger compartment.
FMVSS 301 does not apply to:
a. motorcycles.
b. commercial passenger vehicles.
c. trucks with gross weights less that I 0,000 pounds.
d. passenger cars.
a. motorcycles.
Factors influencing motor vehicle safety are the _____________________.
a. Vehicle's design
b. Vehicle's construction
c. Vehicle's materials
d. All of the above
d. All of the above
During a vehicle fire, electrical components such as the horn and the wipers can suddenly operate due to fire damage.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Evidence of electrical wire separation and the formation of a bead are always indicative that it was the source of ignition for the fire.
a. True
b. False
b. False
Gasoline has the highest ignition temperature of any of the liquids normally found in the engine compartment.
a. True
b. False
a. True
It is always possible to determine whether the crash or the resulting fire caused a death.
a. True
b. False
b. False
The development of fire patterns on and in a motor vehicle may be affected by:
a. airflow caused by vehicle movement.
b. distribution of fuel loads.
c. breaches in compartments.
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
During the refueling of a motor vehicle the flow of gasoline may result in the production, accumulation and discharge of a static electrical discharge.
a. True
b. False
a. True
An overheated automatic transmission may result in transmission fluid being expelled from the transmission dipstick presenting a fire hazard if it comes in contact with a hot surface capable of raising the transmission fluid to its ignition temperature.
a. True
b. False
a. True
The continuous fuel flow from a compromised fuel line unaided by mechanical or electrical pumps is the definition of "fuel system siphoning" in motor vehicles.
a. True
b. False
a. True
The post collision failure of a vehicle's fuel tank can be caused by being compromised:
a. due to collision forces and crush.
b. as a result of exposure to fire.
c. due to a mis-assembly and defective components.
d. all of the above.
d. all of the above.
When evaluating the involvement of the fuel system, the fuel tank should be inspected for
a. presence of gasoline
b. punctures
c. condition of fuel filler pipe
d. all of the above
d. all of the above
When inspecting a metallic fuel tank for damage, the liquid level may be determined by a line of demarcation caused by the heat capacity of the fuel and the resulting cooling of the fuel tank.
a. True
b. False
a. True
Post collision analysis of a crash data retrieval unit (black box) may provide the investigator with data relative to
a. location of electrical failure.
b. occupant interior temperatures.
c. engine RPM.
d. brake pressure.
c and d
Fire spread form the engine compartment to the passenger compartment is limited but not prevented by the presence of the bulkhead (front of dash panel).
a. True
b. False
a. True
What is the melting temperature of die cast zinc which is used to construct the typical ignition lock cylinder?
a. 240-500*F
b. 560-750*F
c. 800-1200*F
d. 1250-1500*F
b. 560-750*F
What is the melting temperature of the lock wafers which are typically made of brass that are located in the ignition lock cylinder?
A. 240-500 degrees F
B. 560-750 degrees F
C. 1710-1825 degrees F
D. 1250-1500 degrees F
C. 1710-1825 degrees F
In recreational vehicles, what are the type of energy sources that you may encounter during an investigation?
A. 12 V DC
B. 120/240V AC
C. Generator
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Heavy equipment is subject to the same failure modes as ordinary vehicles, but also susceptible to failure due to which of the following?
A. Failure of the hydraulics
B. Bearing Failures
C. Ignition of the material being handled.
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
The location of the fire and the way that the windshield reacts to it may allow a determination of the compartment of origin?
A. True
B. False
A. True
A passenger compartment fire will frequently cause failure at the bottom of the windshield?
A. True
B. False
B. False
Undeployed supplemental restraint systems (Airbags) in vehicles can pose a hazard to the investigator if not rendered safe prior to examining the vehicle.
A. True
B. False
A. True
Melted metals in a vehicle do not indicate which of the following?
A. Fluid line failure
B. Electrical Failure
C. Ignitable liquid as an accelerant
D. None of the above
C. Ignitable liquid as an accelerant
In addition to providing electrical energy, the lead-acid battery can also be a source of fire in the form of what type of gas? Section 27.5.3.2
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon Dioxide
C. Hydrogen
D. Other acidic gasses
C. Hydrogen
In motor vehicles, the entire frame, body and engine may be used as the ground path?
A. True
B. False
A. True
Event Data Recorders record the vehicles parameters before and just after a crash, which of the following does it not record?
A. Vehicle speed
B. Airbag deployment
C. Electrical failure
D. Engine RPM
C. Electrical failure
Engine Control Modules are generally found on which of the following vehicles?
A. Fleet Trucks
B. Busses
C. Passenger cars
D. Both A and B
D. Both A and B [Show Less]