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Philly Firefighter practice questions

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Question 1Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter trainee is reading a department memo: 'All probationary firefighters must complete the hose-lay drill before their sixth week. Recruits assigned to Engine 12 will drill on Tuesday; recruits assigned to Ladder 7 will drill on Thursday.' A recruit assigned to Ladder 7 asks when the hose-lay drill must be completed. Based only on the memo, the correct answer is that the drill must be completed:

  1. before the start of the sixth week Correct answer.
  2. on Tuesday of the sixth week
  3. on Thursday of the sixth week
  4. after the sixth week ends

Explanation

The memo sets a deadline (before week six) that applies to all probationary firefighters regardless of assignment. The Tuesday/Thursday detail only tells each recruit which day to drill, not a different deadline. So the Ladder 7 recruit still faces the same deadline.

Question 2Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A fire company responds to 3 calls on Monday, 5 on Tuesday, 4 on Wednesday, and 8 on Thursday. What is the average number of calls per day over these four days?

  1. 5 Correct answer.
  2. 6
  3. 4
  4. 7

Explanation

Add the daily totals: 3 + 5 + 4 + 8 = 20 calls. Divide by the four days: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 calls per day. The average is the total divided by the number of days.

Question 3Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A ladder is rated for a working load of 750 pounds. Three firefighters weighing 210, 195, and 230 pounds climb it together, and each carries 25 pounds of gear. What is the total load on the ladder?

  1. 660 pounds
  2. 710 pounds
  3. 735 pounds
  4. 685 pounds Correct answer.

Explanation

Sum the firefighters: 210 + 195 + 230 = 635 pounds. Add gear: 3 × 25 = 75 pounds. Total load is 635 + 75 = 710 pounds, which is under the 750-pound rating.

Question 4Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

Read this sentence from an incident report: 'The crew entered the structure, the smoke was too thick to see the stairwell.' Which revision best corrects the sentence structure while keeping the report's meaning?

  1. The crew entered the structure, the smoke was too thick to see the stairwell, and they left.
  2. The crew entered the structure the smoke was too thick to see the stairwell.
  3. The crew entered the structure, but the smoke was too thick to see the stairwell. Correct answer.
  4. The crew entered the structure; the smoke was too thick to see the stairwell.

Explanation

The original is a comma splice: two independent clauses joined only by a comma. Adding the coordinating conjunction 'but' correctly links the clauses and shows the contrast. A semicolon would also fix the splice, but option 0 best preserves the contrast intended in the report.

Question 5Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter earns $24.50 per hour for the first 40 hours of a week and 1.5 times that rate for overtime hours. If the firefighter works 46 hours in a week, what is the gross pay?

  1. $1,176.00
  2. $1,127.00
  3. $1,200.50 Correct answer.
  4. $1,250.00

Explanation

Regular pay is 40 × $24.50 = $980.00. Overtime rate is $24.50 × 1.5 = $36.75, and 6 overtime hours give $220.50. Total gross pay is $980.00 + $220.50 = $1,200.50.

Question 6Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter is comparing two hose nozzles. Nozzle A delivers 150 gallons per minute (gpm) and nozzle B delivers 200 gpm. If a fire requires 900 gallons of water, how many more minutes will nozzle A take to deliver that amount than nozzle B?

  1. 2 minutes
  2. 0.5 minutes
  3. 3 minutes
  4. 1.5 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Nozzle A takes 900 ÷ 150 = 6 minutes; nozzle B takes 900 ÷ 200 = 4.5 minutes. The difference is 6 − 4.5 = 1.5 minutes. This compares the two flow times directly.

Question 7Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

Which of the following is the best restatement of this department policy: 'Personnel shall not enter a burning structure without a charged hose line unless a written safety plan authorizes an exception.'

  1. Personnel may enter a burning structure without a charged hose line whenever a supervisor is present.
  2. Personnel may never enter a burning structure without a charged hose line.
  3. Personnel may enter a burning structure without a charged hose line only if a written safety plan allows it. Correct answer.
  4. Personnel must always carry a charged hose line into any structure, burning or not.

Explanation

The policy forbids entry without a charged hose line but creates a specific exception: a written safety plan authorizing it. Option 0 captures both the rule and its stated exception. The other choices either remove the exception or change the rule's scope.

Question 8Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter's air cylinder holds 4,500 psi. If the firefighter uses 300 psi per minute, how many full minutes of air remain from a full cylinder?

  1. 12
  2. 10
  3. 15 Correct answer.
  4. 18

Explanation

Divide the total pressure by the usage rate: 4,500 ÷ 300 = 15 minutes. This gives the number of full minutes of air available at that consumption rate.

Question 9Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A dispatcher notes that Engine 3 responds to every structure fire in District 1. A structure fire occurred in District 1 on Friday. Which conclusion follows logically?

  1. Engine 3 responds only to structure fires.
  2. All Friday fires are in District 1.
  3. Only Engine 3 responds to fires in District 1.
  4. Engine 3 responded to the Friday structure fire. Correct answer.

Explanation

If every District 1 structure fire draws Engine 3, and Friday's fire is a District 1 structure fire, then Engine 3 responded. This is a valid application of a universal rule to a matching case.

Question 10Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads a report stating: 'The fire originated in the kitchen, although the homeowner claimed it started in the garage. Investigators found no burn patterns in the garage.' What does the report most strongly imply?

  1. The garage fire was extinguished before investigators arrived.
  2. Investigators did not examine the garage.
  3. The kitchen had no smoke alarms installed.
  4. The homeowner's account is inconsistent with the physical evidence. Correct answer.

Explanation

The report contrasts the homeowner's claim with the absence of burn patterns in the garage, implying the claim is unsupported by evidence. The origin finding in the kitchen is the physical basis. The other options add facts not stated.

Question 11Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A crew must connect hose sections of 50 feet each to reach a hydrant 425 feet away. How many 50-foot sections are needed?

  1. 10
  2. 9 Correct answer.
  3. 7
  4. 8

Explanation

Divide 425 by 50: 425 ÷ 50 = 8.5. Since a partial section cannot be used alone, round up to 9 sections to cover the full distance. Rounding up ensures the hose reaches the hydrant.

Question 12Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

Read this passage: 'Ventilation improves interior visibility and reduces heat, but it must be coordinated with fire attack. Premature ventilation can draw fire toward openings and endanger crews.' Which statement best captures the main idea?

  1. Ventilation should never be used because it draws fire toward openings.
  2. Interior visibility is the only reason to ventilate a building.
  3. Fire attack should always begin after ventilation is complete.
  4. Ventilation helps firefighters but must be timed with fire attack to avoid danger. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents both the benefits of ventilation and the risk of doing it too early. The main idea balances these: ventilation is useful when coordinated with fire attack. Options that forbid ventilation or reverse the order misread the passage.

Question 13Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter's annual salary is $52,000. The department deducts 8% for retirement and 22% for taxes. What is the annual take-home pay after both deductions?

  1. $36,400 Correct answer.
  2. $32,240
  3. $40,560
  4. $38,480

Explanation

Total deductions are 8% + 22% = 30% of salary, or 0.30 × $52,000 = $15,600. Take-home pay is $52,000 − $15,600 = $36,400. Alternatively, 70% of salary equals $36,400.

Question 14Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter must lift a 180-pound patient using a lever. The patient sits 2 feet from the fulcrum, and the firefighter pushes 6 feet from the fulcrum. Ignoring the lever's weight, what force must the firefighter apply to balance the load?

  1. 120 pounds
  2. 30 pounds
  3. 60 pounds Correct answer.
  4. 90 pounds

Explanation

For a balanced lever, load × load distance = effort × effort distance. So 180 × 2 = effort × 6, giving effort = 360 ÷ 6 = 60 pounds. The longer effort arm reduces the force needed.

Question 15Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A memo states: 'All personnel assigned to hazardous-materials response must recertify annually. Firefighter Ruiz is assigned to hazmat response.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Ruiz must recertify every year. Correct answer.
  2. Only new hazmat personnel recertify.
  3. Ruiz must recertify every two years.
  4. Ruiz may skip recertification if busy.

Explanation

The memo applies an annual recertification rule to everyone assigned to hazmat response. Since Ruiz is so assigned, the rule requires annual recertification. The other options contradict the memo's stated frequency or add exceptions.

Question 16Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A fire company has 12 firefighters. If 3/4 of them are certified in emergency medical services (EMS), how many are NOT EMS-certified?

  1. 9
  2. 4
  3. 3 Correct answer.
  4. 6

Explanation

Three-fourths of 12 is 9, so 9 firefighters are EMS-certified. The number not certified is 12 − 9 = 3. The question asks for those without certification, not those with it.

Question 17Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

Choose the sentence that is clearest and most appropriate for an official incident report.

  1. The fire on the second floor got put out and they looked around for more.
  2. The fire was extinguished by crews on the second floor and stuff was checked.
  3. Second floor fire, extinguished, extension checked, all good.
  4. Crews extinguished the fire on the second floor and checked for extension. Correct answer.

Explanation

An official report should use precise, complete, and professional language. Option 0 states the action and the follow-up check in clear terms. The others use vague wording, fragments, or informal language unsuitable for a report.

Question 18Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter needs to mix foam concentrate with water at a 3% ratio. How many gallons of concentrate are needed for 400 gallons of solution?

  1. 40
  2. 9
  3. 3
  4. 12 Correct answer.

Explanation

A 3% ratio means 3 gallons of concentrate per 100 gallons of solution. For 400 gallons, multiply by 4: 3 × 4 = 12 gallons. The calculation scales the ratio to the total volume.

Question 19Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A report notes: 'The alarm sounded at 02:14. The first unit arrived at 02:19. The fire was declared under control at 03:02.' How long was the interval from the first unit's arrival to the fire being under control?

  1. 48 minutes
  2. 43 minutes Correct answer.
  3. 53 minutes
  4. 38 minutes

Explanation

From 02:19 to 03:02, count forward: 02:19 to 03:00 is 41 minutes, plus 2 minutes to 03:02 gives 43 minutes. This measures only arrival-to-control, not the alarm time.

Question 20Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter is told: 'If the wind shifts toward the exposure, then we will reposition the apparatus. The wind did not shift toward the exposure.' What can be concluded?

  1. The apparatus will definitely be repositioned.
  2. Nothing certain can be concluded about repositioning the apparatus. Correct answer.
  3. The wind shifted away from the exposure.
  4. The apparatus will definitely not be repositioned.

Explanation

The statement is a conditional: if the wind shifts, then reposition. Denying the condition (wind did not shift) does not force a conclusion about repositioning, because repositioning could occur for other reasons. This is the fallacy of denying the antecedent.

Question 21Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads two statements: 'Every ladder truck carries ground ladders.' and 'Some ground ladders are 35 feet long.' Which conclusion is necessarily true?

  1. Ladder trucks carry only 35-foot ground ladders.
  2. All ground ladders on ladder trucks are 35 feet long.
  3. No ground ladders on ladder trucks are 35 feet long.
  4. Some ground ladders carried on ladder trucks are 35 feet long. Correct answer.

Explanation

Since every ladder truck carries ground ladders and some ground ladders are 35 feet long, at least some of the carried ladders could be 35 feet; combined with the universal, at least some carried ladders of that length exist. The other options make stronger claims than the premises support.

Question 22Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A pumper delivers water through a hose at 250 gpm. Due to friction loss, the effective flow at the nozzle is 15% less than at the pump. How many gallons per minute reach the nozzle?

  1. 187.5
  2. 200
  3. 212.5 Correct answer.
  4. 225

Explanation

A 15% loss means 85% of the pump flow reaches the nozzle. Compute 0.85 × 250 = 212.5 gpm. The remaining 37.5 gpm is lost to friction.

Question 23Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter must lift a 240-pound patient over a 3-foot obstacle using a 9-foot ramp. Ignoring friction, what effort force is required to push the patient up the ramp?

  1. 27 pounds
  2. 80 pounds Correct answer.
  3. 60 pounds
  4. 120 pounds

Explanation

An inclined plane trades distance for force: effort = load × height ÷ ramp length. So 240 × 3 ÷ 9 = 720 ÷ 9 = 80 pounds. The longer ramp reduces the required effort.

Question 24Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

Read this passage: 'Although the department purchased new thermal imaging cameras, several companies reported that the batteries failed during extended incidents. The department responded by ordering spare battery packs and revising the equipment checklist.' Which statement best identifies the problem and the response?

  1. The department purchased cameras but never used them on incidents.
  2. Battery failures during long incidents prompted spare batteries and a revised checklist. Correct answer.
  3. The revised checklist eliminated the need for spare batteries.
  4. The new cameras were defective, so the department returned them.

Explanation

The passage identifies battery failures during extended incidents as the problem. The response was ordering spare batteries and revising the checklist. The other options misstate the problem or the response.

Question 25Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter is analyzing response data: Engine 5 handled 40 calls in January and 52 in February; Engine 8 handled 30 in January and 45 in February. Which statement correctly compares the percentage increase in calls?

  1. Both engines had the same percentage increase.
  2. Engine 5 had a larger percentage increase than Engine 8.
  3. Engine 8 had a larger percentage increase than Engine 5. Correct answer.
  4. Engine 5's increase cannot be calculated from the data.

Explanation

Engine 5 rose from 40 to 52, an increase of 12, or 12 ÷ 40 = 30%. Engine 8 rose from 30 to 45, an increase of 15, or 15 ÷ 30 = 50%. Engine 8's percentage increase is larger even though Engine 5 handled more total calls.

Question 26Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads this radio message: 'Engine 12 is on scene of a two-story dwelling, smoke showing from the second floor, and we are laying a line.' What is the main purpose of this message?

  1. To order the evacuation of the building
  2. To report arrival and initial conditions Correct answer.
  3. To request additional alarms immediately
  4. To confirm the water supply is connected

Explanation

The message announces that the unit has arrived, describes what is visible (smoke from the second floor), and states an action being taken (laying a line). That combination is a standard arrival/size-up report. Nothing in the wording asks for more alarms, orders an evacuation, or confirms a hydrant connection.

Question 27Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

An incident report states: 'Crews extinguished the fire, and the cause remains undetermined, although the occupant reported a faulty outlet.' Which conclusion is best supported by this sentence?

  1. The fire was caused by an electrical failure
  2. The faulty outlet was proven to be the cause
  3. The occupant started the fire deliberately
  4. The cause has not been officially determined Correct answer.

Explanation

The report says the cause 'remains undetermined,' which means no official cause has been established. The outlet is described only as something the occupant reported, so it is a lead, not a finding. Choosing either the outlet or the occupant as the cause goes beyond the text.

Question 28Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads this department rule: 'Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be worn by all personnel operating in an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life or health.' According to the rule, when is SCBA required?

  1. In atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health Correct answer.
  2. Whenever a firefighter enters any building
  3. Only when visible flames are present
  4. Only during overhaul operations

Explanation

The rule ties the requirement directly to the condition of the atmosphere: it applies when the atmosphere is immediately dangerous to life or health. The rule does not limit the requirement to visible flame or to overhaul, and it does not cover every building entry regardless of conditions.

Question 29Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter is told: 'If the hydrant pressure is below 20 psi, then a tanker shuttle will be started. A tanker shuttle was not started.' What can be validly concluded?

  1. No hydrant was located near the scene
  2. The hydrant pressure was exactly 20 psi
  3. The tanker shuttle was delayed by traffic
  4. The hydrant pressure was 20 psi or higher Correct answer.

Explanation

This is a valid modus tollens argument: if P then Q, and not Q, therefore not P. Since the shuttle was not started, the condition that triggers it (pressure below 20 psi) must be false, meaning pressure was 20 psi or higher. The other choices add details the statements never mention.

Question 30Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter notes: 'All ladder trucks in the fleet carry ground ladders. Truck 7 is a ladder truck in the fleet.' What must be true?

  1. Truck 7 carries ground ladders Correct answer.
  2. Truck 7 is the newest ladder truck
  3. Every ground ladder belongs to Truck 7
  4. Truck 7 carries a 35-foot ladder

Explanation

If every ladder truck in the fleet carries ground ladders and Truck 7 is one of those trucks, then Truck 7 must carry ground ladders. The specific length of the ladders, the truck's age, and the ownership of all ground ladders are not stated and cannot be inferred.

Question 31Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter earns $3,200 per month. The department deducts 6% of monthly pay for the pension and 18% for taxes. What is the monthly take-home pay?

  1. $2,432 Correct answer.
  2. $2,688
  3. $2,560
  4. $2,304

Explanation

Total deductions are 6% + 18% = 24% of $3,200, which is $768. Subtracting $768 from $3,200 leaves $2,432 take-home. Alternatively, 76% of $3,200 equals $2,432.

Question 32Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A hose lays out in 50-foot sections. A crew needs to reach a hydrant 675 feet away. How many sections are required?

  1. 13
  2. 14 Correct answer.
  3. 12
  4. 15

Explanation

Dividing 675 by 50 gives 13.5, so 13 sections reach only 650 feet and fall short of the hydrant. Because partial sections cannot be used, the crew must round up to 14 sections, which reach 700 feet.

Question 33Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter must lift a 200-pound patient using a lever. The patient is 2 feet from the fulcrum, and the firefighter pushes 8 feet from the fulcrum. Ignoring friction, what effort is required?

  1. 50 pounds Correct answer.
  2. 40 pounds
  3. 80 pounds
  4. 25 pounds

Explanation

For a lever, effort times effort distance equals load times load distance. Here 200 pounds times 2 feet equals 400 foot-pounds, and dividing by the 8-foot effort distance gives 50 pounds of effort.

Question 34Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A pumper supplies 300 gpm at the pump. Friction loss reduces the flow at the nozzle by 12%. What is the nozzle flow?

  1. 288 gpm
  2. 276 gpm
  3. 264 gpm Correct answer.
  4. 252 gpm

Explanation

A 12% reduction means the nozzle receives 88% of the pump flow. Multiplying 300 gpm by 0.88 gives 264 gpm at the nozzle.

Question 35Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter needs to mix foam concentrate with water at a 4% ratio. How many gallons of concentrate are needed for 600 gallons of solution?

  1. 30 gallons
  2. 24 gallons Correct answer.
  3. 20 gallons
  4. 18 gallons

Explanation

A 4% ratio means 4% of the total solution is concentrate. Four percent of 600 gallons is 24 gallons, which is the amount of concentrate to add.

Question 36Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A company has 16 firefighters. If 5/8 of them hold hazardous-materials certification, how many do NOT hold it?

  1. 5
  2. 8
  3. 10
  4. 6 Correct answer.

Explanation

Five-eighths of 16 is 10, so 10 firefighters are certified. Subtracting 10 from 16 leaves 6 who are not certified.

Question 37Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A dispatcher records: 'The alarm came in at 03:10. The first unit arrived at 03:16. The fire was under control at 04:02.' How long was the fire under control after the first unit arrived?

  1. 56 minutes
  2. 52 minutes
  3. 46 minutes Correct answer.
  4. 40 minutes

Explanation

From 03:16 to 04:02 is 46 minutes, found by subtracting the arrival time from the under-control time. The alarm time is not used because the question asks about time after arrival.

Question 38Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads: 'Although the department added two new engines, response times in the northern district rose slightly, possibly because the new units were assigned to the south side.' Which statement is best supported?

  1. The new engines were placed on the south side Correct answer.
  2. Response times fell across the entire city
  3. The northern district has no engine coverage
  4. The new engines caused slower responses in the north

Explanation

The passage states the new units 'were assigned to the south side,' which is directly supported. It offers a possible reason for slower northern responses but does not prove causation, and it never says the north lacks coverage or that citywide times fell.

Question 39Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A memo states: 'Any firefighter who wishes to transfer to the rescue company must have at least three years of service and pass a physical test. Firefighter Nolan has four years of service but has not taken the physical test.' What follows?

  1. Nolan is eligible to transfer now
  2. Nolan cannot transfer until the test is passed Correct answer.
  3. Nolan must wait another year
  4. Nolan is ineligible because of his service time

Explanation

The memo sets two conditions: three years of service and a passed physical test. Nolan meets the service requirement with four years but not the test requirement, so he cannot transfer until he passes it.

Question 40Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads: 'Ventilation can improve interior conditions, but it must be coordinated with the attack crew; uncoordinated ventilation can pull fire toward uninvolved areas.' What is the main point?

  1. Ventilation helps only after the fire is out
  2. Ventilation should never be used at fires
  3. Ventilation must be timed and coordinated with attack Correct answer.
  4. Ventilation always increases fire spread

Explanation

The passage acknowledges benefits of ventilation but stresses that it must be coordinated with the attack crew to avoid pulling fire into uninvolved areas. That makes timing and coordination the central point, not a ban on ventilation or a claim that it always spreads fire.

Question 41Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter is told: 'Either the standpipe will be charged or the sprinkler system will be used. The standpipe was not charged.' What follows?

  1. Neither system was used
  2. The sprinkler system was used Correct answer.
  3. The standpipe was charged later
  4. The sprinkler system failed

Explanation

This is a valid disjunctive syllogism: either A or B, not A, therefore B. Since the standpipe was not charged, the sprinkler system must have been used. Nothing is said about later charging or system failure.

Question 42Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads: 'Every engine company carries a first-aid kit. Some first-aid kits contain burn dressings.' Which conclusion is valid?

  1. All first-aid kits contain burn dressings
  2. Some engine companies carry first-aid kits Correct answer.
  3. Every engine company carries burn dressings
  4. No engine company carries burn dressings

Explanation

Since every engine company carries a first-aid kit, it follows that some (indeed all) engine companies carry first-aid kits. The statement about burn dressings applies only to some kits, so it cannot be extended to every company or every kit.

Question 43Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter must lift a 300-pound load over a 4-foot height using a 12-foot ramp. Ignoring friction, what effort force is required?

  1. 75 pounds
  2. 150 pounds
  3. 100 pounds Correct answer.
  4. 120 pounds

Explanation

For an inclined plane, effort times ramp length equals load times height. Here 300 pounds times 4 feet equals 1,200 foot-pounds, and dividing by the 12-foot ramp gives 100 pounds of effort.

Question 44Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter's air cylinder holds 4,500 psi. The firefighter uses 250 psi per minute. How many full minutes of air remain?

  1. 15
  2. 18 Correct answer.
  3. 16
  4. 20

Explanation

Dividing 4,500 psi by 250 psi per minute gives 18 full minutes. The division is exact, so no rounding is needed.

Question 45Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A report notes: 'The fire began in the storage room; however, the sprinkler system activated only after the door was opened, which allowed heat to reach the nearest head.' What does the report suggest about the sprinkler activation?

  1. The fire started in the sprinkler room
  2. The sprinkler system was defective
  3. The sprinkler activated before the fire began
  4. Opening the door contributed to activation Correct answer.

Explanation

The report links activation to the door being opened, which allowed heat to reach a sprinkler head. That supports the idea that opening the door contributed to activation. It does not indicate a defect, a different fire origin, or activation before ignition.

Question 46Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter analyzes data: Engine 5 handled 40 calls in January and 48 in February; Engine 8 handled 30 in January and 42 in February. Which statement is best supported?

  1. Engine 5's call volume decreased in February
  2. Engine 5 handled more total calls than Engine 8 Correct answer.
  3. Engine 8's call volume decreased in February
  4. Engine 8 handled more calls in January than Engine 5

Explanation

Engine 5 totals 40 + 48 = 88 calls, while Engine 8 totals 30 + 42 = 72 calls, so Engine 5 handled more overall. Both companies increased from January to February, and Engine 8 had fewer January calls than Engine 5.

Question 47Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads: 'The department's new dispatch protocol reduced average call-processing time, but several dispatchers reported that the new screens required extra training.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Extra training was needed for the new screens Correct answer.
  2. Call-processing time increased overall
  3. Dispatchers rejected the new protocol
  4. The protocol failed to reduce processing time

Explanation

The passage states that dispatchers reported the new screens required extra training, which directly supports that conclusion. It also states processing time was reduced, and it does not say dispatchers rejected the protocol or that times increased.

Question 48Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter is told: 'If the alarm panel shows a trouble signal, then the building must be checked. The building was not checked.' What can be validly concluded?

  1. The panel showed a trouble signal
  2. The alarm system is out of service
  3. The panel did not show a trouble signal Correct answer.
  4. The building was checked later

Explanation

This is modus tollens: if P then Q, and not Q, therefore not P. Since the building was not checked, the condition that requires checking (a trouble signal) did not occur. The other choices add information not given.

Question 49Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A crew needs 9 hose sections of 50 feet each, plus a 25-foot leader line, to reach a hydrant. How far is the hydrant?

  1. 425 feet
  2. 500 feet
  3. 475 feet Correct answer.
  4. 450 feet

Explanation

Nine sections of 50 feet total 450 feet, and adding the 25-foot leader line gives 475 feet. The other choices either omit the leader line or misadd the sections.

Question 50Written Examination (cognitive ability, reading comprehension, mathematics, and reasoning)

A firefighter reads this line from a department memo: 'Because the rear stairwell door was propped open, smoke spread into the upper floors before the sprinklers activated.' According to the sentence, what caused the smoke to reach the upper floors before the sprinklers activated?

  1. The sprinklers activating too early
  2. The smoke spreading after the sprinklers activated
  3. The rear stairwell door being propped open Correct answer.
  4. The upper floors lacking a stairwell

Explanation

The word 'because' marks the stated cause, and the sentence names the propped-open rear stairwell door as that cause. The smoke spreading into the upper floors is the result, and it happened before the sprinklers activated, so the door is the only cause given.