Firefighter 1C Wildland Practice Exam

What hazard is created by a "widow maker"?

1. Tripping

2. Rolling

3. Falling

4. Rocking

The correct answer is: Falling

A "widow maker" refers to a specific type of hazard commonly encountered in wildland firefighting and tree work. It specifically denotes dead or dying branches that are still attached to a tree and may fall unexpectedly. The primary danger associated with these branches is their potential to fall without warning, posing a significant risk to anyone working or passing underneath. The correct identification of the hazard as falling emphasizes the unpredictability and serious consequences that can arise from widow makers. Unlike other types of hazards, such as tripping or rolling, which involve more predictable movements or interactions with the environment, falling objects can cause severe injury or even fatality, underscoring the necessity of monitoring the surroundings for these specific hazards when operating in forested or wooded areas.