Firefighter 1C Wildland Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of fire retardant dropped from aircraft?

1. It is biodegradable

2. It is effective at stopping fires entirely

3. It is slippery

4. It is non-toxic to wildlife

The correct answer is: It is slippery

The characteristic that fire retardant dropped from aircraft is slippery is key in understanding its properties and effects during aerial firefighting operations. When fire retardant is applied, its slippery nature is important for a couple of reasons. First, a slippery surface can help hinder the spread of fire by creating a barrier that fire cannot easily penetrate. This can be especially useful in areas where wildfires may be moving swiftly, as it slows down the advance of flames and helps to protect critical areas, such as structures or other resources. Additionally, the slippery texture can impact the ground surface where it lands, potentially affecting vehicle operations or foot traffic in the area. It is crucial for firefighting teams to be aware of this characteristic for safety and operational planning. While other properties such as biodegradability, effectiveness at stopping fires entirely, and toxicity to wildlife are also relevant, they do not define the immediate operational impact of the fire retardant in the context of its application and use in the field as effectively as its slippery nature does.