Firefighter 1C Wildland Practice Exam

What type of fire intensity is direct fire attack generally used for?

1. Less than 2-foot flame heights

2. Less than 3-foot flame heights

3. Less than 4-foot flame heights

4. Less than 5-foot flame heights

The correct answer is: Less than 4-foot flame heights

Direct fire attack is typically employed when the fire intensity is manageable, allowing firefighters to engage the flames with a higher level of safety and effectiveness. The category specified as less than 4-foot flame heights indicates a fire that is not too intense or large, enabling direct engagement strategies such as advancing hose lines directly toward the fire front. When flames reach heights beyond this threshold, the intensity generally increases, which can create dangerous conditions for firefighters and may necessitate a more indirect approach. The less than 4-foot guideline provides a balance between safety and effectiveness, offering a clear criterion for implementing direct attack techniques. Using this strategy maximizes the chances of effectively suppressing the fire while minimizing risk to personnel.