FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION

Prepared By:
Mr. Kier Gabriel Tampos
RCrim, BS.Crim, BS.Ed.(u), MA.Ed, MS.Crim., CSP, CST, CSMS, CII, CBIDA
POLICE INSTRUCTOR II-PHILIPPINE PUBLIC SAFETY COLLEGE (PPSC)
NATIONAL POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE (NPTI)
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP)

1.What is the upper section of an extension ladder?

A. top C. fly
B. butt D. extension

2. What is a normally open device installed inside an air duct system which automatically closes
to restrict the passage of smoke or fire?
A. fire exit C. fire trap
B. damper D. fire alarm

3. What is the material which produces and liberates its own oxygen when heated?
A. radiation C. conductor
B. oxidizing agent D. vapor

4. What is a vertical panel of non- combustible or fire resistant materials attached to and
extending below the bottom chord of roof trusses to divide the underside of the roof into
separate compartments so that heat and smoke will be directed upwards to a roof vent?
A. fire door C. fire trap
B. electric arc D. curtain board

5. Which of the following is a strong oxidizing organic compound which releases oxygen
readily?
A. organic peroxide C. corrosive liquid
B. blasting agent D. combustible fiber

6. What is known as the Fire Code of the Philippines?

A. Presidential Decree No 448
B. Presidential Decree No 1184
C. Presidential decree No 421
D. Presidential Decree No 1185

7. A fire hydrant should be carefully opened when in use in order to:

A. reduce vibration of the hydrant
B. ensure that the drip valve is all the way closed
C. prevent water hammer
D. close the coupling

8. What is the instrument used to open and close a fire hydrant?

A. hydrant key C. key board
B. fire hose D. jumper

9. How many percent of air is needed to sustain combustion?

A. 20 C. 30
B. 10 D. 15

10. What is the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the
atmospheric pressure?
A. vapor density C. fire point
B. boiling point D. vapor pressure
11. The transfer of heat from one material to another by direct contact is called
_______________.

A. oxidation C. convection
B. conduction D. radiation

12. What is the measure of the degree of thermal agitation of molecules?

A. Ignition point C. Temperature
B. Flash point D. Boiling point

13. To cut a hole in the concrete floor for a cellar type, the cutting operation should start
____________.
A. At the thickest point of the concrete flooring
B. In the center of the concrete flooring between the floor beams
C. Close to the floor beams

14. What is a material that easily yields oxygen in quantities sufficient to stimulate or support
combustion?
A. Smoke C. carbon
B. oxidizing material D. ember

15. The cause of the majority of fire deaths is ________.

A. Infection C. shock
B. burns D. asphyxiation

16. In a combustion process, which event comes first?

A. fire point C. none of these
B. ignition temperature D. flash point

17. What kind of gas exists solely in the gaseous state under pressure and at normal
atmospheric temperature inside its container?
A. cryogenic gas C. liquefied gas
B. compressed gas D. nuclear gas

18. What moves rapidly by convection and can spread laterally along the ceiling?
A. heat C. smoke
B. fire D. temperature

19. Before attacking a fire in a closed building, it is necessary to determine whether ventilating is
necessary and if so, the method to ventilate. Which is of LEAST value in making such decision?
A. Observing density of smoke through windows
B. Observing the points at which smoke may be oozing out from the building
C. Feeling walls and roofs for hot spots
D. Observing the color of the flame

20. The lowest section of an extension ladder is known as:

A. heel C. butt
B. bed ladder D. fly ladder

21. The technique used in clearing a building of smoke and with the use of smoke ejector is
called as what?
A. smoke ejector C. forced ventilation
B. horizontal ventilation D. vertical

22. The clearing of smoke and heated gases at the highest point of the roof is referred to as:
A. vertical ventilation C. cross ventilation
B. forced ventilation D. horizontal ventilation
23. Which of the following occur when a room is heated enough that flame sweep over the
entire surface?
A. oxidation C. flash over
B. back draft D. combustion

24. An enclosed vertical space of passage that extends from floor to floor, as well as from the
base to the top of the building.
A. sprinkler system C. vertical shaft
B. flash point D. standpipe system

25. A wall designed to prevent the spread of fire, having a fire resistance rating of not less than
four hours with sufficient structural stability to remain standing even if construction on either side
collapses under fire condition:
A. firewood C. post wall
B. fire wall D. fire trap

26. Descriptive of any materials which by its nature or as a result of its reaction with other
elements produces a rapid drop in temperature of the immediate surroundings.
A. oxidizing material C. curtain board
B. dust D. cryogenic

27. If a high wind has an extinguishing effect on a fire, the most probable extinguishing method
is:
A. smothering C. fuel removal
B. cooling D. dilution

28. A fire hydrant should be carefully opened when in use in order to:
A. prevent water hammer
B. to ensure that the drip valve is all the way closed
C. close the coupling
D. reduce the vibration of the hydrant

29. In cutting a roof to ventilate, the fire fighter should avoid _______.
A. cutting a very large hole
B. cutting several small holes
C. cutting roof boards near the beam
D. making openings over the fire

30. Which of these statements is TRUE?

A. Radiation is heat transfer through combustion
B. Radiation is heat transfer through solid materials
C. Radiation is heat transfer through air motion
D. Radiation is heat transfer by electromagnetic waves

31. Which causes the greatest number of fire?

A. spontaneous combustion C. electrical wiring
B. leaking gas pipes D. smoking and matches

32. When heat is transmitted in circulating medium, the method is called___________.

A. radiation C. oxidation
B. convection D. conduction

33. Which of the following does NOT fall under class A fires?
A. none of these C. burning nipa hut
B. exploding gas depot D. forest fire

34. Which of the following best illustrate arson?

A. simultaneous fire C. faulty electric wiring
B. unexplained explosion D. thick reddish smoke

35. There is an increased quantity of carbon monoxide produced when fuel is burned in limited
supply of oxygen because ________.
 A. carbon reacts with carbon monoxide
B. carbon reacts with carbon dioxide
C. carbon monoxide is an effective reducing agent
D. greater oxidation takes place

36. Why water is prohibited to quench Class D fires?

A. burning metals are too hot
B. water is not capable of extinguishing the fire
C. there is the danger of electrocution
D. explosion may occur

37. Mechanical device strategically located in an installation or street where fire hose is
connected so that water with pressure will be available to extinguish fire.
A. fire hose box C. fire truck
B. hose reel D. fire hydrant

38. Which of the following is considered as the most effective fixed installation for controlling
fire which will discharge water into incipient fire from heads located near the ceiling?
A. fire hydrant C. standpipe
B. automatic water sprinkler D. fire extinguisher

39. These are fires which are caused by flammable liquids like kerosene, gasoline, alcohol, etc.
A. Class D C. Class A
B. Class C D. Class B

40. When firemen are working at the nozzle of a hose they usually lean forward on the hose.
What is the most likely reason for taking this position?
A. The stream is projected farther
B. The surrounding air is cool making the firemen comfortable
C. A backward force is developed which must be counter acted
D. The firemen can see better where the stream strikes

41. Why water is prohibited to quench Class D fires?

A. burning metals are too hot
B. water is not capable of extinguishing the fire
C. there is the danger of electrocution
D. explosion may occur

42.. Carbon dioxide is hazardous because it:

A. is poisonous
B. explodes when ignited by spark
C. does not support life
D. supports combustion

43. Is there any Foiled Incendiarism?

A. Wholly Yes
B. Partially No
C. Wholly No
D. Perhaps

44. A term used to describe a transition which occur in the development of a fire, when, for
example, most of all the combustible surfaces within a room are heated above their ignition
temperature at the same time.
A. intensity
B. ignition
C. flash over
D. starter

45. A term of the start of the combustion, its detailed process of a solid is very complicated,
since the proportion of different flammable vapours vary from one material to another and
contact with oxygen must take place before combustion can begin.
 A. intensity
B. ignition
C. flash over
D. starter

46. The term describes the transfer of heat through a gas or vacuum in a similar way to that of
light.
A. ignition
B. convection
C. radiation
D. conduction

47. The transfer of heat within a solid material from hotter to cooler parts.
A. ignition
B. convection
C .radiation
D. conduction

48. The greatest concern of the firemen at the fire/crime scene is to….
A. interview witnesses
B. view the site of the crime
C. preserve the fire/crime scene
D. photograph opportunity in the fire/crime scene

49. Most malicious fires are set by individuals secretly, it is either set for revenge or self
aggrandizing; or set by psychotic fire setter, or for sexual gratification.
A. group fire setter
B. arson for profit
C .fire starter
D. solitary fire setter

50. The primary course of action in case of a fire.

A. pack up and flee
B. run for your life
C. call an ambulance
D. raise the alarm

51. Under what category can the execution of a criminal act be classified?
A. attempted, frustrated, consummated
B. attempted, consummated, frustrated
C. frustrated, attempted, consummated
D. frustrated, consummated, attempted

52. What would smoke emanating from a building indicate?

A. presence of humid substance
B. flying ash
C. presence of phosphorus
D. presence of nitrates

53. SPO3 Karding has prepared a rough sketch of a homicide scene and is now at his district.
At this point it is most important that _____________.
A. the proper scale be used
B. a high grade of paper and ink be used
C. no changes be made on the sketch
D. this sketch be refined and improved

54.Under what department is the Bureau of Fire Protection?

A. Department of National Defense
B. Department of Social Welfare and Development
 C. Department of the Interior and Local Government
D. Department of Justice

55. Which of the following areas must a police fire prober consider important as he stands to
testify as witness?
A. Court procedure C. human nature
B. Rules on evidence D. Court jurisdiction

56. The primary reason a finished sketch at fire incident is made from a rough sketch is for
_____________.
A. scale and proportion C. future use
B. accuracy and clarity D. courtroom presentation

57. What is that means of identifying physical evidence in which the investigator inscribe initial,
date and time directly?
A. marking C. labeling
B. tagging D. recording

58. Fire can leapfrog across wide malls and shopping centers through electromagnetic waves.
This heat transfer is
A. conduction C. combustion
B. radiation D. convection

59. What is the instrument used to open and close a fire hydrant?
A. hydrant key C. key board
B. fire hose D. jumper

60. If fire occurs in a flow of liquefied petroleum gas storage tank and the flow cannot be
checked, the safest practice is to
A. use foam to put off the fire
B. permit the fire to burn itself
C. use fog to extinguish the fire
D. use sand to smother the flame

61. How can a wound by bomb explosion be identified?

A. All of these
B. Sharpnels all inner the body
C. Presence of powder burns
D. Severe tearing of clothing

62. What is best applied to a clumsy and nervous person, where the investigators choosing
propitious moments shout out a pertinent question and appears as though they themselves are
in rage?
A. Pretense C. Bluff
B. Bolt D. Jolt

63. Which of the following is a characteristic of COMPLEX EMERGENCIES?

A. Politically driven resources war
B. All of these
C. Cultures, ethics, minority groups at risk of extinction
D. High levels of violence

64. Which is the most effective approach in report writing for fire incident?
A. Make it objective and impartial
B. Make it brief
C. Improve qualities of expository style
D. Make the reports clear

65. Which among the five human senses is considered the most objective?
A. Hearing C. Tasting
B. Smelling D. Seeing
66. What equipment is made of trussed or solid beam where rungs are connected horizontally to
the beam forming ascent or descent?
A. rope C. hydrant
B. ladder D. nozzle

67. Which of the following is considered endangering arson prober report writing under
Philippine setting?
A. poor English construction
B. missing notebook
C. absence of the investigator
D. poor memory

68. What are the “right questions” to ask in arson investigator interviewee in any fire
investigation?
A. Ask hypothetical questions that would put interviewee at ease
B. Ask open- ended questions that would make him relate in his own words
what he saw
C. Check at all times whether questions are easy to comprehend
D. Ask close- ended questions, as they are simple, direct and answerable by
yes or no

69. Generally, if black soot and smoke particles are found around the bullet hole, what do these
indicate?
A. none of these
B. discharge occurred close to target
C. discharge occurred far from target
D. discharge occurred at medium range from target

70. What is the first thing that an investigator must do before interviewing witnesses, citizens
and victims?
A. place interviewee at ease
B. conduct interview in private
C. develop a plan of action
D. ask the right questions

71. Conduction is heat transfered through

A. electromagnetic waves C. smoke
B. air motion D. solid materials

72. What is the stage in report writing where the fire prober assesses his report and interprets
some facts if needed?
A. gathering facts C. documentation
B. evaluation D. organization

73. The _________ of the report should be natural and straight forward, without exaggerated
rhetoric.
A. outline C. style
B. format D. synopsis

74. When a fire officer arrives in a fire scene, what is his fundamental duty?
A. preserve human life
B. cordon the area
C. summon emergency personnel
D. apprehend the arsonist

75. To whom should written statement be taken by an investigator?

A. reluctant witnesses C. subjects and/or suspects
B. any of these D. key witnesses
76. Which comes last in the conduct of criminal investigation?
A. Crime scene search & crime sketch
B. Removal of the victim’s body
C. Photographs, fingerprint lift and other evidence taken
D. Notes properly taken and witnesses identified

77. The narrative account of the fire investigation report should be _________.
A. arranged logically with an eye to reader comprehension
B. arranged chronologically and numbered
C. arranged logically
D. supported by annexes

78.When fire prober ascertain all of the circumstances of a crime and then bring these factors
into focus they are, in effect __________.
A. Reproducing C. Reconstructing
B. Reiterating D. Reenacting

79.Which method is considered appropriate in fire scene search involving big space or area?
A. perpendicular C. double strip
B. quadrant zone D. circular wheel type

80. What is the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the
atmospheric pressure?
A. vapor density C. fire point
B. boiling point D. vapor pressure

81. Anything that is real, has substance, and helps to establish the facts of the case
______________.
A. direct evidence C. corroborative evidence
B. circumstantial evidence D. physical evidence

82. Which among the following data concerning photographs as evidence is LEAST essential?
A. proof of ownership of the camera
B. date and hour when each photograph of the fire incident was taken
C. focal length of the lens
D. identification of the fire prober

83. Each person handling an item of evidence from the time of discovery until presentation in
court must take certain safeguards. What is the total processed called?
A. integrity of evidence C. standards of comparison
B. physical disposition D. chain of custody

84. What is an act which removes or neutralizes a fire hazard?

A. distillation C. allotment
B. abatement D. combustion

85. Except, How can identification be made on a decomposed cadaver and/or charred corpse?
A. study his bones C. study his dentures
B. study his skull D. study hair DNA strands

86. What kind of report refers to the analysis, evaluation, summation of all facts and
circumstances surrounding the case?
A. advance C. initial
B. final D. progress

87. Which of the following ought to be avoided by a fire investigator while securing a dying
declaration?
A. advising the dying person of the rubbish of making such statement
B. memorizing the victim’s statement
C. manifest an atmosphere of an impending death
D. Observe the mental condition of the victim
88. Evidence to be presented in court must be presented in the same substantial condition as it
is at the time the crime was committed. Thus, protection must be made from ____________.
A. accidental alteration C. all of these
B. natural alteration D. intentional alteration

89. If an individual takes someone else property after the fire incident, hide it and denies any
knowledge of its whereabouts the intent to steal ________________.
A. is not present C. is manifestly absent
B. would have to be inferred D. depends upon ownership

90. During a conflagration, the smoke emitted is grayish, what does it indicate?
A. presence of nitrate
B. indicate humid substance
C. loosely packed substance such as straw and hay
D. presence of phosphorus

91. After completion of the crime search, what is that effect made by the investigator to
determine from the appearance of the place and it`s objects what actually occurred and what
are the circumstances of the crime?
A. Crime reconstruction C. All of these
B. Crime scene stripping D. Crime sketch

92. In what crime would the matter of preserving the crime scene LEAST dealt with?
A. Robbery C. Rape
B. Arson D. homicide

93. A fire officer searching a crime scene should look upon evidence as serving to establish one
or all of the following _____________ .
A. identity of the victim
B. identity of the guilty party
C. perpetrator’s modus operandi
D. corpus delicti

94. Which among the following is the most accurate governing interview of a new informant?
A. uninterrupted time and sufficient space
B. safety of investigation
C. all of these
D. privacy of interview

95. It is the heat transfer through solid materials such as steel beams, metal conduits and ducts.
A. conduction C. radiation
B. combustion D. convection

96. In collecting glass standards after the fire, samples must at least be the size of a quarter,
and must be taken from what area?
A. any of these
B. near as possible to point of contact
C. from the point of contact
D. from the biggest cluster of fragments

97. What could be the best camera position in taking photographs showing a view of what a
witness might have seen after the fire incident?
A. at 6 foot distance from cameraman
B. overhead
C. parallel to the subject or witness
D. at eye level

98. What should be proven for the crime of arson to exist?

A. none of these
B. establishment of corpus delicti
C. identity of the perpetrator
 D. malicious intent of the perpetrator

99. The transfer of heat from one material to another by direct contact is called
_______________.

A. oxidation C. convection
B. conduction D. radiation

100. When do you post a “close case” stamp on a criminal case report?
A. Upon failure to establish corpus delicti
B. Facts are incomplete
C. Upon death of the subject
D. Upon completion of investigation