Florida Fire State Practice Exam

When fighting a car fire, what is the preferred approach?

1. From the side

2. Uphill

3. From the rear

4. Downhill

The correct answer is: Uphill

The preferred approach when fighting a car fire is to approach it uphill. This strategy ensures that the firefighter is positioning themselves away from any potential hazards, such as the risk of an explosion from the fuel tank. Approaching from uphill allows for better visibility and control of the situation, as it provides the firefighter with a clear line of sight to the fire while avoiding smoke and heat that may be more intense if approached from a lower position. Furthermore, if the vehicle contains flammable materials or if a sudden explosion occurs, being uphill offers a safety margin. It helps protect the firefighter from heat and flames that could erupt or spread downward towards where they may have approached from. On the other hand, side, rear, or downhill approaches could potentially expose the firefighter to greater risks. For instance, coming from the side or rear might put them directly in the fire's trajectory, while approaching downhill could lead to a situation where the firefighter could rapidly become engulfed in flames or smoke, especially if the fire intensifies. Thus, approaching uphill is the safest and most effective strategy for addressing a car fire.