Illinois Fire Investigation Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary objective of a fire investigation?
- Identify the number of responding units
- Document the fire scene only
- Determine the cause and origin of the fire
- Identify all possible hazards
Answer: C
Rationale: The core mission of fire investigation is to establish origin and
cause using systematic analysis.
- Which NFPA standard outlines the professional qualifications for fire
investigators? 1 / 4
A. NFPA 72
B. NFPA 1033
C. NFPA 921
D. NFPA 1
Answer: B
Rationale: NFPA 1033 lists job performance requirements for investigators.
- Which NFPA document is the primary guide for fire investigation
methodology?
A. NFPA 25
B. NFPA 70
C. NFPA 921
D. NFPA 1031
Answer: C
Rationale: NFPA 921 provides systematic investigative procedures and fire
science principles.
4. The area where a fire began is defined as the:
- Flashover zone
- Fire pattern
- Origin
- Vector point
Answer: C
Rationale: The origin is the physical location where ignition occurred. 2 / 4
- Which of the following is NOT a heat transfer mechanism?
- Conduction
- Radiation
- Convection
- Expansion
Answer: D
Rationale: Expansion is a gas behavior, not a heat transfer method.
6. The term "flashover" refers to:
- Extinguishment of a fire
- Ignition of all exposed surfaces in a compartment
- Collapse of structural components
- A backdraft event
Answer: B
Rationale: Flashover occurs when heat radiates enough energy to ignite all
combustibles simultaneously.
- Which classification includes fires with undetermined causes?
- Accidental
- Incendiary
- Natural
- Undetermined
Answer: D 3 / 4
Rationale: When evidence is insufficient for a definitive cause, the
classification is undetermined.
- What is the basic component required for ignition besides fuel and
- Gas
- Heat
- Water
- Neutralization
oxygen?
Answer: B
Rationale: Heat completes the fire triangle, enabling ignition.
9. Fire patterns are useful primarily for:
- Determining fire department response time
- Identifying the point of origin
- Determining the suspect
- Evaluating the weather conditions
Answer: B
Rationale: Patterns such as V-patterns help indicate fire movement and
potential origin.
- Which tool is commonly used to document a fire scene?
- Barometer
- Camera
- Fire hose
- / 4