NFST Map and Route Analysis Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are dispatched from a fire station at the corner of 3rd Ave and Birch St. The incident is at the corner of 5th Ave and Ash St. All avenues run North-South with numbers increasing to the East, and all streets run East-West. A dispatcher advises that a train is currently stopped, blocking the railroad tracks that run parallel to, and just south of, Ash St. Which of the following is the most viable route for the first-arriving engine?
- East on Birch St, then North on 5th Ave. (Correct answer)
- North on 3rd Ave, then East on Cedar St (one block north of Ash).
- East on Birch St, then South on 5th Ave.
- North on 3rd Ave, then East on Ash St.
Correct answer: East on Birch St, then North on 5th Ave.
The route 'East on Birch St, then North on 5th Ave' approaches the incident from the south, avoiding the blocked railroad tracks which are located on the north side of the incident address. The other routes either lead directly to the blockage or are inefficient.
Question 2: A response map uses an alphanumeric grid system (A-H horizontally, 1-8 vertically). An industrial complex is located in grid square D5. A pre-plan note indicates the critical fire department connection (FDC) is on the west side of the building. In which grid square would you most likely find the FDC?
- E5
- D6
- C5 (Correct answer)
- D4
Correct answer: C5
The lettered columns run horizontally (West to East), and the numbered rows run vertically. The west side of a location in square D5 would be in the adjacent square to the west, which is C5. E5 is to the east, D6 is to the south, and D4 is to the north.
Question 3: An engine company is given the following directions from the station: 'Proceed south for 4 blocks, turn right and proceed for 6 blocks, then turn right again and proceed for 2 blocks.' What is the engine's final direction of travel?
- West
- East
- South
- North (Correct answer)
Correct answer: North
Traveling South, a right turn orients the vehicle to the West. From a westward direction, another right turn orients the vehicle to the North. Therefore, the final direction of travel is North.
Question 4: You are using a map with a scale of 1:24,000, where 1 inch on the map equals 2,000 feet in reality. If the length of a planned hose lay from the hydrant to the fire scene measures 3 inches on the map, what is the actual distance in feet?
- 2,000 feet
- 3,000 feet
- 6,000 feet (Correct answer)
- 24,000 feet
Correct answer: 6,000 feet
To find the actual distance, you multiply the map measurement by the scale factor. In this case, 3 inches multiplied by 2,000 feet per inch equals a total distance of 6,000 feet.
Question 5: When analyzing a potential route on a city map, which of the following features typically requires the most significant tactical consideration regarding apparatus access and positioning?
- A one-way street traveling in your direction.
- A narrow bridge with a posted weight limit. (Correct answer)
- A designated school zone.
- A street with multiple stop signs.
Correct answer: A narrow bridge with a posted weight limit.
A narrow bridge with a posted weight limit is a critical consideration. A fire apparatus may exceed the weight limit, making the route impassable. Even if the weight is acceptable, the narrowness can restrict positioning and prevent other apparatus from passing, creating a bottleneck.
Question 6: You are the first-arriving unit at a commercial structure fire. The address is at the end of a long, narrow driveway marked on the map as a private lane. What is the most prudent initial action regarding apparatus placement?
- Drive the engine all the way to the building to get as close as possible.
- Stop at the entrance to the private lane and have the crew walk up to investigate.
- Park halfway up the lane to leave room both in front and behind.
- Stop short of the lane entrance, leaving it open, and assess access before committing the apparatus. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop short of the lane entrance, leaving it open, and assess access before committing the apparatus.
The best course of action is to stop before entering the confined space of the private lane. This allows the officer to perform a size-up and confirm that the lane is stable and wide enough for the apparatus, and it ensures the lane is not blocked for later-arriving units, especially aerial apparatus which may need the primary position.
