Florida Fire State Practice Exam

What is a long narrow strip of fire extending from the main fire called?

1. Flame Trail

2. Fire Finger

3. Burn Strip

4. Smoke Line

The correct answer is: Fire Finger

A long narrow strip of fire extending from the main fire is commonly known as a fire finger. This term is used in firefighting to describe the phenomenon where flames extend outwards from the primary fire, often due to wind or other environmental factors that can cause the fire to spread in a particular direction. Understanding this concept is essential for firefighters, as recognizing fire fingers can help them assess the fire's behavior and plan appropriate strategies for containment and suppression. The other terms do not accurately define this specific occurrence. For example, a flame trail generally refers to the visible flames left behind in a path or direction but does not imply an extension from the main fire. A burn strip might imply an area that has been intentionally burned, perhaps as a control measure, rather than describing a specific feature of fire behavior. Smoke line usually refers to a visible line of smoke rather than areas where fire is actively burning. Thus, fire finger is the most precise and accepted term in this context.