Fire Department Incident Safety Officer Practice Test

In fire department terminology, what does a Type V building primarily consist of?

1. Non-combustible materials

2. Heavy timber

3. Lightweight construction materials

4. Prefabricated metal

The correct answer is: Lightweight construction materials

A Type V building primarily consists of lightweight construction materials, often referred to as "wood frame" structures. This classification is specifically characterized by the use of materials such as wood studs and plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing, which are common in residential buildings and small commercial structures. Understanding the implications of Type V construction is crucial for incident safety officers because these buildings can present unique challenges during firefighting operations. Lightweight materials can lead to rapid fire spread and structural failure. This knowledge informs incident safety officers’ decisions regarding potential hazards, the stability of structures, and the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of firefighters operating in or around these types of buildings. In contrast, the other types of buildings mentioned involve different materials and construction methods that typically exhibit greater fire resistance or different structural characteristics. Non-combustible materials, heavy timber, and prefabricated metal each have distinct properties that affect fire behavior and structural integrity, making it essential for firefighters to recognize the characteristics of Type V when assessing incident scenes.