Below is a sample question. Let’s go through each aspect of the question and answer options to give you a full understanding of this verbal test.
Fires in the open can be difficult fires to fight, often due to their remote locations and the availability of water. By taking heed of the helpful tips and advice below, you can reduce the number of incidents and damage to the environment.
Dry ground in the summer means there’s an added risk of a fire starting, but you should take care at all times of the year. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of a wildfire in the countryside:
Which of the following statements about reducing the risks of wildfires is correct?
Option A: If the ground is muddy you can throw cigarette ends on the ground.
Option B: Leaving bottles on the ground is a risk to animals cutting their paws.
Option C: Always try to have a bottle of water with you to extinguish a fire if you can.
Option D: Don’t think other people will report a fire in the countryside. If in doubt, just call.
Option A essentially tells us that when the ground is muddy a fire will not start. There are a number of places in the text where we see this isn’t the correct answer. First of all the text states that you should take care at all times of the year, not just in the summer when the ground is dry. Moreover, one of the bullet points states: Don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground. Hence this cannot be the correct answer.
Top Tip: Even if you think that an answer may be correct, if you don’t see it in the text don’t ever assume it is correct answer.
Option B: This may be the correct answer as factually it is correct. However, the question asks about reducing the risks of wildfires, not about animal safety. Hence it cannot be the correct answer.
Option C: Although this may be a good idea, the text states that you shouldn’t try and deal with a fire that can’t be put out with a bucket of water. Whilst having the means to put out a fire is important, in fact you could argue that this should be in the text, it isn’t so we cannot assume that this is the correct answer.
Option D: This is the correct answer as the text states: If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to the fire and rescue service immediately.
Some tips on passing this firefighter test and becoming firefighter include:
The most important tip to remember is to practice. Then practice. Then practice a bit more. Focus on getting every single question correct without worrying on the speed of your performance. Your speed will increase over time and as long as you focus you will be able to complete the verbal test in the time allowed.
Becoming a retained firefighter is a dream many have. You can do a normal job and then in your spare time help save lives! However, becoming a retained firefighter isn’t so simple and you have to go through a difficult application process. We hope you have found this blog helpful and look forward to helping you get through and becoming a firefighter.