Free International Code Council Fire-Inspector-II Practice Exam with Questions & Answers

1. Standpipe Requirements in Construction

According to International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3313.1, a temporary standpipe must be installed when construction progresses above 75 feet from the lowest level of fire department access.

This ensures firefighters have adequate water supply access during high-rise construction.

2. Why the 75-Foot Requirement?

Buildings exceeding 75 feet are classified as high-rise structures, where fire department hose streams may not reach upper levels efficiently.

A standpipe system provides a reliable water source for fire suppression during construction, reducing fire risk.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (30 feet) – Incorrect, as standpipes are not required at this height under IFC regulations.

Option B (40 feet) – Incorrect, as this is below the high-rise threshold and does not require standpipes yet.

Option C (55 feet) – Incorrect, as IFC specifically mandates standpipes at 75 feet, not 55 feet.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3313.1 (Temporary Standpipe Requirements for Construction)

NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 75 feet. ✅

To determine the occupant load of a 50,000 gross square foot airport terminal concourse, we use the occupant load factor from 2021 IBC Table 1004.5.

Step 1: Identify the Occupant Load Factor for an Airport Concourse

According to IBC Table 1004.5, the occupant load factor for an airport terminal concourse is 20 sq. ft. per person (gross).

Step 2: Calculate the Occupant Load

50,00020=2,500 occupants\frac{50,000}{20} = 2,500 \text{ occupants}2050,000​=2,500 occupants

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Building Code (IBC) – Table 1004.5 (Occupant Load Factor for Airport Concourses)

20 sq. ft. per person is assigned for airport concourses.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1004.1.2 (Occupant Load Determination)

Gross area calculations must follow the correct occupant load factor per IBC Table 1004.5.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 200 is too low based on proper calculations.

Option B (Incorrect): 500 is also too low.

Option C (Incorrect): 1,000 is below the required calculation.

Option D (Correct): 2,500 is the correct calculation based on IBC Table 1004.5.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 2,500.

IFC Section 901.5 (Acceptance Tests) requires fire protection systems, including fire alarms, to be tested upon completion to ensure compliance with NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) and the IFC. The contractor’s verification of full compliance (B) signals readiness for the official acceptance test by the fire code official, ensuring all components are installed and functional. Option A (zone-by-zone testing) is impractical for final acceptance. Option C ties the test to water supply, irrelevant to alarms. Option D (one year) is excessive and not required by IFC or NFPA 72 for initial acceptance. Thus, B is correct.

High-Pile Combustible Storage Permit Requirements

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 105.6.23, a permit is required for the storage of high-pile combustible stock when the storage area exceeds 2,500 square feet.

2. Definition of High-Pile Storage

High-pile storage is defined as storage of combustible materials on racks or piles exceeding 12 feet in height (or 6 feet for highly combustible materials, such as rubber and plastics).

IFC Table 3206.2 establishes fire protection requirements based on storage height, area, and commodity class.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (225 sq. ft.) – Incorrect, as this is far below the 2,500 sq. ft. permit threshold.

Option B (500 sq. ft.) – Incorrect, as the fire code does not require a permit at this level.

Option C (1,000 sq. ft.) – Incorrect, as the IFC specifies 2,500 sq. ft. as the threshold for requiring a permit.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 105.6.23 (High-Pile Combustible Storage Permit Requirements)

IFC Chapter 32 (High-Piled Storage Regulations)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 2,500. ✅

 Reference to Halon 1211 Hand-Hose-Line System Requirements:

NFPA 12A (Standard on Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems), Section 6.5, states that all hoses for high-pressure Halon 1211 hand-hose-line systems must be tested at 1,500 psi to ensure they can withstand operational pressure without failure.

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 904.10, also references the requirements for Halon 1211 systems, ensuring proper testing for system integrity.

 Purpose of Pressure Testing:

High-pressure Halon 1211 systems operate under significant force, and hose failures could result in loss of fire suppression capability or safety hazards.

Testing at 1,500 psi ensures hoses can handle peak pressures without rupture or degradation over time.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 600 psi → Incorrect

Too low for high-pressure systems, insufficient to verify hose integrity.

B. 900 psi → Incorrect

Below the required 1,500 psi standard for high-pressure Halon 1211 hoses.

D. 2,500 psi → Incorrect

Exceeds the required test pressure per NFPA 12A; unnecessary over-testing could damage hoses.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (1,500 psi) based on NFPA 12A and IFC 904.10, ensuring compliance with Halon 1211 high-pressure system testing standards.

According to the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) and the International Building Code (IBC) Section 1014.3, handrails are categorized into Type I and Type II based on their shape and size requirements.

Type I handrails refer to those that are not circular in shape but still comply with graspability requirements.

IBC Section 1014.3.1 states that:

If a handrail is not circular, it must have a perimeter dimension between 4 inches (minimum) and 6.25 inches (maximum).

The cross-section of such a handrail should provide an adequate grasping surface.

✅ Correct Answer: D. 6.25 inches

 Reference to Fire-Flow Requirements for Type IIB Buildings:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Appendix B, Table B105.1(2) establishes the minimum fire-flow requirements for buildings based on construction type, size, and the presence of sprinkler systems.

For a 75,000 sq. ft. Type IIB (non-combustible, unprotected) building without sprinklers, the required fire-flow is 5,500 gpm for 4 hours.

 Why Fire-Flow Matters:

Fire-flow ensures that sufficient water is available to control and extinguish fires in large buildings.

Type IIB buildings lack built-in fire resistance enhancements, making adequate fire-flow crucial.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 3,000 gpm for 3 hours → Incorrect

Too low for a building of this size and construction type.

B. 4,000 gpm for 4 hours → Incorrect

Below the required 5,500 gpm per IFC Appendix B.

D. 5,750 gpm for 4 hours → Incorrect

Slightly above the requirement but not the exact minimum mandated by IFC Table B105.1(2).

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (5,500 gpm for 4 hours) as per IFC Appendix B, Table B105.1(2), ensuring compliance with fire-flow standards for Type IIB buildings without sprinklers.

Smoking Restrictions Near LP-Gas Transfer Points

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 3807.2, smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of an LP-gas transfer point while filling operations are in progress.

This prevents ignition hazards, as LP-gas is highly flammable and can ignite from cigarettes, matches, or lighters.

2. Why 25 Feet is the Correct Answer

LP-gas vapors are heavier than air and can travel significant distances before igniting.

The 25-foot clearance requirement is set to prevent accidental ignition due to an undetected vapor leak.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (10 feet) – Incorrect, as this is the requirement for smaller propane cylinder storage areas, not transfer points.

Option B (15 feet) – Incorrect, as IFC mandates a 25-foot minimum clearance.

Option D (50 feet) – Incorrect, as the IFC requirement is specifically 25 feet, not 50.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 3807.2 (Smoking Prohibitions Near LP-Gas Transfer Points)

NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (Safe Handling and Transfer Requirements)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. 25 feet. ✅

In automobile refinishing spray booths where drying by heat occurs inside the same spray booth, fire codes require interlocks to prevent ignition hazards.

Before activating the drying apparatus, the ventilation system must purge the booth of spray vapors for at least 5 minutes to remove flammable concentrations.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 2404.7.3 (Drying Operations in Spray Booths)

IFC 2404.7.3 mandates that spray booths must have interlocks to purge vapors for a minimum of 5 minutes before activating the drying process.

This ensures that flammable vapors are removed before heat sources operate, reducing fire risks.

2. NFPA 33 – Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials (2021 Edition) – Section 15.4.6

NFPA 33, Section 15.4.6 confirms the requirement for a 5-minute ventilation purge cycle before heat drying.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 2 minutes is insufficient for adequate vapor removal.

Option B (Incorrect): 3 minutes does not meet the minimum safety requirement.

Option C (Incorrect): 4 minutes is slightly below the code-mandated requirement.

Option D (Correct): 5 minutes is the minimum required purge time per IFC 2404.7.3 and NFPA 33.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: D. 5.

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, when specific fire safety requirements are not explicitly provided for in the code, the responsibility to determine the applicable requirements falls upon the Fire Code Official.

Reference from the IFC (2021):

IFC Section 104.1 – General Authority and Responsibilities:

This section explicitly grants the Fire Code Official the authority to interpret the code and determine the necessary safety measures in cases where the code does not provide specific guidance.

It states: "The fire code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code and shall have the authority to render interpretations of the code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions."

IFC Section 104.9 – Alternative Materials and Methods:

This section further supports the authority of the Fire Code Official by allowing them to approve alternative fire safety measures when strict compliance with the code is not feasible.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. City Manager:

The city manager is responsible for administrative and operational management but does not have the authority to interpret or enforce fire code requirements.

B. Legal Counsel:

Legal counsel provides legal advice but does not have jurisdiction over fire safety code enforcement.

C. Board of Appeals:

The board of appeals reviews disputes and interpretations made by the Fire Code Official, but they do not have primary responsibility for determining applicable fire safety requirements.

Final Conclusion:

The Fire Code Official is the designated authority responsible for interpreting and applying fire safety requirements in situations where the International Fire Code (IFC) does not explicitly provide specific provisions.