Get ready for the Wildland Firefighting Exam. Study essential skills and knowledge with our interactive quizzes and in-depth resources. Prepare yourself to ace the exam and embark on an essential career in fire management!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which two types of structures should never be traversed while working downhill toward a fire?

  1. Horizontal trails and cliffs

  2. Steam vents and ponds

  3. Vertical chimney and chute

  4. Rock ledges and canyons

The correct answer is: Vertical chimney and chute

Traversing vertical chimneys and chutes while working downhill toward a fire presents significant safety hazards. Vertical chimneys are narrow passages that can funnel heat and smoke, creating intense fire behavior and leading to unpredictable conditions. This can pose a risk of being trapped or overwhelmed by flames or smoke if the situation changes suddenly. Chutes are similar in that they can also channel fire and heat in a concentrated manner, hindering escape routes and increasing the likelihood of rapid fire spread. When firefighters work downhill, they must constantly be aware of their exit routes and the potential for sudden fire behavior; encountering vertical features like chimneys and chutes can limit these escape routes and lead to dangerous situations. Overall, it's crucial for wildland firefighters to avoid certain vertical terrains that can exacerbate hazards and complicate tactics while addressing an active fire.