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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did the firefighters not enter the burning apartment building in Chapter 5?
(a) The roof had collapsed and it was too dangerous to enter.
(b) There was nobody in the building.
(c) They could attack the fire more effectively from outside.
(d) Therewere no unblocked entrances.

2. What was the Kelly Street apartment landlord charged with after the fire?
(a) Two counts of murder.
(b) One count of arson.
(c) One count of murder.
(d) He was not charged.

3. Whose job is it to investigate suspicious fires?
(a) Fire marshals.
(b) The fire chief.
(c) Arson specialists.
(d) Fire investigators.

4. What happened to several firefighters (including Smith) fighting a blaze at a two-story factory building?
(a) The windows began breaking.
(b) The roof caved in.
(c) A fire broke out behind them.
(d) The floor gave away.

5. Why did the firefighters think the car in the middle of Stebbins Avenue was stolen?
(a) The wheels and tires had been removed.
(b) The radio was gone.
(c) The steering wheel was gone.
(d) The windows were broken.

6. How did Smith's wife compare his job to that of a soldier's in Vietnam?
(a) In Vietnam, soldiers only had to serve for a year.
(b) Soldiers were better-paid.
(c) There was more job security as a soldier.
(d) It was safer in Vietnam.

7. What does Smith say computers can be used for in the firefighting field?
(a) Computers can project how many fires will occur in a given day.
(b) Computers can help fire trucks find fires faster.
(c) Computers can help firefighters determine the best way to fight a fire.
(d) Computers can be used to reduce response times.

8. How did Smith view the Kelly Street fire after the culprit was found?
(a) An example of the real devil getting away and the children being victimized.
(b) An example of ironic justice.
(c) An example of divine justice.
(d) A preventable crime.

9. What were the three young men doing in the empty Kelly Street apartment building?
(a) They were hired by the landlord to torch it.
(b) They were fixing the apartments up for future rental.
(c) They were selling drugs in the empty apartments.
(d) They were homeless and were squatting there.

10. Which firefighter died shortly before the time Chapter 2 takes place?
(a) Mike O'Brien.
(b) Bob Starr.
(c) Mike Carr.
(d) Mike Sullivan.

11. To what experience does Smith compare his work for the fire department in the Introduction?
(a) Diplomacy.
(b) Espionage.
(c) Wartime.
(d) Police work.

12. Which Irish writer did Smith discuss in his letter to the editor?
(a) Oscar Wilde.
(b) James Joyce.
(c) Samuel Beckett.
(d) William Butler Yeats.

13. How did Smith view the firefighters he wrote about in the book compared to firefighters across the country?
(a) They are unique in their level of bravery.
(b) They are the most skilled.
(c) They are unique in their experiences.
(d) They are representative of all firefighters.

14. What was wrong with the furnace room where the firefighters retreated for warmth during the Charlotte Street fire?
(a) The roof had caved in.
(b) It was filled with mice.
(c) The furnace was not working.
(d) It was filled with cockroaches.

15. How were the men rescued during the factory fire?
(a) One of the fires was put out and they retreated in that direction.
(b) They were able to jump out the windows.
(c) The fire chief sent a ladder up.
(d) Another team arrived and put out the fires.

Short Answer Questions

1. How was a firefighter injured while rescuing a child from a fire on Prospect Avenue?

2. What did Fireman Big Van of Ladder 42 drink once he quit drinking beer?

3. What is Washingtonville's main claim to historical significance?

4. What did the firefighters find on Freeman Street during one of the calls in Chapter 3?

5. How did Smith remember details for the book while working full-time?

(see the answer keys)

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