Free Practice Questions for International Code Council Fire-Inspector-II Exam

The fire-resistance rating requirements for different building elements in Type IV (Heavy Timber) construction are specified in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), Table 601 – Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements for Building Elements (Hours).

IBC Table 601 – Fire Resistance for Type IV Construction:

Interior nonbearing walls and partitions in Type IV construction require 0 hours of fire resistance.

This is because Type IV construction primarily relies on large, heavy timber elements that provide inherent fire resistance.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

B. 1 hour – Incorrect, as nonbearing interior walls in Type IV construction are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.

C. 1-1/2 hours – Not required by code.

D. 2 hours – Only structural elements like exterior walls in some cases may require fire resistance, but nonbearing interior partitions do not.

✅ Correct Answer: A. 0 hours

Storage of fine magnesium scrap is regulated under 2021 IFC Chapter 59 – Magnesium and specifically IFC Section 5904.3.2.5 – Separation Distances for Magnesium Scrap Storage.

IFC 5904.3.2.5 – Minimum Separation Distances:

Fine magnesium scrap in quantities greater than 1,000 cubic feet must be separated from all buildings (except those used for magnesium scrap recovery) by at least 250 feet.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 30 feet – Too close; insufficient for high-risk metal fires.

B. 50 feet – Does not meet the minimum required separation for magnesium scrap.

C. 100 feet – While larger, it still does not meet the 250-ft. requirement

 Reference to Explosive Storage Regulations:

The International Fire Code (IFC 2021), Section 5604 and NFPA 495 (Explosive Materials Code) regulate the storage distances for Class 1.3 explosives (which include low explosives such as propellants and display fireworks).

Table 5604.5.2(3) of the IFC provides minimum separation distances between explosives storage and public traffic routes based on the weight of the explosives.

 Determining the Correct Distance:

According to IFC Table 5604.5.2(3), for 1,750 lb. of Class 1.3 explosives, the minimum separation distance from a public traffic route is 115 feet.

 Clarification of Incorrect Answer Choices:

A. 50 ft. → Incorrect

50 feet is too close and does not meet the safety requirements for explosive storage.

B. 75 ft. → Incorrect

75 feet is insufficient based on IFC and NFPA separation tables.

D. 150 ft. → Incorrect

While more distance is safer, the minimum requirement is 115 feet, making 150 feet unnecessary per code.

 Conclusion:

The correct and verified answer is C (115 feet) based on IFC Table 5604.5.2(3) and NFPA 495 requirements for Class 1.3 explosives storage near public traffic routes.

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.

In Group I occupancies (such as hospitals, nursing homes, and correctional facilities), keys necessary for unlocking exit doors must be individually identifiable by both sight and touch. This ensures quick identification of keys in an emergency, especially for staff members assisting occupants with limited mobility.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1010.1.9.9 (Identifiable Keys for Exit Doors in Group I Occupancies)

IFC 1010.1.9.9 specifically states that in Group I occupancies, all keys used to unlock exit doors must be uniquely identifiable by both sight and touch.

This helps staff quickly locate and use the correct key in an emergency evacuation.

2. NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code (2021 Edition) – Section 18.2.2.2.6 (Key Identification in Institutional Occupancies)

NFPA 101 mandates that keys in healthcare and correctional facilities (Group I) must be distinguishable by touch and sight for emergency use.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): Group A occupancies (Assembly) do not have this requirement.

Option B (Incorrect): Group E occupancies (Educational) do not have this specific key-identification mandate.

Option C (Correct): Group I occupancies (Institutional) require individually identifiable keys per IFC 1010.1.9.9.

Option D (Incorrect): Group R occupancies (Residential, such as apartments and hotels) do not have this specific requirement.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. Group I occupancies.

Restrictions on Portable Unvented Oil-Burning Heaters

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 603.4, the use of listed portable unvented oil-burning heating appliances is prohibited in certain occupancies where fire and life safety risks are higher.

The prohibited occupancies include:

Group A (Assembly) – Includes theaters, churches, stadiums, etc.

Group E (Educational) – Includes schools, daycares, etc.

Group I (Institutional) – Includes hospitals, nursing homes, jails, etc.

Group R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 (Residential Occupancies) – Includes hotels, apartments, assisted living, and residential care facilities.

2. Why These Occupancies Are Prohibited

Portable unvented oil-burning heaters pose a significant fire hazard and can produce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

In high-occupancy and residential buildings, improper use or malfunction of these heaters could lead to fatal fire or health hazards.

Ventilation concerns in institutional and assembly settings make these heaters particularly dangerous.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (Groups A and B occupancies) – Incorrect, as Group B (Business) is not explicitly prohibited from using these heaters.

Option B (Groups B and F occupancies) – Incorrect, as Group F (Factory/Industrial) is not listed under IFC 603.4 as a prohibited occupancy.

Option C (Groups R-3, M, S-1, and S-2 occupancies) – Incorrect, as M (Mercantile) and S (Storage) occupancies are not listed as restricted areas.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 603.4 (Portable Unvented Oil-Burning Heating Appliances)

NFPA 1: Fire Code (Portable Heater Use Restrictions in Various Occupancies)