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

When fire inspectors identify code violations, the inspection report must include a description of the violation along with a recommended corrective action. This ensures that the responsible party understands what steps need to be taken to bring the property into compliance.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 109.3 (Notice of Violation)

IFC 109.3 requires that any notice of violation must include a description of the violation and the necessary corrective action.

The intent is to provide clear guidance on how to remedy the issue to meet fire safety standards.

2. NFPA 1 – Fire Code (2021 Edition) – Section 1.7.6 (Enforcement and Documentation of Violations)

NFPA 1, Section 1.7.6.1 states that violation reports must specify the corrective action required to comply with the fire code.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): While a reinspection date may be provided, it is not a mandatory component of an inspection report for code violations.

Option B (Incorrect): A mandatory court date is not always required; enforcement varies depending on jurisdiction and severity of the violation.

Option C (Correct): Recommended corrective action is required in all violation reports as per IFC 109.3 and NFPA 1.7.6.1.

Option D (Incorrect): Potential fines for noncompliance are determined separately and are not necessarily included in the initial violation report.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. Recommended corrective action.

IFC Section 2303.7 classifies ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastics as Group A (high-hazard) due to their flammability and smoke production, per NFPA 13. Options B and C are less hazardous, D is a commodity class, not a plastic group. Thus, A is correct.

According to fire codes, a hazardous materials storage tank that remains unused for more than 90 days requires additional safeguards as determined by the code official. This is to prevent leaks, contamination, and fire hazards due to deterioration or potential unauthorized access.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 5704.2.13.1.3 (Out-of-Service Storage Tanks)

IFC 5704.2.13.1.3 states that a hazardous materials storage tank left unused for more than 90 days must be safeguarded by the measures required by the code official. These measures may include:

Removal of hazardous substances

Proper tank inerting or sealing

Leak prevention and periodic inspections

2. NFPA 30 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (2021 Edition)

NFPA 30, Section 21.7.1 aligns with IFC guidelines, stating that inactive hazardous materials tanks must be properly maintained or decommissioned after 90 days.

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 30 days is too short; the IFC specifies 90 days as the threshold for requiring safeguards.

Option B (Incorrect): 60 days is also too short based on the IFC and NFPA 30 requirements.

Option C (Correct): 90 days is the correct limit before safety measures are required.

Option D (Incorrect): 120 days would exceed the safety limit, leading to potential hazards.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. 90 days.

The storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) in containers by dealers awaiting resale is regulated by the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), Section 6109 – Storage of Portable LP-Gas Containers.

IFC 6109.11 – Storage Within Buildings Not Accessible to the Public:

"Storage of LP-gas containers in buildings that are not accessible to the public shall be limited to a maximum aggregate quantity of 2,000 pounds water capacity at one location."

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A. 735 lb. – Too low; the maximum allowed is 2,000 lb.

B. 1,000 lb. – Incorrect; IFC allows up to 2,000 lb.

D. 2,500 lb. – Exceeds the 2,000 lb. maximum permitted storage quantity.

✅ Correct Answer: C. 2,000 lb.

Exit Announcements in Motion Picture Theaters

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 403.9.1.2, motion picture theaters must provide an audible announcement informing occupants of exit locations no more than 5 minutes prior to the start of each program.

This requirement ensures that audience members are aware of exit locations in case of an emergency, enhancing fire safety in crowded venues.

2. Verification of Other Options

Option B (10 minutes) – Exceeds the IFC maximum timeframe. Incorrect.

Option C (20 minutes) – Not specified in the IFC as a valid timeframe. Incorrect.

Option D (30 minutes) – Far beyond the required timeframe and would likely be ineffective. Incorrect.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 403.9.1.2 (Theater Exit Announcements)

NFPA 101: Life Safety Code (Theater Occupancy Requirements)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Flammable Liquid Storage Limits in Control Areas

According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021, Section 5003.1.1 and Table 5003.1.1(1), the allowable quantity of flammable liquids stored in a control area can be doubled if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system that complies with NFPA 13.

2. Why Automatic Sprinklers Allow Increased Storage

A sprinkler system significantly reduces fire risk by suppressing flames early, thus allowing greater quantities of hazardous materials to be safely stored.

IFC and NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) specify that sprinkler-protected buildings can have up to twice the standard storage limits.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option A (permission is granted by the chief) – Incorrect, as storage limits are regulated by the fire code, not discretionary approval from the fire chief.

Option B (the control area exceeds 50,000 sq. ft.) – Incorrect, as floor area does not automatically allow for increased storage unless fire protection systems are in place.

Option D (the control area is provided with exhaust ventilation) – Incorrect, because ventilation is required for hazardous material control but does not impact storage limits like sprinklers do.

Reference Sources:

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 – Section 5003.1.1 & Table 5003.1.1(1) (Control Area Storage Limits for Flammable Liquids)

NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (Sprinkler-Adjusted Storage Quantities)

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. the building is protected with automatic 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. ✅

Understanding Construction Types

The International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 6 classifies building construction types based on material combustibility and fire resistance.

Type II construction is noncombustible, meaning it is built using materials such as steel or concrete that do not contribute fuel to a fire.

The difference between Type IIA and Type IIB is the level of fire resistance.

2. Fire Resistance Rating Requirement

Type IIA construction requires a minimum 1-hour fire-resistive rating for structural elements, meeting the conditions in the question.

Type IIB, on the other hand, has no minimum fire-resistive rating for structural components, making it less protective than Type IIA.

3. Verification of Other Options

Option B (IIB) – Incorrect, as Type IIB has no fire-resistive rating for its structural elements and does not meet the 1-hour requirement.

Option C (IIIB) – Incorrect, as Type III allows combustible exterior materials and is not entirely noncombustible.

Option D (VA) – Incorrect, as Type V construction is wood-framed and does not meet the requirement for noncombustible materials.

Reference Sources:

International Building Code (IBC) 2021 – Chapter 6 (Types of Construction)

NFPA 220: Standard on Types of Building Construction

ICC Fire Inspector II Study Guide (2021)

The occupant load for an R-2 building's common patio area must be calculated using an occupant load factor. The correct factor is 15 gross sq. ft. per person.

Reference to Fire Inspector Documentation:

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

For outdoor areas (such as patios and terraces), the applicable factor is 15 gross sq. ft. per person.

2. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – Section 1004.5 (Outdoor Occupant Loads)

The 15 gross per person requirement is applied to common outdoor gathering areas in residential occupancies (R-2).

Detailed Explanation of Answer Choices:

Option A (Incorrect): 50 net per person applies to storage areas, not patios.

Option B (Incorrect): 11 gross per person is used for business occupancies (B), not residential patios.

Option C (Correct): 15 gross per person is the correct calculation factor for common outdoor spaces in R-2 buildings.

Option D (Incorrect): The code official does not assign occupant load values arbitrarily—they follow IBC Table 1004.5.

Thus, the correct and verified answer is: C. 15 gross per person.