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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For which time period did Smith work as a firefighter in the South Bronx?
(a) 1969-1976.
(b) 1966-73.
(c) 1962-1969.
(d) 1960-67.

2. What is one example of a booby trap sometimes left by arsonists?
(a) A piece of linoleum covering a hole in an upper floor.
(b) Locked doors to trap firefighters.
(c) Gasoline cans that will explode as the fire spreads.
(d) Broken glass left on the floors.

3. How was a firefighter injured while rescuing a child from a fire on Prospect Avenue?
(a) He suffered smoke inhalation.
(b) He was struck by falling debris.
(c) He broke his ankle going down the stairs.
(d) He fell through a hole in the floor.

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

5. Where on his body did Fireman Bill Kelsey get burned while battling the Charlotte Street blaze?
(a) On his chest.
(b) On his back.
(c) On his thigh.
(d) On his left. arm.

Short Answer Questions

1. How was Fireman Nick Riso injured while responding to a call?

2. How does Smith envision false alarms occurring in richer neighborhoods?

3. What kind of tool did the firefighters use to break down the door during the Kelly Street fire?

4. Which writer once suggested that the story finds the author?

5. What was the name of the strong fireman who single-handedly replaced the hose at the end of Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Smith describe the fire marshals sent to investigate the Intervale Avenue fire?

2. Why do you think Dennis Smith found the act of writing the book as exciting as responding to fire calls?

3. Why do firemen have to sometimes crawl on their bellies while in a burning building?

4. What was Firefighter Jim's reaction to news of the arrests of Vietnam War protesters in Chapter 3?

5. Why does Dennis Smith think firefighters--although regular people--are nevertheless somehow apart from others?

6. As the fire truck responded to the call on Wilkens Avenue in Chapter 3, what experience did Smith flash back to?

7. What did Dennis Smith observe about the attitude of the driver who hit the young boy and was then beaten by the crowd in Chapter 2?

8. How did Dennis Smith get started on writing Report From Engine Co. 82?

9. Why was Smith reminded of the sun when he entered the burning room on Forest Avenue in Chapter 5?

10. Why does Smith tell his mother that he feels compelled to continue working in the dangerous South Bronx neighborhood?

(see the answer keys)

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