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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. Why did the plan not work out?
(a) There was confusion about which company should respond to which fires.
(b) Engine Co. 82 had a dramatic increase in calls.
(c) Each company had a dramatic increase in calls.
(d) Ladder Co. 31 had a dramatic increase in calls.

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

3. Before discovering the culprit, how did Smith describe the fatal fire on Kelly Street?
(a) A case of just desserts.
(b) A simple tragedy.
(c) A tough break.
(d) A case of ironic justice.

4. What kind of test was Fireman Benny Carroll studying for in Chapter 3?
(a) Chief's exam.
(b) Lieutenant's exam.
(c) Captain's exam.
(d) Fire Marshal's exam.

5. What happened when two of the fire trucks collided while responding to a call in Chapter 4?
(a) A bicyclist hit one of the trucks.
(b) A bystander was injured.
(c) A firefighter hanging on the back of one truck was badly injured.
(d) A civilian vehicle collided with the trucks.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In Smith's view, what needed to happen before people stopped assaulting firefighters?

3. How did the firefighters save the life of the overdose victim on Hoe Avenue?

4. Why did the men take turns manning the hose while battling the apartment building fire in Chapter 5?

5. How long did Smith take off to recover from the throat damage he sustained during the Prospect Avenue fire in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the firemen mean by the term "tough shit" during their discussion of the arson fire in Chapter 1?

2. Why does Smith say city workers were fleeing cities to live in the suburbs?

3. Why did some of the men defend Chief Marks despite the fact that he was known for yelling at the firefighters?

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

5. Why did Artie think the 20th century should be called the "Great Zap"?

6. How was Firefighter Mike Carr killed?

7. Why, according to Dennis Smith, were so many false alarms were pulled in the South Bronx?

8. Why did the firemen tease Billy Valenzio about his strength?

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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