Basic Firefighter Written Practice Exam

The equipment needed for drafting includes a barrel strainer. What is the purpose of the barrel strainer?

1. To filter debris

2. To increase pressure

3. To support hoses

4. To measure water levels

The correct answer is: To filter debris

The purpose of the barrel strainer is to filter debris from the water source when drafting. In firefighting operations, particularly when water must be drawn from natural sources such as rivers, ponds, or lakes, it is essential to prevent leaves, sediment, and other particulate matter from entering the water supply that is being pumped into the fire apparatus. The barrel strainer is designed with holes or mesh that allow water to flow through while blocking larger debris. This ensures that the water used for firefighting is clean and helps protect the pump and associated equipment from damage or malfunction that could be caused by contaminants. This is why filtering debris is the correct answer to the question about the barrel strainer's purpose.