IFSAC Wildland Pro Board Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The term "widowmaker" refers specifically to a broken tree branch that is suspended in a tree or among other trees, posing a danger of falling unexpectedly. This danger is particularly acute because individuals may not be aware of the presence of these branches, which can fall without warning and cause serious injury or even death. Their precarious position means that they can drop at any moment, contributing to the inherent risks faced by firefighters and others working in forested areas.

The other terms do not accurately describe this specific scenario. A "snag" generally refers to a standing dead tree that has lost its branches, which can also be hazardous, but it does not imply that the branches themselves are still attached in a precarious manner. "Saddle" is a term that does not pertain to branches or trees in this hazardous context. "Thunderhead" commonly denotes a type of cumulonimbus cloud that indicates thunderstorms rather than any specific aspect of trees or branches. Thus, the selection of "widowmaker" aligns perfectly with the definition presented in the question.