S-130 Mop-Up Operations 3

Question 1

What does the term 'scratch line' mean in relation to mop-up in S-130?

Accepted Answer

A temporary control line quickly constructed to slow fire spread

Answer

The boundary of a completed mop-up area marked with flagging

Answer

A record of hotspots found during cold-trailing

Answer

The first pass of a handline that will be improved later

Question 2

What is the safest position for a firefighter when felling a hazardous snag during mop-up?

Accepted Answer

At a 45-degree angle to the planned fall direction and at a safe distance

Answer

Directly behind the snag in the direction of fall

Answer

Directly perpendicular to the fall direction at arm's length

Answer

As close as possible to control the direction of fall

Question 3

During mop-up, a firefighter notices smoke rising from a previously treated area uphill. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

A sleeper fire traveling through roots or duff from an untreated hotspot

Answer

Steam from water evaporating in the sun

Answer

Normal outgassing from the charred soil

Answer

Wind carrying smoke from the active fire perimeter

Question 4

How does water conservation best practice apply to mop-up when water supply is limited?

Accepted Answer

Use small amounts of water mixed thoroughly into soil rather than flooding the surface

Answer

Skip mop-up and rely on the control line to prevent spread

Answer

Apply water only to active flames and ignore smoldering areas

Answer

Prioritize the interior of the fire rather than the perimeter

Question 5

What standard mop-up distance from the control line is typically specified in the Incident Action Plan?

Accepted Answer

100 feet

Answer

10 feet

Answer

300 feet

Answer

The distance is always the same — 50 feet by regulation

Question 6

When using a Pulaski during mop-up, how is the tool most effectively used on a smoldering log?

Accepted Answer

Use the axe blade to split the log open, then mix exposed interior with water

Answer

Use the adze end to scrape ash off the surface only

Answer

Drive the pick end into the log to test for heat

Answer

Use the flat blade to push logs away from the fireline

Question 7

Under the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders relevant to mop-up, what must a firefighter always maintain awareness of even while working in a 'cold' burned area?

Accepted Answer

Escape routes and safety zones in case conditions change

Answer

Crew roster and time tracking for shift reporting

Answer

The location of the Incident Command Post for resupply

Answer

Wind speed records for the morning weather briefing