S-130 Mop-Up Operations

Question 1

What is the primary goal of mop-up operations in wildland firefighting?

Accepted Answer

Extinguish all heat and embers within a specified distance of the control line

Answer

Mop-up ensures that all heat, embers, and burning material within a specified distance of the control line are fully extinguished to prevent re-ignition.

Question 2

What technique involves firefighters feeling the ground with the bare hand or fingers to detect hidden heat during mop-up?

Accepted Answer

Cold-trailing

Answer

Cold-trailing is the technique of using a bare hand or fingers close to — but not touching — the soil surface to detect residual heat that may not be visible.

Question 3

When rolling a smoldering log during mop-up, in which direction should it be rolled?

Accepted Answer

Away from the firefighter and away from unburned fuel

Answer

Rolling a smoldering log away from the firefighter and away from unburned fuel prevents injury from rolling embers and reduces the risk of igniting unburned material.

Question 4

Why is mixing soil with water an effective mop-up technique?

Accepted Answer

It cools the soil faster and the mud retains moisture to prevent re-ignition

Answer

Mixing soil and water creates a mud slurry that cools hotspots faster and maintains moisture in the soil, preventing re-ignition of smoldering material.

Question 5

What is a 'sleeper' in the context of wildland fire mop-up?

Accepted Answer

A fire burning underground through roots, duff, or peat that re-surfaces after mop-up

Answer

A sleeper is a subsurface fire that travels through root systems, duff, or organic soil and re-emerges after an area has been declared mopped up.

(S-130) Wildland Firefighting Training Certification Practice Test

(S-130) Wildland Firefighting Training Certification Practice Test

S-130 Mop-Up Operations