Firefighter 1C Wildland Practice Exam

Which method of fire extinguishment is most commonly used during overhaul of wildland and ground cover fires?

1. Removing fuel

2. Cooling

3. Wetting

4. Smothering

The correct answer is: Smothering

During the overhaul phase of wildland and ground cover fires, the method most commonly used is wetting, which involves applying water or other extinguishing agents to reduce the temperature of hot spots and prevent flare-ups. This approach is essential in effectively managing residual heat that remains after the main fire has been controlled. Removing fuel, though an important tactic in wildland fire management, may not be feasible during overhaul. The focus at this stage is on ensuring all heat sources are addressed rather than relocating vegetation or soil. Cooling is a critical part of the process as well but is often encompassed by the overall wetting strategy. The emphasis is on thorough saturation of impacted areas to eliminate any remaining combustion potential. Smothering, which typically involves blocking oxygen supply to a fire, is less practical in wildland settings where abundant natural materials are present. Therefore, wetting stands out as the primary technique for effectively ensuring that potential sources of reignition are adequately addressed during the overhaul operation.