Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

What action is necessary to catch rolling materials on slopes with undercut lines?

1. Flattening

2. Trenching

3. Digging

4. Anchoring

The correct answer is: Trenching

To effectively catch rolling materials on slopes with undercut lines, trenching is necessary. Trenching creates a physical barrier that can intercept and contain materials such as rocks, logs, or debris that may roll downhill due to gravity. The trench works by providing a channel that captures these materials and prevents them from further sliding or rolling into more hazardous areas, thereby reducing the risk of additional fire spread or damage. This technique is particularly critical on slopes with undercut lines, where the risk of rolling debris is increased due to the instability of the terrain. By implementing trenches, firefighters can create a safer environment for both their operations and the surrounding area. Flattening, digging, or anchoring may have utility in various firefighting scenarios, but they do not specifically address the problem of catching rolling materials in the way that trenching does, making trenching the most effective and appropriate choice in this situation.