Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

Which exposures are generally more prone to spotting?

1. Eastern

2. Western

3. Southern

4. Northern

The correct answer is: Southern

The correct answer identifies southern exposures as generally more prone to spotting due to their environmental conditions. Southern slopes typically receive the most sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures and drier conditions. These factors contribute to higher evaporation rates and drier fuels, which can ignite more easily and lead to increased fire activity. The southern area's abundance of sunlight and heat can also create thermals, which are rising currents of hot air that can carry embers and sparks further distances. This phenomenon can lead to spotting, where embers from the main fire land in unburned areas, igniting new fires. In contrast, eastern, western, and northern exposures have different light and moisture conditions that can reduce spotting potential. Eastern aspects may receive morning sunlight, creating some warmth while still retaining more moisture, and western aspects are typically warmer in the afternoon but can also have varied humidity levels. Northern exposures generally offer cooler temperatures and more shade, leading to less fire activity overall.