Fireline Construction and Tactics
What the exam tests
Fireline Construction and Tactics tests whether you can build and hold line from an anchor, choose direct or indirect tactics, control spot fires, and conduct mop-up that actually secures the edge.
Core rules
- Start from an anchor point-a road, black edge, rock, or water-so fire cannot flank behind you.
- Direct line is built at the fire's edge; indirect line uses natural breaks or dozer line and is backed with burnout when needed.
- Work flanks before the head unless the head is small and controllable; never let a spot fire go unchecked downwind.
- Mop-up standards: cold to touch, no smoke, and no heat in heavy fuels; holding forces patrol the line until the edge is secure.
- Dozer line needs a cleared, anchored start, and hand crews must know where the blade is working.
Worked example
A 2-acre fire is moving upslope with a spot 50 yards ahead. The crew has a road below and a dozer building line on the right flank. The priority is to anchor at the road, hold the right flank, and assign a small group to the spot because an uncontrolled spot becomes a new fire. Cutting the head directly without an anchor risks being flanked and trapped.
Traps
Building unanchored line; chasing the head while spots multiply; calling a line held before mop-up; leaving dozer line without a holding plan.