Mop-Up and Patrol at the End of Fire Control Operations

Fire crews cannot afford to relax just because flames have died down inside constructed fireline. In fact, mop-up and patrol can be the most tedious yet most important activity for assuring that a burn area does not become a future menace.  Much important work remains even after a fire is encircled by fireline or is considered contained after initial attack. Unburned fuels between the main fire area and fireline may need to be burned out. Hot spots within the fire perimeter may need to be cooled down.

Mop-up begins after the fireline is constructed, so as to strengthen or hold the fire containment. Activities include securing the line, often through widening, as well as disposing of burning or smoldering materials close to the fireline. Fuel hazards, such as snags and fuel jackpots, near the control line must be eliminated or mitigated since these might jeopardize control efforts.

The availability of water greatly assists mop-up activities. Water absorbs heat and douses flames through oxygen deprivation. The portable backpack pump is an invaluable tool for mop-up, especially when coals can be mixed with soil and water. The usefulness of water is greatly enhanced by chemical suppressants and retardants that lower surface tension or viscosity agents that provide greater cling to fuel particles.