Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

What must crews do when working on slopes to enhance safety?

1. Maintain communication

2. Use equipment properly

3. Trench to catch materials

4. Wear protective gear

The correct answer is: Trench to catch materials

When working on slopes, crews must prioritize safety due to the increased risks associated with terrain that can affect stability and accessibility. Trenching to catch materials is an important practice as it helps to prevent the potential for sliding debris or material falling from the slope, which can pose significant hazards to crew members. By properly digging trenches, crews can create barriers that hold back loose material, minimizing the risk of incidents that could injure personnel or inhibit their ability to respond effectively. Maintaining communication is crucial in any firefighting scenario but is part of general safety practices rather than slope-specific requirements. Using equipment properly is always important, yet it applies broadly across various firefighting situations. Wearing protective gear is fundamental to crew safety overall, applicable in multiple contexts beyond just working on slopes. However, trenching specifically addresses the unique dangers posed by sloped environments, making it the best choice in this context.