What is the appropriate response to a report of ember spotting along the line?

• A. Continue as normal but take notes.
• B. Stop work, assess, and address any renewed fuel along the line.
• C. Increase pressure on line clearance.
• D. Ignore unless flames are visible.

Answer: (B)

Ember spotting along a line means embers or heat sources may rekindle fuels ahead of or along the control line, even if there isn’t an active flame visible yet. The safest response is to stop work, take a moment to assess the line, and address any renewed fuel along it. This involves checking for heat or smoke along the line, inspecting for recently ignited or smoldering fuels in duff, litter, brush, or exposed roots, and wetting down or removing that fuel so it can’t start a new fire. Only when the line is verified as clear and cool should work resume, with any necessary repairs or additional patrol to prevent a rekindle.

Continuing normally, increasing line clearance pressure without assessment, or ignoring embers unless flames are visible would miss the immediate risk. Ember spotting can ignite with minimal visible fire, so stopping to assess and neutralize renewed fuel is the correct approach.