What should you check before leaving a constructed handline unattended?

• A. Whether there is water nearby
• B. Visibility from air
• C. Ensure the line is clean, there are no hot spots or embers, and notify the supervisor
• D. GPS coordinates

Answer: (C)

The main idea is making sure a handline is fully stabilized and safe before you leave it. Before stepping away, you check for any signs that the fire could rekindle: the line should be clean of all debris and fuels, there must be no hot spots or embers smoldering, and you should inform your supervisor so someone else can continue monitoring or mop up as needed. This combination reduces the risk of reignition and ensures proper accountability and follow-up actions.

Water nearby might help with mop-up, but it doesn’t guarantee there are no hot spots or embers left, so it isn’t the primary safety check. Visibility from air can aid overall fire assessment but doesn’t replace on-the-ground verification of heat and embers. GPS coordinates are a locating aid, not a safety-check step for leaving a line unattended.