Which edge of the McLeod is used to sweep debris and surface fuels away from the line?

• A. The edge used to dig
• B. The pick edge
• C. The rake edge
• D. The flat edge

Answer: (C)

The edge designed for sweeping away debris is the rake edge. When you pull or drag the rake edge along the line, it gathers and moves surface fuels—duff, leaves, pine needles, and small brush—away from the fireline, exposing mineral soil and reducing the chance of fuels re-igniting near the line. This focused sweeping action is what creates a clean, workable edge and helps keep the line effective during fire control operations. The other edges have different tasks: the dig edge is for digging and loosening soil to shape the line, the pick edge for breaking up hard crust, and the flat edge for scraping and smoothing. But for clearing surface fuels specifically, the rake edge is the best choice.