What does "Mop-up" refer to in the context of wildfire suppression?

The term "Mop-up" in the context of wildfire suppression refers specifically to the final extinguishing of a fire after it has been contained. This stage occurs once the fire has been successfully lined and the immediate threat to containment is mitigated. During the mop-up phase, firefighters work to extinguish any remaining hot spots, secure the edges of the fire, and ensure that embers are fully cooled to prevent rekindling. This process often involves digging into the ground to remove burning materials, dousing areas with water or other suppressants, and checking for any remaining sources of heat.

In contrast to the other choices, which describe different phases or actions related to fire management, mop-up specifically targets the final steps necessary to ensure that the fire will not reignite or pose further danger. The initial attack phase involves quickly addressing a fire to prevent its spread, identifying fire hazards involves assessing risks before a fire starts, and evaluating fire intensity focuses on understanding how fierce a fire is burning—none of which encompass the complete extinguishment and securing process characteristic of mop-up activities.