During mop-up, how many inches above suspected smoldering hotspots should you keep your ungloved hand?

During mop-up, how many inches above suspected smoldering hotspots should you keep your ungloved hand?

• A. 6 inches
• B. 12 inches
• C. 18 inches
• D. 24 inches

Answer: (B)

During mop-up, you gauge remaining heat by feeling for warmth from a safe distance rather than touching the hotspot. Keeping your ungloved hand about a foot above suspected smoldering areas lets you sense radiant heat and convection without risking contact, while still giving you a clear signal if a hotspot is still active. This distance balances safety with sensitivity: move closer and you risk burns or sparks, move farther and you may miss small hotspots that could rekindle. A foot is a practical, commonly taught distance for this purpose.

During mop-up, you gauge remaining heat by feeling for warmth from a safe distance rather than touching the hotspot. Keeping your ungloved hand about a foot above suspected smoldering areas lets you sense radiant heat and convection without risking contact, while still giving you a clear signal if a hotspot is still active. This distance balances safety with sensitivity: move closer and you risk burns or sparks, move farther and you may miss small hotspots that could rekindle. A foot is a practical, commonly taught distance for this purpose.