Which method of fire extinguishment is most commonly used during overhaul of wildland and ground cover fires?

The most common method of fire extinguishment used during the overhaul of wildland and ground cover fires is smothering. This technique involves covering the fire or hot spots with soil, mulch, or other materials to deprive the flames of oxygen, which is essential for combustion. In the context of wildland fires, where fuels can be sparse and the terrain can be challenging, smothering effectively suppresses residual heat and prevents the fire from reigniting. This method is often employed because it can be quick and efficient in stopping surface fires.

While other methods like cooling (using water or foam to lower the temperature) and removing fuel (creating a fire break) are also vital tactics in firefighting, they may not be as practical during the overhaul stage where the primary goal is to ensure that all smoldering materials are properly dealt with to prevent re-ignition. Wetting can be useful for cooling but does not address the potential for hidden embers or hot spots in the ground cover that could flare up again. In situations with wildland and ground cover fires, direct smothering becomes an effective approach to manage containment during overhaul operations.