When constructing firelines, what should be prioritized over width?

When constructing firelines, prioritizing more hand line over the width is crucial because the effectiveness of a fireline is determined by its ability to suppress fire rather than its size alone. A well-constructed hand line enables firefighters to access the fire's edge more effectively, allowing for better control and suppression efforts.

More hand line provides an opportunity to create a compact and efficiently placed barrier, which can help minimize fire behavior and prevent the fire from spreading. This approach emphasizes technique and strategic placement over the mere physical dimensions of the fireline itself.

While options like length of the fireline, accessibility, or visibility are important aspects to consider, they do not directly enhance the operational capability of managing the fire as much as increasing the number of hand lines does. The more hand lines available, the more resources you have for addressing the fire, improving safety, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of fire suppression operations.