Which direct attack technique targets the fire on the flank rather than the head?

Which direct attack technique targets the fire on the flank rather than the head?

• A. Headfire
• B. Overhead burnout
• C. Direct attack
• D. Flanking

Answer: (D)

Focusing suppression on where the fire is burning along the side—the flank—lets you slow or stop its spread from a safer, more accessible angle. The head is the leading, most intense edge that’s pushing into unburned fuel, so attacking there is harder and riskier. By working on the flank, you cool and restrain the fire along its side and help keep a control line from forming, preventing the fire from turning the corner toward unburned fuel. Attacking the head would target the front of the fire, overhead burnout is a backfire tactic from above, and a general direct attack could apply to any edge, but targeting the side specifically is the flank approach.

Focusing suppression on where the fire is burning along the side—the flank—lets you slow or stop its spread from a safer, more accessible angle. The head is the leading, most intense edge that’s pushing into unburned fuel, so attacking there is harder and riskier. By working on the flank, you cool and restrain the fire along its side and help keep a control line from forming, preventing the fire from turning the corner toward unburned fuel. Attacking the head would target the front of the fire, overhead burnout is a backfire tactic from above, and a general direct attack could apply to any edge, but targeting the side specifically is the flank approach.