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One of the two primary methods for a direct attack on a wildland fire is the flanking attack. What is another?

  1. The pinch attack

  2. The frontal attack

  3. The circular attack

  4. The indirect attack

The correct answer is: The pinch attack

The correct approach for a direct attack alongside the flanking attack is the indirect attack. This method involves engaging the fire at a distance, creating a firebreak or using controlled burns to stop the spread of the fire rather than confronting it head-on. While the flanking attack aims to hit the fire from the sides, the indirect attack focuses on containment by altering the fire's behavior and path before it reaches the main body. It's important to understand the distinctive strategies in wildland firefighting. The pinch attack, frontal attack, and circular attack do not represent the primary methods used for direct attacks. The pinch attack is typically utilized in the context of encircling a fire, while the frontal attack may imply directly facing the fire, which is usually less effective due to safety concerns. The circular attack does not describe a conventional firefighting technique relevant to the context of direct attacks on wildland fires. Recognizing the effectiveness of both the flanking attack and indirect attack enables firefighters to make strategic decisions that enhance safety and operational efficiency in fire suppression scenarios.