What is the traveling edge of a wildland fire called?

The traveling edge of a wildland fire is referred to as the head of the fire. This term is used to describe the part of the fire that is actively spreading and is typically where the fire exhibits the greatest intensity and movement. The head of the fire is critical for firefighters to monitor and manage, as it poses the highest risk of expansion and potential danger to both vegetation and structures in its path.

In contrast, other terms used in wildland firefighting have distinct meanings. The foot of the fire refers to the trailing edge or the part that is not actively spreading, where the fire may be less intense. The face of the fire is also used in some contexts to describe the front of the fire, but it does not specifically denote the traveling edge. The step of the fire is not a standard term used in wildland firefighting terminology. Understanding these terms helps firefighters communicate effectively about fire behavior and strategize their suppression tactics accordingly.