*When a fire is small and spreading slowly, the best method of fire may be a direct attack. These methods require that the flames themselves be attacked. Use of a shovel or rake to toss soil into the flames is . Wet clothes, green branches, or swatters can be used to smother the flames. These techniques remove from the fuel triangle and the flames are . Spraying water from a backpack pump, from a , or from a lake or stream with a pump truck is another technique. The water may temporarily the flames(it removes ), but more importantly it also cools the fuel below its ignition point. (it removes the ). On larger fires, airplanes or helicopters are used to dump or chemical fire retardant directly onto the fire.

Direct Attack