Direct attack is most effective on which type of fire?

Direct attack is most effective on which type of fire?

• A. Free-burning fires
• B. Fires with heavily involved roofs
• C. Fires requiring long hoses
• D. Fires that are already vented

Answer: (A)

Direct attack is most effective when the fire is in the growth stage and flames are free-burning in the area of origin. In this situation, applying water directly to the flames cools the fuel quickly, slows or stops the heat release, and can knock the fire down at its source before it breaches into concealed spaces or spreads. When the fire has already heavily involved a structure, especially the roof, the heat release is intense and the fire becomes harder to control with a direct knockdown. Long hose deployments can delay getting water to the seat of the fire, and fires that are already vented often have increased airflow that drives flames, reducing the effectiveness of a straightforward direct attack.

Direct attack is most effective when the fire is in the growth stage and flames are free-burning in the area of origin. In this situation, applying water directly to the flames cools the fuel quickly, slows or stops the heat release, and can knock the fire down at its source before it breaches into concealed spaces or spreads. When the fire has already heavily involved a structure, especially the roof, the heat release is intense and the fire becomes harder to control with a direct knockdown. Long hose deployments can delay getting water to the seat of the fire, and fires that are already vented often have increased airflow that drives flames, reducing the effectiveness of a straightforward direct attack.