Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

A tandem action involves what type of attack?

1. Paralleled attack

2. Direct attack

3. Indirect attack

4. Solo operation

The correct answer is: Direct attack

A tandem action is associated with a direct attack on a wildland fire. This involves multiple firefighting resources working together to suppress the fire at the front, where the flames are actively burning. The strategy behind a direct attack is to engage with the fire as close as possible to its origin, utilizing resources like hand tools, hoses, and water to eliminate the fire's fuel source directly. In direct attack scenarios, firefighters are typically deployed around the fire's perimeter to encircle and douse the flames effectively. This method is especially effective when conditions permit, such as when the fires are manageable and the terrain allows for safe access. The goal of the tandem action in this context is to maximize the initial response's efficiency and the use of resources by coordinating the efforts of teams on different fronts of the fire. Other attack types like a paralleled attack involve multiple lines of effort that may not directly engage the fire but attempt to control its spread, while an indirect attack requires creating a buffer by removing fuel ahead of the fire's path. Solo operations usually imply an individual approach rather than the coordinated effort that tandem actions represent. Hence, a direct attack is the most suitable classification for a tandem action in firefighting.