Wildland Firefighting Practice Exam

What type of fire requires additional ground and air attack units?

1. Initial attack fire

2. Extended attack fire

3. Controlled fire

4. Containment fire

The correct answer is: Extended attack fire

The correct answer is that an extended attack fire requires additional ground and air attack units. Extended attack fires typically represent larger incidents that are beyond the capacity of the initial resources dispatched to the scene. They may be characterized by significant fire spread, difficult terrain, or challenging weather conditions, necessitating a more robust and coordinated attack strategy. In this scenario, additional resources are mobilized to effectively manage the fire, which can involve the deployment of multiple ground crews, bulldozers, and aerial support such as helicopters or air tankers to slow the fire's spread, protect resources, and enhance containment efforts. This comprehensive response is essential to transition from an initial attack to a sustained effort, particularly when the fire threatens larger areas of land or admits complexities that the initial firefighting teams cannot handle alone. Understanding this distinction is vital for fire management, as it underscores the need for planning, resource allocation, and strategic management to effectively combat wildfires that pose a heightened risk to life and property.