What is a direct attack in wildland firefighting?

A direct attack in wildland firefighting refers to the strategy of engaging the fire at its burning edge. This method is often employed when conditions allow firefighters to work close to the flames, allowing them to directly suppress the fire in its active state. Firefighters may utilize various tools and techniques, such as hand tools, water, and fire retardants, to scrape, soak, or otherwise disrupt the combustion process as they approach the fire's front.

This method is effective when firefighting teams can access the fire quickly and safely, preventing its spread and reducing the total area burned. It relies heavily on the firefighters' ability to maneuver in the terrain and their understanding of fire behavior to mitigate risks.

In contrast, the other options describe different firefighting approaches that aren't classified as a direct attack—such as attacking from a distance, cooling rooms to prevent flashover, or constructing fire lines along natural barriers. Each of these has its own purpose and situational use but does not involve the hands-on suppression at the fire's edge.