What is defined as the area between the fingers of fire?

The term used to describe the area between the fingers of fire is referred to as the "pocket." This term is particularly relevant in wildland firefighting where a fire may burn in a pattern that creates fingers or tongues of flames extending into unburned fuel. The pocket represents the unburned area that lies between these fingers, highlighting a critical zone that firefighters must be aware of while strategizing containment.

Understanding the concept of a pocket is essential for effective firefighting tactics, as it indicates where fuel may still be present and where the fire could potentially spread if not managed properly. Recognizing the dynamics of fire spread, including the behavior of fingers and pockets, allows firefighters to anticipate changes in fire behavior and make informed decisions.

The other terms do not accurately describe this specific area. For example, the black area usually refers to regions that have already burned, while the green area pertains to unburned vegetation surrounding the fire. A controlled burn area, on the other hand, indicates a piece of land where fire is deliberately set under controlled conditions to manage vegetation or prevent larger wildfires. Each term has distinct meanings within firefighting contexts, but pocket accurately captures the unburned space between active fire fingers.