What term describes the traveling edge of a wildland fire?

The term that describes the traveling edge of a wildland fire is the "head of the fire." This is the part of the fire that is actively spreading and consuming fuel at the highest rate. Understanding the dynamics of wildland fire spread is crucial for effective firefighting tactics, as the head is typically where the fire behavior is the most intense and can pose the greatest threat to both life and property. Firefighters often focus their efforts on controlling the head to minimize the overall spread of the fire.

Other terms like the flank refer to the sides of the fire where it might be burning less intensely, while the base and root are not standard terminology used to describe parts of an active fire's edge. Thus, recognizing the head as the primary area of concern allows firefighters to prioritize their strategies and resources more effectively during a wildland fire incident.