Which method of attack is used when direct attack is not feasible?

• A. Direct Attack
• B. Indirect Attack
• C. Mop-up
• D. Ventilation

Answer: (B)

When direct entry into the fire area isn’t safe or possible due to conditions like extreme heat, heavy flames, or a risk of collapse, firefighters switch to an indirect attack. This means using water from a safe position outside the immediate flame zone or from a location that isn’t in the direct path of the fire, to cool the scene and reduce heat and fire spread. By knocking the heat down from the exterior or through openings, the fire’s intensity is lowered, making it safer to advance later if conditions improve, or to keep the fire from growing while interior crews work from a safer entry point. Ventilation helps manage smoke and gases but is not the extinguishing approach itself, and mop-up is the later work of finishing off remaining hotspots after the main fire is under control. So the tactic used when direct attack isn’t feasible is an indirect attack.