Learn about the different tactics firefighters use to prevent the spread of wildfires, such as establishing fire lines, backfiring, and creating firebreaks.

Setting hose lines and spraying water directly on the fire or near the fire to prevent it from advancing Bucketing with a helicopter Spraying water from a water tenders (water truck) Dropping water from a water skimming aircraft Reducing fuel Removing fuel is a common firefighting tactic.

Wildfire response types Full response Modified response Wildfire attack methods Direct attack Parallel attack Indirect attack

The width of a fire line depends on topography, types of fuels, and weather—all factors that determine fire behavior. Fire lines often are constructed using hoe dads, shovels, or bulldozers. A prescribed burn is another method, also called a burn out. Aerial support is another tactic.