Flank firing

Flank firing is a technique that allows firing parallel with and into the wind or with the slope. Fire spread is to the flanks.

• Purpose
  • Adapted to all types of burns
  • In broadcast burning it is used with strip-head firing to ignite along the edges
  • Can be used to mass ignite from the strip head
• Advantages
  • Rate of spread and intensity is in between head and backing fires
  • Easily modified - intensity and rate of spread adjustable by proper timing of ignition sequence
• Disadvantages
  • Susceptible to wind shifts
  • Communication and coordination with igniters can be a problem
  • Changes in topographic features causes problems for igniters such as spotting below or in front with possible entrapment
  • Requires experienced personnel