In firefighting, a backfire, also known as a back burn, is a deliberate fire set in the path of an oncoming fire. The purpose of a backfire is to consume fuel, thereby depriving the primary fire of tinder when it reaches the site. When executed correctly, a backfire can stop a wildfire in its tracks or confine it, making it much easier to control.
The technique of backfiring involves setting the ground on fire and standing in it while it spreads away from the firefighters, creating a safer, fuel-less pocket to stand in. Special tools, such as drip torches, propane torches, or fusees (like road flares), are used to start these fires. Firefighters need to monitor the line of the back burn to ensure that it does not jump and spread uncontrollably.
The success of a backfire depends on various factors, including wind direction, terrain, and the skill of the firefighters. If a backfire is set correctly, it can effectively block the path of a wildfire or change its direction. However, there are risks that the backfire will spread and add to the growing wildfire if not properly managed.
