Firefighter Health and Safety Practice

Perimeter control in wildland firefighting is a crucial tactic aimed at creating barriers that prevent fire spread. This involves establishing a controlled zone around a fire to confine it to a specific area, reducing the potential for the fire to spread to unburned vegetation or structures. By establishing these barriers, firefighters can effectively manage the fire's movement while protecting surrounding properties and natural resources.

Creating these containment lines often involves removing fuel sources, such as vegetation, and employing techniques like backburning or creating fire breaks. This helps to ensure that the wildfire does not escape the designated area, which is vital for both community safety and the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.

In addition to this primary goal, perimeter control can indirectly support other aspects of firefighting, such as improving response times and enabling more aggressive tactics once the fire is contained within the perimeter. However, the fundamental objective remains focused on preventing the spread of fire, making it essential for the overall strategy in wildland firefighting.