At a wildland fire, where is the safest place to begin an attack?

The safest place to begin an attack on a wildland fire is in the burned area. This is because the burned area is devoid of fuel, which significantly reduces the risk of the fire spreading back into this region. Starting your attack in an area that has already burned allows firefighters to work from a position that is least likely to pose an immediate threat, as there is no available material for the fire to ignite and spread.

Attacking a fire from the unburned area could expose firefighters to the fire's heat and risks of sudden changes in fire behavior as they move toward active flames. Engaging directly at the fire's perimeter can also increase the danger level since it is the area where fire is most active and unpredictable. Approaching from an aerial viewpoint may provide valuable situational awareness, but it does not directly address the immediate ground-level safety concerns of engaging in firefighting efforts. Thus, starting from the burned area offers the best tactical advantage and safety for personnel.