What does burnout refer to in firefighting?

Burnout in firefighting refers to the tactical operation of widening control lines by intentionally igniting fuels inside them. This method serves several purposes: it helps to consume the fuel that the fire might potentially use to spread, creates a buffer area to help protect containment lines, and reduces the chances of the fire escaping the established boundaries. By burning the fuels within the control lines, firefighters can effectively minimize the intensity and spread of the fire toward those boundaries.

This technique is particularly useful when conditions are favorable and allows firefighters to manage the fire actively rather than passively waiting for it to reach the control line. It helps ensure that the control lines are more secure and that firefighters can operate more safely within the area.