In strip firing with multiple igniters, if slope is pushing the fire TOWARDS your control line, which pattern should you use?

In strip firing with multiple igniters, if slope is pushing the fire TOWARDS your control line, which pattern should you use?

• A. 3,2,1
• B. 2,1,3
• C. 1,2,3
• D. 1,3,2

Answer: (C)

When the slope is pushing the fire toward your control line, you want a defensive burn that starts right along the line and then progresses outward. Igniting the strip starting at or near the control line creates a burned buffer immediately, so when the firefront driven by the slope reaches the line it encounters already-burned fuel and is slowed or stopped. If you light farther from the line first, the fire can advance toward the line before that defensive burn is established, increasing the risk of the line being breached. So, the pattern that begins near the control line and moves outward provides the quickest, most effective protection in this situation.

When the slope is pushing the fire toward your control line, you want a defensive burn that starts right along the line and then progresses outward. Igniting the strip starting at or near the control line creates a burned buffer immediately, so when the firefront driven by the slope reaches the line it encounters already-burned fuel and is slowed or stopped. If you light farther from the line first, the fire can advance toward the line before that defensive burn is established, increasing the risk of the line being breached. So, the pattern that begins near the control line and moves outward provides the quickest, most effective protection in this situation.