When is a fire considered contained?

A fire is considered contained when the control line is complete and the fire cannot escape. This means that all perimeter control measures, such as firebreaks or containment lines, have been effectively established and are preventing the fire from spreading beyond that designated area. The intent of a control line is to isolate the fire and provide a boundary that can be monitored and maintained to ensure that the fire does not break out again.

The completion of these containment lines is a critical aspect of wildfire management, as it signifies that firefighters can now shift focus to extinguishing the fire within those confines without concern for it exceeding those boundaries. This status is key for operational safety and effectiveness, allowing for the safe deployment of resources throughout the incident.

This definition is distinct from the other options. Establishing a hose line, while important for firefighting operations, does not on its own indicate that the fire is contained. Additionally, the fire being cooler may suggest a decrease in intensity or activity, but it does not confirm that the fire is contained. Clear smoke might also indicate that the fire is dying down; however, visibility does not determine the physical boundaries of the fire itself and whether it has the potential to escape.