One of the two primary methods for a direct attack on a wildland fire is the flanking attack. What is another?

The correct answer is the indirect attack, which is another method for directly engaging a wildland fire. In wildland firefighting, the indirect attack involves establishing a control line away from the flame front and then using tactics that allow firefighters to manage the fire's advance more effectively. This method can include backburning or creating barriers that help to channel the fire or reduce its intensity, making it safer for firefighters and minimizing damage to the surrounding area.

The indirect attack is advantageous when conditions such as steep terrain or high fuel loads make a direct attack too dangerous or impractical. By focusing on manipulating fire behavior from a safe distance, firefighters can create effective lines of defense against the advancing flames.

The other methods mentioned, such as the pinch and circular attacks, do not serve as the primary strategy like the flanking and indirect attacks do. They may be tactics employed under certain conditions or in specific situations, but they do not provide the same broad strategic framework as the indirect attack in wildland firefighting scenarios.