In wildfire terminology, what is a cold flank?

• A. The area of a fire that is less active and can be safely worked on for line construction
• B. The hottest point of the fire
• C. The windward edge of the fire
• D. The unburned interior of the fire perimeter

Answer: (A)

A cold flank is the side of a wildfire where activity is lower and heat is less intense, making it a safer area to work on for building fire lines. This portion of the fire typically lies on the side opposite the wind-driven head, where flames are shorter and the spread is slower. Because the fire is less active here, crews can anchor and construct lines with reduced immediate risk, though it's still essential to stay alert for shifts in wind, fuels, or terrain that can increase fire behavior. The hottest point of the fire is the head, the windward edge tends to be more aggressive, and the unburned interior is not the external edge of the fire perimeter.