Which firefighting tactic is characterized by using water to cool the fire from a distance?

The tactic characterized by using water to cool the fire from a distance is known as an indirect attack. This approach involves applying water or other extinguishing agents from a safe distance to reduce the heat and control the fire's spread, particularly in situations where direct application would be unsafe due to intense heat, smoke, or structural hazards.

In indirect attacks, firefighters may aim at hot gas layers and flames above the fire, utilizing techniques such as a technique known as "flanking" to move the water in a manner that mitigates the fire’s intensity without directly disrupting the burning material. This method is particularly effective in wildland firefighting and interior environments where extreme conditions may inhibit closer access.

The use of indirect attacks allows for cooling the fire indirectly, reducing the risks to personnel, and enabling them to strategize further operations following the initial cooling and containment actions. This tactic is crucial in managing high-risk fire scenarios and offers many benefits in terms of safety and effectiveness.