Which type of fire is characterized by moving in the direction of the wind?

A head fire is characterized by its tendency to move in the direction of the wind, often creating a fast-moving and intense fire front. This type of fire typically burns hotter and more aggressively than other types because it is fueled by the wind, which feeds oxygen into the flames and allows the fire to spread quickly. In forest management and firefighting, understanding the behavior of head fires is crucial for predicting their movement and planning effective control measures.

In contrast, flank fires spread along the sides of the fire perimeter and do not advance directly toward the wind, while backfires are set against the wind under controlled circumstances to help contain a wildfire. Controlled burns are purposeful fires used to manage vegetation and reduce fuel loads but do not specifically describe the relationship between wind direction and fire movement.