What does the term “spot fire” refer to?

The term “spot fire” refers specifically to a fire that starts outside the main fire perimeter, often as a result of flying embers that can ignite new fires away from the primary blaze. This phenomenon occurs when embers are carried by wind and can land in various locations, igniting new fires that may not have been part of the initial or main conflagration. Spot fires can pose significant challenges to fire suppression efforts because they can spread quickly and, if not addressed promptly, may grow into larger, more destructive fires.

The other provided options do not accurately describe a spot fire. For instance, an isolated fire burning far from any main fire does not encompass the inherent danger posed by the embers that spark new beginnings outside the primary perimeter. Similarly, a small fire that is quickly contained may not necessarily be a spot fire, as it might not have originated from the embers of another fire. Lastly, a controlled fire set intentionally to promote growth is a standard forestry management practice, known as a prescribed burn, and is fundamentally different from a spot fire, which arises unexpectedly and requires immediate attention to prevent escalation.