How hard is it to locate and extinguish burning subsurface fuels?

Locating and extinguishing burning subsurface fuels is considered difficult due to several factors. First, subsurface fuels, such as peat or underground root systems, are hidden from view, making them challenging to detect during firefighting efforts. This hidden nature can lead to unexpected reignition or the fire spreading more than initially anticipated.

Furthermore, extinguishing these types of fires often requires specialized techniques and tools, as traditional firefighting methods that work on surface fires may not be as effective. For instance, simply applying water to the surface may not reach the burning material below the ground, allowing the fire to continue smoldering and potentially resurfacing later.

Firefighters must assess the situation carefully and often resort to methods such as excavation or the use of thermal imaging to locate the fire effectively. Additionally, conditions such as soil type, moisture content, and the depth of the fuel can further complicate these efforts, making it a hard and tedious process. Thus, both locating and extinguishing burning subsurface fuels presents significant challenges in firefighting operations.