In a direct fire attack, water should be applied until:

In a direct fire attack, the application of water plays a critical role in suppressing the fire effectively. The correct approach is to continue applying water until the flame is no longer visible. This is a crucial point for several reasons.

When flames are visible, it indicates that there is an ongoing combustion process, and simply applying water might not fully extinguish the fire. The visible flames can signify that there are unburned fuels that could reignite if water isn’t applied thoroughly to eliminate those sources. The objective of a direct fire attack is not just to diminish the visual aspect of the fire but to ensure that all potential for reignition is addressed.

Once the flames are extinguished, firefighters can then assess the area to confirm that no hidden or smoldering materials remain. Touching the burning material or waiting for steam conversion could lead to unsafe situations if there remains heat or embers capable of rekindling the fire. Therefore, ensuring that no flame is visible serves as a more reliable indicator of fire control and safety.