What does it mean when firefighters report "the fire is knocked down"?

When firefighters report "the fire is knocked down," it generally indicates that the fire's intensity has been significantly reduced. This phrase is commonly used in firefighting terminology to describe the point at which the fire is no longer spreading aggressively and has been brought under control, often due to the application of water or other extinguishing agents.

This status means that while the fire may not be completely extinguished, firefighters have managed to limit its intensity to a level where it is less threatening and manageable. It is a critical moment in the incident response, as it allows firefighters to begin overhauling operations, ensuring that hotspots are addressed and preventing reignition.

It's important to note that while knocking down a fire is a significant achievement, it does not mean that the fire is entirely out or that it won’t flare up again if not properly extinguished. This is why firefighters remain vigilant even after reporting that the fire is knocked down, continuing their efforts to ensure thorough extinguishment.