The location near the area of origin of a wildland fire is called the _______ of the fire.

In the context of wildland firefighting, the area near the origin of a fire is referred to as the heel of the fire. This term indicates the portion of the fire that is generally closer to where it started, providing critical insights to firefighters about where containment efforts should be focused, as this area may be more manageable. Firefighters prioritize controlling the heel to prevent the fire from spreading further. Understanding the different parts of a wildfire—such as the head, flank, and heel—allows responders to devise effective strategies for suppression and containment.

The head of the fire, conversely, is the most active and rapidly spreading part, typically moving forward due to wind conditions. The flank is the side of the fire which can also be active but not as aggressively as the head. The term "pocket" does not commonly describe a specific part of a fire and may instead refer to a localized area of fuel. Understanding these terminologies helps firefighters effectively communicate and strategize during fire incidents.