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

The term that refers to the location near the area of origin of a wildland fire is known as the heel of the fire. This area is critical for firefighting efforts, as it is where the fire's activity usually begins and is often less intense compared to other parts of the fire perimeter. Understanding the dynamics of the fire's heel can help firefighters plan their strategy for containment and suppression more effectively.

In relation to other terms used in wildland firefighting, the head refers to the forward-moving edge of the fire, typically where it is burning most intensely and spreading rapidly. The flank describes the sides of the fire, which can be used strategically for containment. The pocket term is not commonly used in this context and can lead to confusion; thus, it is not an appropriate designation for the area near the origin of a wildland fire.