What is the area between the fingers of a wildland fire called?

The area between the fingers of a wildland fire is referred to as a "pocket." In the context of fire behavior, a pocket is a section of terrain where fire has not spread due to factors such as a lack of fuel or barriers that create natural breaks. Understanding the concept of pockets is crucial for fire management and containment, as these areas can serve as potential safe spots for crews to maneuver and strategize their firefighting efforts.

In contrast, terms like peninsula, island, and joint do not accurately describe the specific area being referenced. A peninsula generally refers to land jutting out into a body of water, an island is a landmass completely surrounded by water, and a joint typically relates to a connection point or junction, particularly in mechanical or structural contexts. Therefore, the use of "pocket" aligns with terminology specific to wildland firefighting and fire containment strategies.