What technique do firefighters use when performing an indirect attack?

When firefighters perform an indirect attack, they typically use the technique of sweeping the ceiling with water. This method is effective for cooling the room and creating steam, which can help to smother the fire by displacing the oxygen in the area where the fire is located. By directing water onto the ceiling, heat is absorbed and large amounts of steam are produced, which rise and help to cool the combustion zone.

This approach is particularly useful when direct access to the fire is hindered or when it is too dangerous to enter the structure. It allows firefighters to manage the fire from a safer distance while still effectively working to reduce its intensity. This is in contrast to simply spraying water at the base of the fire, flooding the floor of the room, or attacking directly from outside, as these methods may not achieve the same level of control and can sometimes exacerbate the existing fire conditions.