What is a 'spot fire'?

A 'spot fire' refers to a new fire that ignites outside of the main fire. This situation often arises when embers or burning materials, carried by wind or other means, ignite new fuels in areas surrounding the primary fire. Spot fires can pose a significant risk as they may spread quickly and can easily become difficult to manage, potentially leading to larger, uncontrolled fires. Understanding this term is crucial for fire management and suppression strategies, as effectively addressing spot fires can prevent them from merging with the main fire and complicating firefighting efforts.

While the other options may describe different fire-related scenarios, they do not accurately capture the essence of what a spot fire is in the context of fire behavior and management. For instance, defining a fire that is difficult to access, a controlled burn, or a fire that is quickly extinguished does not convey the key element of a new fire starting away from the main fire's perimeter.