What is meant by the 'heel of fire' in wildfire terminology?

The term "heel of fire" refers specifically to the back of a wildland fire. In wildfire terminology, this area is generally characterized by lower intensity and slower fire spread compared to the flaming front, which is where the fire is actively spreading and often at its most intense. Understanding the heel is crucial for fire management and suppression strategies since it represents a part of the fire that may be more manageable. Firefighters may utilize this area for containment lines or as a safer point to advance their operations.