Backing Fire

  1. Fire spreading, or ignited to spread, into (against) the wind or downslope. A fire spreading on level ground in the absence of wind is a backing fire.
  2. That portion of the fire with slower rates of fire spread and lower intensity normally moving into the wind and/or down slope. Also called: heel fire. 

Source: Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412.

Glossary Tag: 
FUSC
WFISC
PMS412