What degree of fog pattern is typically used during an indirect attack?

In the context of firefighting tactics, particularly during an indirect attack on a fire, a 30-degree fog pattern is commonly utilized. This particular degree of fog creates a balance between achieving effective coverage of the fire area and maintaining sufficient reach to ensure that the water hits the involved surfaces effectively.

The 30-degree pattern is designed to provide adequate wetting of the fuel while also allowing for the necessary steam conversion, which is critical when using indirect methods. The wider coverage of the fog pattern contributes to the creation of a steam blanket that can help suppress the fire's intensity as it displaces oxygen in the area, thus providing a safer environment for firefighters and potentially allowing for further tactical maneuvers.

In contrast, options with narrower or wider fog patterns, such as 15 degrees or 45 degrees, would either provide less coverage or too much dispersal, which can diminish the effectiveness of the attack when it comes to managing the heat and smoke generated by the fire.