When launching fire attacks, adapt tactics according to the five types. If fire breaks out inside the enemy camp, respond promptly from outside. If the enemy remains calm amid fire, hold back your attack. Strike only when the fire rages fiercely; otherwise, stand fast.
You may also set fire from outside without waiting for internal chaos, as long as the time is right. Attack from the windward side, never the leeward. Winds last longer by day and die down at night.
An army must master all variations of fire attack and follow natural laws strictly. Using fire to aid assault brings brilliant results; using water brings great force. Water can block the enemy, yet it cannot destroy them completely.
Note
Adjust tactics flexibly for five fire attacks. Strike from windward only when flames blaze fiercely. Fire devastates foes thoroughly, while water merely blocks their advance; commanders must master all fire attack rules.
A great military strategist and thinker in ancient China, who lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period. He authored The Art of War, the world’s earliest and most influential military classic. His strategic thoughts have been widely applied in military, politics and management worldwide.
Adapt to fire
Adjust actions based on fire situations and enemy responses.
Wind rule
A key practical principle for fire warfare.
Fire vs Water
Fire excels at destruction, while water is good for interception.
凡火攻，必因五火之變而應之，火發于內，則早應之于外。火發而其兵靜者，待而勿攻。極其火力，可從而從之，不可從而止。火可發于外，無待于內，以時發之。火發上風，無攻下風，晝風久，夜風止。凡軍必知五火之變，以數守之。故以火佐攻者明，以水佐攻者強，水可以絕，不可以奪。
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