When fighting a fire, where should water or chemicals be directed?

Directing water or chemicals at the base of the fire is crucial because this is where the fuel source is located. Aiming at the base helps to cool the area and remove heat from the fire, which is essential in extinguishing it effectively. When water or agents are applied to the base, it interrupts the fire's combustion process by reducing the temperature and ultimately eliminating the flames.

Focusing on flames themselves can lead to ineffective results, as cooling the flames without addressing the underlying fuel will often not extinguish the fire. Directing efforts towards smoke can be misleading since smoke is a byproduct of combustion and not the source of the fire itself. Likewise, targeting the surrounding area doesn't directly impact the fire, and while it may help in preventing the spread, it won't effectively extinguish the flames. Thus, hitting the base of the fire with water or chemicals is the most effective approach in firefighting.