When performing an indirect attack, after the fire has been darkened down and the space ventilated, what should the firefighter do next?

In an indirect attack, the primary goal is to control the fire by cooling it down and reducing its intensity before making a direct attack. Once the fire has been darkened down and the area has been ventilated to clear out heat and smoke, the logical next step for the firefighter is to advance the hose to extinguish any remaining hot spots.

This action is crucial because while darkening down the fire reduces its immediate threat, it does not eliminate the potential for rekindling. Advancing the hose allows firefighters to actively target remaining hot areas and ensure the fire is fully extinguished, preventing it from flaring back up. This step is part of a comprehensive approach to managing fire suppression, focusing on ensuring that the fire is thoroughly out and that the area is safe.

Other choices might suggest various actions, such as retreating or waiting for backup, but those would not effectively address the need to complete fire suppression in the given scenario after initial measures have been taken.