What are "fingers of a fire"?

"Fingers of a fire" refers to long, narrow extensions of a fire that can protrude from the main fire body. These extensions can create unpredictable fire behavior and complicate firefighting efforts, as they may spread rapidly in different directions due to local wind conditions or terrain features. The behavior of these fingers is influenced by factors such as topography, fuel availability, and meteorological conditions, which contribute to their formation and growth. Understanding the characteristics of fingers is crucial for fire management and control strategies, as they can potentially lead to flare-ups or new fire starts if not properly monitored and addressed.