The choice of strategies to use to counter a wildfire depend on different factors, like the extent of the fire itself, the humidity level in the air or the weather conditions. Even the kind of plants in the area affect the choice of the technique.
Direct attack
A direct attack is any action  directed on the fuel: wetting the fire, smothering it, chemically extinguishing it or separating the burning fuel from the unburnt are all examples. The aim can be reached through firetrucks, or helicopters. Often, the aim is to isolate the fire before extinguishing it.
Indirect attack
These are the preparatory suppression strategies used a distance away from the fire. An instance of indirect attack is creating a barrier that fire cannot pass. It is a technique that requires planning. One can take advantage of natural barriers. Anyhow, the time necessary to create those barriers allows the fire to spread further.
Another example of indirect attack is backfiring: other smaller fires are ignited and then directed towards the main fire front, so that they will consume fuel faster in a smaller area. It is a strategy that is easily influenced by weather changes. If the wind changed, it is going to be harder to control the direction of the fire.
Following phases
The threat of the fire does not cease with the extinction of the flames. Fuels can keep on burning underground for days. To be absolutely certain that the fire will not start again, it is necessary for these to cool down completely.
Wildfires contribute to the erosion of soil and its empoverishment, because of the scarcity of plants. For this reason, to avoid landslips, reforestation and other measures are necessary.