12. Attack by Fire

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

The text divides fire attack into five types: fire used against personnel, against accumulated material, against logistics, against stores, and fire units organized for attack. Fire action always requires a cause, and the means for smoke and flame must be prepared in advance.

There is right timing for initiating fire and specific dates for starting it. Timing refers to dry weather; date refers to lunar positions (the four mansions Ji, Bi, Yi, and Zhen), which signal typical wind rise.

The section converts fire power into process: classify, prepare, then act by conditions. In strategic planning this is a precondition chain where environment determines feasibility.

Original Chinese text

English translation

In fire attack, respond to five kinds of fire changes. If fire begins inside the enemy, answer from outside early; if the enemy stays still when the fire starts, wait rather than rush in—exhaust the fire potential and then join it if possible; if not possible, stop.

Fire may be started from outside without waiting for interior coordination when timing is right. Do not attack downwind when the fire is already carrying from above the wind; daytime winds may persist, but winds often cease at night. Armies must recognize the five fire variations and keep them in count. Using fire can clarify the assault; using water can strengthen control. Water can sever, but it cannot fully seize its source.

This is about operational control under changing conditions. The advantage of fire is tactical, but the advantage of command is deciding when to join, continue, or withdraw.

Original Chinese text

English translation

To win an attack and seize gains but fail to secure its outcome is dangerous and wasteful; this is called residual loss.

A wise ruler anticipates this and a good commander repairs and consolidates after action. Move only when there is clear benefit; do not use force without attainable purpose; do not fight unless danger is real. A ruler should not raise armies in anger, and a general should not translate grievance into battle orders. Advance when conditions are favorable; stop when they are not. Anger can return to joy, resentment can settle, but a ruined state cannot be restored and the dead do not return.

The passage links ethics and strategy through risk control. Strategic strength is not merely winning encounters; it is managing when and why force is used and ensuring the outcome is stabilized.

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