The Attack by Fire

Sun Tzu said: There are five ways to employ fire in war. The first is to burn the enemy's camps, forts, horses, and men. The second is to burn their provisions. The third is to burn their supplies and baggage. The fourth is to burn their arsenals. The fifth is to burn their strategic communication routes and facilities. To successfully employ fire, certain conditions must be met, and the means to ignite the fire must be prepared in advance. The use of fire should be in accordance with favorable celestial conditions and specific auspicious days. By celestial conditions, we mean dry weather; by specific auspicious days, we mean those when the moon is in the constellations of Ji, Bi, Yi, and Zhen, for on these days the winds tend to rise.

Whenever fire is employed in war, corresponding strategic measures must be taken in response to the changing situations arising from the five ways of using fire. If fire is started from within the enemy's camp, reinforcements should be sent outside in advance to coordinate. If the enemy remains calm despite the flames, wait and observe; do not rush to attack. When the fire reaches its peak, attack if advantageous, otherwise desist. Fire can also be set from outside without waiting for an inside agent; it suffices to ignite it at the precise moment. When employing fire, ensure it is set upwind; do not attack from downwind. During the day, attack alongside the fire; at night, refrain from attacking alongside the fire. In general, those who lead in war must be familiar with the changing situations arising from the five ways of using fire and closely seize the opportune moments for fire attacks in accordance with their natural laws.

Using fire to assist in attacks is ingenious; using water to assist in attacks is formidable. Water can isolate the enemy but does not deprive them of strength as directly as fire.

Winning battles and capturing cities but failing to establish achievements and consolidate power is perilous and futile. Hence, wise rulers should contemplate this matter deeply, and capable commanders should study it diligently. Military action should not be undertaken unless it benefits the state, nor should troops be employed without a guarantee of victory. Engagements should not be fought unless the situation is dire. Rulers must not wage war out of momentary anger, nor should commanders order battles out of fleeting irritation. Act when it aligns with the state's long-term interests; desist when it does not. Anger can turn to joy, irritation to delight, but a destroyed country cannot be restored, nor can the dead be revived. Therefore, wise rulers should treat this matter with caution, and excellent commanders should remain vigilant. These are the fundamental principles for stabilizing the state and preserving the army!