Chapter 12: The Attack by Fire
From Sun Tzu’s The Art of War (Lionel Giles translation, 1910).
The specialist chapter on fire attacks and the moment of exploitation. Sun Tzu stresses timing, preparation, and knowing when to stop once the advantage is spent.
Key principles
- Use fire only when the material effect is worth the risk.
- Prepare retreat and reinforcement before you strike.
- Exploit the moment, then consolidate; do not burn out your own position.
Quotations from this chapter
Drawn from our sourced lesson database — each links to its permanent page with the full interpretation.
“There are five ways of attacking with fire: burn soldiers, burn stores, burn baggage-trains, burn arsenals, and hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.”
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“In order to carry out an attack with fire, we must have means available. The material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness.”
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“The proper season is when the weather is very dry; the special days are those when the moon is in certain constellations; for these are days of rising wind.”
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“In attacking with fire, one should be prepared to meet five possible developments.”
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“When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.”
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Modern applications
- Use a sharp, high-impact move only when you have the follow-through ready.
- Know when to stop pressing an advantage before it turns into exposure.
Related strategy topics
Sun Tzu on CompetitionSun Tzu on PositioningSun Tzu for BusinessSun Tzu on TimingSun Tzu on RiskSun Tzu on Decision-MakingSun Tzu on LeadershipSun Tzu on Conflict
Frequently asked questions
What is Chapter 12 of The Art of War about?
It is the tactical chapter on fire as a weapon of attack, but its real lesson is timing and preparation: strike when the conditions are set, and have your next move ready before you begin.