The Attack by Fire

Chapter 12 opens with the five types of fire attack: burn the enemy's troops in camp; burn their supplies in storage; burn their equipment and transport depots; burn their supply lines and bridges; use fire to create chaos in the enemy's formation. To execute a fire attack, you must have the right materials at hand and the right conditions — very dry weather, winds rising at the right moment of day. The chapter gives the five possible developments of a fire attack in sequence: if fire breaks out inside the enemy camp, launch your external attack immediately. If fire erupts but the enemy stays calm, hold back and wait. When the fire reaches peak intensity, follow up if practical; if not, hold position. If you can start a fire from outside, do not wait for it to start from within. A daytime wind lasts long; a night wind dies quickly.

Water can isolate an enemy, but it cannot destroy their resources. Those who use fire as a weapon demonstrate intelligence. Those who use water gain additional force. Both are tools — and like all tools, their effectiveness depends on timing, preparation, and the commander's willingness to follow through. It is a tragic waste to win battles and capture objectives but fail to follow through — this leads to stagnation and squandered effort. The enlightened ruler plans far ahead; the effective commander develops his resources.

The chapter closes with a passage that turns away from tactics entirely. Do not move unless you see a clear advantage. Do not deploy troops unless there is something real to gain. Do not fight unless you are in danger. No ruler should start a war out of anger. No commander should fight a battle out of spite. Act when it serves your advantage; stay put when it does not. Anger fades. Irritation passes. But a destroyed nation cannot be rebuilt. The dead cannot be brought back to life. The wise ruler is therefore cautious, and the good commander is careful. This is how you protect the state and keep the army whole.