What does percent contained mean for a wildfire and how is it measured?

Wildfires in Florida have crews battling two significant brush fires in western Miami-Dade County, with containment percentages indicating the extent of established firebreaks. "Percent contained" refers to the proportion of the fire's perimeter that has been controlled, not the fire's total extinguishment. For instance, 40% containment means 40% of the fire's perimeter is controlled, while 100% means the entire perimeter is secure, helping prevent the fire from spreading further. This metric is crucial as it directly impacts firefighting strategies and resource allocation.