What foam application method should be used on a pooled liquid fire on the ground producing an intense thermal column?

The roll-in method is the appropriate foam application technique for dealing with a pooled liquid fire that is generating an intense thermal column. This method involves applying foam in a rolling motion from the edges of the fire toward the center. It is effective because it allows the foam to spread over the surface of the burning liquid, creating a blanket that suppresses both flames and vapors while preventing the spread of fire.

Using the roll-in method is particularly beneficial in scenarios where there is a significant thermal column, as it helps maintain a safe distance from the intense heat while ensuring that the foam effectively blankets the fire. This method also minimizes the risk of flare-up by smothering the fire as it expands, making it a vital technique in fire suppression of flammable liquids.

Other methods, while effective under different circumstances, may not adequately handle the extreme conditions presented by a pooled liquid fire with a strong thermal column. Each application technique has its own use case, but in this specific situation, the roll-in method stands out as the most effective choice.