Aim: Large-fire suppression is poorly understood even though large bushfires (over 500ha) account for a disproportionate amount of both hectares burned and suppression expenditure. Resource use extends beyond what has been established in the literature. The aim of this study was to classify suppression using the fire management agencies language and operational protocols as a guide, to answer a deceptively simple question: ‘How are suppression resources being used on large wildfires?’