What is the origin of the idiom "fight fire with fire" and when to use it?

The idiom "fight fire with fire" has its roots in firefighting techniques. Historically, when combating wildfires, firefighters sometimes employed a tactic called controlled burning or backfire. By intentionally setting a smaller, controlled fire in the path of an approaching wildfire, they could burn off the vegetation and other flammable materials, creating a barrier. This controlled fire would consume the fuel needed for the larger wildfire, preventing it from advancing further. It is used when someone decides to respond to a problem or adversary by using tactics or methods that are similar in nature to what they are opposing.