What is the primary objective of a defensive fire attack?

The primary objective of a defensive fire attack is to prevent the spread of fires. This approach focuses on containing the fire to minimize its impact and protect surrounding structures and areas. By controlling the movement of the fire, firefighters can prioritize safety and prevent additional losses. Defensive tactics often include creating barriers with water streams, using fire lanes, and maintaining safe distances, ensuring that the situation does not escalate further.

While extinguishing the fire quickly is important, it may not be feasible or safe in certain situations, especially if doing so could endanger firefighters or lead to a quick spread of the fire. Similarly, while rescuing trapped individuals and protecting property are crucial components of firefighting, they typically fall under different strategies such as offensive attack operations. In a defensive attack scenario, the focus is primarily on containment and preventing the fire from spreading into unaffected areas.