What does defensive firefighting primarily focus on?

Defensive firefighting primarily focuses on protecting exposures and preventing the spread of fire. This approach is often adopted when the conditions are too hazardous for interior firefighting operations or when the fire is too advanced to effectively confront head-on.

By prioritizing the protection of surrounding structures, vegetation, and critical infrastructure, firefighters can prevent the fire from causing additional damage and limit its spread. This strategy often involves the use of physical barriers, controlled burns, or water application to create a safe perimeter.

In contrast, directly extinguishing fire, rescuing trapped victims, or increasing firefighting speed can be components of firefighting strategy but are not the core focus of defensive firefighting. The primary aim during defensive operations is to ensure safety first, protect property, and manage resources effectively in response to the current fire situation.