In strategic firefighting, what is the primary goal during a defensive operation?

In strategic firefighting, the primary goal during a defensive operation is to protect exposures and limit the spread of fire. Defensive operations are typically employed when conditions make it unsafe or impractical to engage in offensive firefighting tactics that focus on extinguishing the fire directly.

In situations where the fire cannot be safely approached, firefighters prioritize the protection of nearby structures, people, and critical assets from the advancing fire. This is achieved by creating barriers, using water to form protective lines, and applying tactics that minimize the impact of the fire on exposures. The overarching objective is to contain the incident and prevent it from worsening, maintaining control over the environment until conditions allow for a more direct approach, if feasible.

While the other choices mention activities that may occur in different scenarios, they do not align with the primary focus of defensive operations, which is centered on prevention of further damage rather than immediate suppression or support of offensive strategies.