What is the priority in a defensive attack during a fire?

In a defensive attack during a fire, the priority is to protect exposures. This approach focuses on safeguarding any structures, vehicles, or other objects near the fire that could catch fire due to radiated heat, flames, or sparks. The intention is to prevent the fire from spreading and potentially causing additional damage and loss of life.

While extinguishing the fire, conducting search and rescue, and ventilating the structure are important firefighting tasks, they may not take precedence in a defensive strategy. In situations where the fire is too intense or dangerous, the safety of personnel and civilians is paramount, which reinforces the need to protect nearby exposures first. By prioritizing this aspect, firefighters can ensure that they mitigate the risk of a larger disaster while maintaining a safe environment for themselves and any potential victims.