For occupancy safety, what do fire alarms signal during a fire?

Fire alarms serve a critical role in ensuring the safety of occupants during a fire emergency. When a fire alarm is activated, it communicates an immediate need for action, specifically signaling that occupants should evacuate the premises to protect themselves from potential dangers such as smoke inhalation and fire spread. The sound of the alarm is designed to alert all individuals in the building to exit quickly and safely, facilitating a prompt and orderly evacuation.

This response addresses the primary function of fire alarms, which is to alert occupants to take life-saving measures rather than to provide information about the specific conditions of the fire or the state of appliances. While a fire alarm may indicate smoke presence indirectly, it does not communicate control of the fire, nor is it meant to only provide warnings without clear evacuation instructions.