What is the primary purpose of fire suppression systems?

The primary purpose of fire suppression systems is to extinguish or control fires. These systems are designed to respond to a fire incident by releasing extinguishing agents such as water, foam, or chemical agents to reduce or eliminate the fire's heat, fuel, or oxygen, thereby stopping the fire's progression. The effectiveness of these systems is crucial in protecting life, property, and the environment by minimizing fire damage during an incident.

While fire detection systems are responsible for identifying the presence of a fire in its early stages, and escape routes are essential for ensuring safe egress during a fire event, these secondary functions support the primary goal of suppression. Monitoring fire conditions is also important for maintaining safety standards and readiness, but it does not directly fulfill the function of extinguishing a fire. Thus, the core aim of fire suppression systems is focused on active response rather than detection, escape, or monitoring, making "extinguish or control fires" the most accurate characterization of their primary purpose.