What is the primary purpose of a fire suppression system?

A fire suppression system is specifically designed to extinguish or control fires once they have started. These systems, which include technologies such as sprinklers, chemical agents, and foam systems, actively work to mitigate the fire's impact by applying an extinguishing agent to the flames, thereby reducing heat and controlling smoke.

While preventing fires from starting, detecting smoke, and alerting emergency services are crucial components of overall fire safety, they do not represent the direct action taken by a fire suppression system. The key function of such a system is to respond to an active fire situation, making its primary purpose centered on firefighting capabilities.