Sprinkler systems serve as what type of defense against fires?

Sprinkler systems are considered an active defense against fires because they are designed to operate automatically in response to the presence of heat or flames. Unlike passive defenses, which include features that are built into a structure to impede fire spread (such as fire-rated materials or compartmentalization), active defenses involve systems that actively engage in fire suppression and control.

When a fire starts, sprinkler systems release water to extinguish or control the fire, providing an immediate response that reduces the fire's intensity and spread. This quick action can help protect lives and property by controlling the fire until firefighters arrive. The ability of sprinklers to detect and respond to fire conditions is a hallmark of active fire protection systems, making them integral to modern fire safety strategies in buildings.