What are the three operational strategies in firefighting?

The three operational strategies in firefighting are typically categorized as Offensive, Defensive, and Investigative. The offensive strategy involves actively engaging the fire to extinguish it or to control its spread, which is crucial in situations where lives or property are in immediate danger. Defensive strategies focus on protecting exposures and preventing the fire from spreading to other structures, often by containing it and allowing it to burn out rather than directly attacking it. Investigative strategies come into play when determining the origin and cause of the fire, ensuring that lessons can be learned and measures can be improved for future incidents.

This alignment of strategies is essential for effective firefighting operations as they allow firefighters to assess the situation dynamically and choose the most appropriate approach based on life safety, property conservation, and community protection. The combination of offensive and defensive tactics is often required, and the investigative aspect helps in fine-tuning future responses. This comprehensive approach enhances the overall effectiveness of fire management.