In a fire scenario, what does the term ‘offensive’ indicate about the firefighters’ approach?

In the context of firefighting, the term ‘offensive’ indicates that firefighters are taking an aggressive approach to combat the fire. This means they are actively engaging with the fire, deploying tactics aimed at extinguishing it, protecting lives, and minimizing property damage. An offensive strategy typically involves advancing towards the fire, using tools, and employing techniques to directly suppress the flames.

This approach is distinct from defensive tactics, where the focus would be on protecting exposures and preventing the spread of fire rather than engaging it directly. Offensive firefighting is often used when the fire is deemed manageable and there is a potential to save lives and property by actively mitigating the flames.