What is the primary purpose of a fire protection sprinkler system?

The primary purpose of a fire protection sprinkler system is to contain the fire until help arrives. Sprinkler systems are designed to automatically detect a fire and activate, releasing water to suppress or extinguish the flames. This effectiveness can greatly reduce the intensity of a fire, minimize damage to property, and protect lives by providing valuable time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighting personnel to arrive on the scene.

Sprinkler systems are engineered to activate based on heat and typically only the sprinklers in the area of the fire will activate, which helps to prevent widespread water damage throughout the entire building. By controlling a fire at its early stages, these systems can effectively lower the risk of a fire spreading, allowing firefighters to focus on extinguishing the fire and ensuring safety.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary function of a fire protection sprinkler system. Alerting firefighters, providing lighting, or preventing smoke from spreading are aspects that may play supportive roles in fire safety, but the main goal of a sprinkler system is to effectively control and contain fires promptly.