What does the concept of 'defensive firefighting' primarily focus on?

The concept of 'defensive firefighting' primarily focuses on controlling and containing fires without direct engagement. This strategy is utilized in scenarios where it is deemed too dangerous or impractical to fight the fire head-on. The primary goal of defensive firefighting is to protect lives, property, and the surrounding environment by preventing the fire from spreading further, rather than extinguishing it right away. It often involves establishing a perimeter around the fire, utilizing barriers, and conducting controlled burns or back burns to reduce fuel availability and manage the fire's behavior.

In contrast, direct engagement with the fire may involve aggressive techniques to extinguish it, which can be risky in certain situations. Executing rescue operations during a fire is often a vital part of firefighting but is not the main focus of a defensive strategy. Summoning additional assistance quickly is important for overall emergency response, but it does not define the essence of defensive firefighting tactics. Therefore, focusing on containment while minimizing risk is the cornerstone of this approach.