What is the function of fire sprinklers in buildings?

Fire sprinklers serve a critical role in fire safety within buildings by automatically extinguishing or controlling fires. When a fire is detected, the sprinklers activate, discharging water onto the flames. This immediate response helps to suppress the fire, often before firefighters arrive on the scene, thereby minimizing damage, preventing the fire from spreading, and protecting both occupants and property.

The design of sprinkler systems allows them to operate independently, meaning that only the heads directly affected by the fire will activate, which is efficient and effective in targeting the source of the fire. Their ability to control or extinguish fires significantly enhances the overall safety of a building, making them an essential feature of fire protection systems.

Other options, while they relate to different aspects of fire safety and building management, do not reflect the primary function of fire sprinklers. For instance, the provision of a water supply for firefighters is typically handled by hydrants and standpipes, air quality monitoring is related to ventilation systems, and alerts for occupants are managed through alarms and notification systems.