What encompasses suppression in fire science?

The concept of suppression in fire science involves a comprehensive approach to extinguishing a fire from its very inception until it is completely under control. This includes not only the immediate actions taken to douse the flames but also the various strategies and methods employed from the moment a fire begins. Elements of suppression encompass tactics such as applying water or suppressants, creating controlled burns, and using fire breaks to prevent the spread of fire, all geared towards stopping the fire from growing and damaging areas further.

While cooling of affected materials and cleanup post-incident are important aspects of fire management and recovery, they fall under different categories of fire response and recovery rather than directly defining the suppression process itself. Similarly, the organization of firefighting resources is essential for an effective response, but it serves more as a logistical aspect of fire management rather than a direct component of the suppression activities that actively engage with the fire. Thus, the total work done to extinguish the fire best captures the essence of suppression in the context of fire science.