What is the difference between fire protection, prevention, and suppression?

  1. Fire protection refers to the steps taken to reduce the risk of fire, including the use of fire-resistant materials, proper installation of electrical systems, and regular maintenance of equipment. The goal of fire protection is to prevent fires from starting in the first place.
  2. Fire prevention involves measures taken to prevent fires from occurring, such as educating people about fire safety, enforcing fire codes, and conducting regular inspections of buildings and equipment. Fire prevention is focused on identifying potential fire hazards and taking steps to mitigate them before a fire can occur.
  3. Fire suppression refers to the actions taken to put out a fire once it has started. This can include using fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, or calling the fire department. The goal of fire suppression is to quickly extinguish the fire and minimize damage to property and people.

In summary, fire protection focuses on preventing fires from starting, fire prevention is about reducing the likelihood of fires, and fire suppression is about quickly responding to and extinguishing fires that have started.