When should firefighters consider a defensive firefighting strategy?

A defensive firefighting strategy is employed when the fire situation is deemed too dangerous or overwhelming to engage in an offensive attack. This often occurs when the fire is very large, poses significant risks to personnel, or exceeds the resources available to adequately control it.

In such cases, the focus shifts to protecting exposures, preventing the fire from spreading, and ensuring firefighter safety, rather than attempting to extinguish the fire directly. This approach allows firefighters to conserve their resources and protect lives while still working to control the situation from a safe distance.

Considering the other options, a scenario where the fire can be easily contained or visibility is clear would typically not necessitate a defensive strategy, as these conditions may allow for a more aggressive offensive attack. The availability of backup teams would also not inherently dictate a defensive strategy, as it would often increase the capacity to engage the fire rather than retreating to defensive tactics.