What is the role of a fire suppression system?

A fire suppression system is designed primarily to control and extinguish fires effectively. This system employs various methods, such as water-based sprinklers, chemical agents, or gaseous agents, to rapidly respond to a fire incident. The essential function of these systems is to initiate action to prevent the spread of fire, protect lives, safeguard property, and minimize damage. They typically work in tandem with fire detection systems, which can signal the presence of smoke or fire and activate the suppression system accordingly.

In contrast, creating smoke for visibility serves no beneficial role in fire safety and is not a function of a fire suppression system. Detecting smoke, while an important aspect of fire safety, only represents a singular function that relies on separate detection mechanisms. Maintaining air quality in buildings is also not the primary role of a fire suppression system; although such systems help limit smoke damage, their main purpose is focused on combating and controlling fires directly. Thus, the role of a fire suppression system is clearly centered on managing fire incidents effectively, confirming the correctness of the selected answer.