Which technique is often employed for smoke control during a fire?

Smoke extraction is a critical technique used for smoke control during a fire. This method involves actively removing smoke from the environment, thus improving visibility and reducing harmful smoke inhalation for both occupants and firefighters. By creating a negative pressure area or using mechanical systems such as fans and blowers, smoke extraction helps to clear smoke from corridors, stairwells, and other critical escape routes. This is essential not only for safety but also to facilitate firefighting efforts by providing a clearer operational environment.

In contrast, while water misting, foam suppression, and heat shielding are valuable fire suppression techniques, they primarily focus on extinguishing flames or preventing heat transfer rather than managing smoke. Water misting involves dispersing water droplets to cool the fire and reduce smoke, but it does not specifically target smoke removal. Foam suppression is effective for engulfed fires in flammable liquid incidents, and heat shielding involves protecting structures or materials from heat; neither is designed to extract smoke from an area. Thus, smoke extraction stands out as the most relevant technique for controlling smoke in a fire scenario.