Defensive Strip Ventilation typically involves what core action?

• A. Extended ventilation hole to cut off lateral spread of fire
• B. Usually connects opposing exterior walls
• C. Time consuming
• D. Need for Multiple Crews/Multiple Tools

Answer: (A)

Defensive strip ventilation centers on creating a long, continuous ventilation opening—the strip—to vent heat and smoke and, crucially, interrupt the fire’s ability to spread laterally within the structure. When an interior attack isn’t safe or feasible, extending this opening along a line helps pull hot gases out, reduces temperatures, and limits the flame’s horizontal spread to adjacent areas, protecting exposures and improving conditions for crews.

This is why the action described as extending a ventilation hole to cut off lateral spread is the best fit. The other points describe operational realities or alternative ventilation concepts (like cross-ventilation between opposing walls, or general time and crew considerations) but don’t define the core tactic of defensive strip ventilation.