What is a primary purpose of a transitional attack?

A primary purpose of a transitional attack is to cool the fire gases. This method typically involves applying water from outside a structure before entering to fight the fire directly. By cooling the fire gases, firefighters reduce the temperatures inside the compartment, making it safer to enter and minimizing the risk of backdraft or flashover when personnel finally do enter the space. This strategy helps in controlling the fire's progress and stabilizing the situation, allowing for more effective firefighting tactics once inside.

The significance of cooling fire gases cannot be overstated, as high temperatures can pose serious risks to firefighters and hinder their efforts. By initiating this cooling process from the exterior, firefighters can improve their safety and increase the effectiveness of their subsequent efforts to fully extinguish the fire.