What is a primary function of sprinkler systems in a fire situation?

Sprinkler systems play a crucial role in fire safety, primarily by maximizing water delivery at the fire's origin. When a fire is detected, the sprinkler heads activate and release water directly onto the flames, effectively cooling the fire and suppressing its spread. This targeted application of water helps to mitigate heat and smoke production, thus controlling the fire more efficiently and minimizing damage to the structure.

The effectiveness of sprinkler systems is rooted in their design, which allows for rapid response, often before firefighters can arrive on the scene. This immediate water application significantly increases the chance of containing or extinguishing the fire before it grows out of control.

The other options address different aspects of safety or emergency response but do not directly relate to the primary function of a sprinkler system in a fire scenario. For instance, while providing light and alerting occupants are essential safety measures, they are not the main purpose of a sprinkler system. Similarly, reducing visibility is not a desirable outcome during a fire response and is contrary to the functionality of fire safety systems.