What does "fire behavior" entail?

Fire behavior encompasses the study of how fire develops, spreads, and is influenced by various factors such as fuel, heat, and oxygen. Understanding fire behavior is crucial for firefighters and incident commanders, as it allows them to predict how a fire will react in different environments. This includes recognizing how different materials burn, how fire spreads through structures, and how environmental conditions can impact fire dynamics. Knowledge of fire behavior assists in planning tactics for suppression and helps in developing strategies for safe evacuation and protection of exposures.

The other options, while related to fire safety and management, focus on different aspects of firefighting or fire prevention. Techniques for extinguishing fires, assessing fire hazards, and fire alarm system procedures are all critical components of fire service operations, but they do not capture the essence of fire behavior itself. Fire behavior specifically involves understanding the fundamental principles of how fire acts, making option C the most accurate choice.