What is the primary purpose of installing a sprinkler system in fire prevention?

The primary purpose of installing a sprinkler system in fire prevention is to automatically extinguish fires. Sprinkler systems are designed to release water when a fire is detected, often through heat-sensitive elements, thereby minimizing the spread of the fire and cooling the immediate area surrounding the fire. This action helps to control or completely extinguish the flames before the fire department arrives, significantly reducing damage and increasing the safety of occupants.

While the other options have their significance in the broader context of fire safety, they do not encapsulate the main function of a sprinkler system. Preventing fire spread is a secondary benefit that results from the activation of a sprinkler system; cooling areas is a consequence of water being deployed, not the primary function, and detecting fires is the role of separate systems, such as smoke detectors. Therefore, the effective and timely response of sprinklers in extinguishing fires is what establishes their essential role in fire prevention.