In what type of operations are large handlines and master streams primarily utilized?

Large handlines and master streams are primarily utilized in defensive operations because they are essential for suppressing large fires and protecting exposures when the situation is too dangerous for interior attack. These powerful tools allow firefighters to deliver significant amounts of water to cool hot areas, extinguish flames, and create a safer environment for both firefighters and potential victims.

In defensive operations, the goal is to prevent the fire from spreading to other structures and to control the situation from a safer vantage point. The use of large handlines and master streams can effectively douse fires from a distance, reducing the risk to personnel and allowing for a more strategic approach to firefighting.

While large handlines can also play a role in offensive operations, where firefighters actively engage and attack the fire, their primary purpose aligns more closely with defensive strategies in situations that require significant suppression efforts.