What does ventilation do in firefighting?

Ventilation plays a crucial role in firefighting by removing heat, smoke, and hazardous gases from a structure, significantly improving conditions for both victims and firefighters. When a fire occurs, these elements can create untenable environments that hinder rescue efforts and firefighting operations. By effectively ventilating the space, firefighters facilitate the evacuation of smoke and heat, which not only enhances visibility but also reduces the risk of flashover and other dangerous fire behavior.

Improved conditions enable firefighters to operate more safely and effectively, allowing them to locate trapped individuals and extinguish the fire more efficiently. Strategic ventilation can also help to control the spread of the fire, as it helps to manage the heat and smoke, creating a more favorable environment for firefighting efforts. Therefore, option C accurately captures the essential purpose of ventilation in firefighting practices.