Which term describes the means of controlling the spread of fire using physical barriers?

The term that describes the means of controlling the spread of fire using physical barriers is containment. Containment involves methods designed to stop a fire from spreading further by creating barriers, such as firebreaks, walls, or other physical structures. This strategy allows firefighters to manage an ongoing fire effectively, preventing it from reaching new areas and minimizing damage. Containment focuses on the management of the fire's perimeter and often works in conjunction with suppression tactics that actively extinguish the flames. It is a critical component of fire management, especially in wildland fires and large-scale incidents, where preserving the surrounding environment and property is essential.

In contrast, suppression refers to the direct actions taken to put out a fire, extinguishment implies complete elimination of the flames and heat, and prevention involves tactics aimed to stop fires from igniting in the first place. Each concept plays a distinct role in fire safety and management, but containment is specifically about using barriers to limit fire growth.