What is one of the main advantages of an automatic sprinkler system?

The primary advantage of an automatic sprinkler system is its ability to reduce fire damage and control fires early. When a fire occurs, sprinkler systems activate quickly in response to heat, releasing water directly onto the flames. This early intervention can significantly minimize the size and duration of a fire, limiting its spread and impact on both property and human safety.

By controlling the fire from the moment it starts, automatic sprinklers can prevent extensive damage that might otherwise occur if the fire were to escalate unchecked. This early suppression helps not only in protecting the structure but also in reducing the risk to occupants, thus potentially saving lives. In many cases, sprinkler systems can extinguish smaller fires before the fire department arrives, further increasing their effectiveness.

Other options, while they may have their merits, do not capture the primary function and critical advantage that the sprinkler systems provide in fire safety and loss prevention, which underscores the importance of option B.