Which of the following is an example of an active fire protection system?

An automatic sprinkler system is categorized as an active fire protection system because it is specifically designed to respond to the presence of a fire. When heat from a fire activates the sprinkler heads, they release water to suppress the flames, helping to control the fire's spread and protect lives and property. This direct response mechanism distinguishes active systems from passive fire protection systems, which are designed to contain fires without any active intervention, such as firewalls and fire-retardant coatings.

Active fire protection systems, like automatic sprinklers, require power or a responding trigger—such as heat or smoke—to function, making them proactive in extinguishing or controlling fires. This characteristic is essential in understanding why an automatic sprinkler system is considered active, as it engages during a fire event to mitigate risk immediately.