According to NFPA 72, what is one primary purpose of fire warning equipment?

One primary purpose of fire warning equipment, as outlined in NFPA 72, is to provide protection to property. This protection is achieved by alerting occupants of a building to the presence of fire, smoke, or other hazardous conditions, allowing for timely evacuation and response to minimize damage. Fire warning systems are designed to detect fires early and to notify individuals within the structure so that they can take appropriate action, whether that be evacuating the premises or notifying emergency services.

The effectiveness of fire warning equipment directly contributes to the safeguarding of property, as it helps to prevent extensive damage that could occur if a fire goes undetected for too long. Therefore, the emphasis is on the protection it offers—not just to life safety, but also to the physical assets within a structure.