Among the basic fire-ground objectives, which item ranks third in priority?

The third priority among basic fire-ground objectives is to confine the fire. This step is crucial in fire suppression operations because confining the fire to a specific area prevents it from spreading further and causing more damage. By establishing control over the fire's boundaries, firefighters can protect exposures, limit the potential for the fire to grow, and create a safer environment for both emergency personnel and civilians.

Confining the fire involves using various tactics, such as creating firebreaks, utilizing containment lines, and employing the right tools and techniques to physically restrict the movement of flames and heat. This control effort is essential as it directly influences the effectiveness of subsequent firefighting strategies, including extinguishing the fire and ensuring overall safety in the operation.

In contrast, although stopping the flow of gas, extinguishing the fire, and controlling hazards are important, they are ordered differently in terms of their immediate priority in action. Confining the fire is often the strategic focus that sets the stage for the following actions, ensuring that efforts made later, such as extinguishing the fire, can be done more effectively without the risk of further spread.